Polyethylene Glycol PEG-4000/6000 is a non-ionic high molecular polymer produced by Guoli Chemical, appearing as a white waxy solid or granules with a melting range of approximately 50~63°C. According to the product database, this product is solid at room temperature, so it usually needs to be melted or dissolved before use. As a multifunctional additive, its usage method primarily depends on the target application scenario, but all operations should follow the dust control requirements in the product safety instructions.
In the pharmaceutical and daily chemical fields, the most commonly used method is the melt method: heat PEG-4000/6000 to 60~70°C to completely melt it into a transparent liquid, then add active ingredients or other excipients and stir evenly. After cooling, the PEG resolidifies into the desired shape (such as ointment base, suppository, or dropping pill). In application scenarios requiring aqueous solutions (such as quenching fluid, cutting fluid), the solid can be directly added to water and stirred to dissolve, and heating to 40~50°C can accelerate the dissolution process.
In fields such as textiles, rubber, and papermaking, the dry direct addition method is often used: mixing solid flakes or granules with other powders and then feeding into processing equipment (such as extruders, internal mixers), utilizing the heat during processing to melt it and exert lubricating or dispersing effects. As an agricultural carrier, PEG-4000/6000 is usually melt-mixed and granulated with the pesticide active ingredient and other auxiliaries, utilizing its specific melting point (50~63°C) to achieve rapid disintegration of water-dispersible granules.
| Parameter Name | PEG-4000/6000 Technical Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White waxy solid or granules |
| Melting Range | 50~63°C |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 8~16 mgKOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤1.0% |
| HLB Value | 18.9~19.0 |
| Water Solubility | Easily soluble in water |
| Melt Viscosity (100°C) | Approximately 100~500 mPa·s |
| Flash Point (Open Cup) | >240°C |
Pharmaceutical Industry (Ointment Base/Suppository): Take an appropriate amount of PEG-4000/6000, heat in a water bath to 60~70°C until completely melted, add the drug and stir evenly, then pour into molds or cool to solidify. It is usually compounded with low molecular weight PEG (such as PEG-400) to adjust hardness and drug release rate. The recommended dosage is generally 70%~95% of the total formula, and the specific dosage needs to be determined experimentally according to formulation requirements.
Metalworking (Quenching Fluid): Add PEG-4000/6000 proportionally to deionized water, stir at 40~50°C until completely dissolved, prepare a working solution with a typical concentration of 3%~8%. Its unique inverse solubility forms a polymer film on the high-temperature metal surface, thereby precisely regulating the cooling rate, effectively controlling quenching deformation and cracking.
Textile Industry (Antistatic Lubricant): Prepare an aqueous solution at a concentration of 1%~3% (dissolves faster when heated to 40°C), apply to the fiber surface by padding or spraying during spinning or weaving processes. PEG-4000/6000 forms a uniform lubricating film on the fiber surface, reducing friction coefficient and providing lasting antistatic protection.
Daily Chemical Industry (Toothpaste Humectant): Heat PEG-4000/6000 with the liquid phase components to about 65°C, stir to dissolve, then cool and mix with other components for homogenization. The recommended dosage is 3%~8% of the total toothpaste mass, can replace or partially replace glycerin to prevent the paste from drying and caking.