Question

What are the main characteristics of Polyethylene Glycol EG-4000/6000?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-4000/6000

The core characteristic of Polyethylene Glycol PEG-4000/6000 is that it is a non-ionic high molecular polymer integrating excellent compatibility, outstanding chemical stability, and multifunctionality, serving as a "versatile" additive in cross-industry formulations.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-4000/6000 series (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic high molecular polymer, appearing as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes. Its molecular structure combines both hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, enabling it to exhibit excellent compatibility and functionality in various industrial formulations, making it an indispensable multifunctional additive in fields such as pharmaceuticals, daily chemicals, textiles, rubber, and papermaking.

The greatest highlight of this product lies in its "trinity" comprehensive performance: Firstly, it has outstanding compatibility, capable of playing multiple roles such as emulsification, wetting, dispersion, and solubilization, effectively enhancing the stability and uniformity of formulations; secondly, its chemical stability is extremely outstanding, remaining stable over a wide pH range and showing excellent tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water environments, making it reliable under complex working conditions; finally, it also possesses good functionality, providing ideal lubrication, moisturizing, and shaping effects, serving as a key component in fine product formulations, especially valuable in applications requiring precise control of product texture and user experience.

From a safety perspective, PEG-4000/6000 is a low-toxicity substance (acute oral LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg) and is classified as a non-hazardous material, offering reliable safety assurance for its use in fields such as pharmaceuticals and daily chemicals that involve direct contact with the human body. However, it should be noted that its fine dust, when mixed with air to a certain concentration, may pose an explosion risk, so proper ventilation and dust control should be implemented during production operations.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemDescription
Product TypeNon-ionic high molecular polymer
AppearanceWhite to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes
IonizationNon-ionic
pH AdaptabilityStable over a wide pH range, resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water
Flash Point (Open Cup)> 240 °C
Dust Explosion ClassSt1 (Dust cloud minimum ignition temperature MIT > 400 °C)
Acute Oral Toxicity LD50> 5000 mg/kg (rat), practically non-toxic grade
HygroscopicityStrong hygroscopicity, requires sealed storage
Storage TemperatureRecommended room temperature 10-30°C, cool and dry place

Application Recommendations

With its multifunctional properties, PEG-4000/6000 has clear application positioning across various industries:

  • Pharmaceutical Industry: As an ointment base, suppository base, and drop pill carrier, its suitable melting point and water solubility enable ideal drug release profiles, while serving as a solubilizer to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
  • Daily Chemical Industry: Replacing glycerin as a humectant in toothpaste to prevent paste cracking, providing a smooth skin feel in shampoos and skin care products, and reducing the irritation of surfactants.
  • Textile Industry: As an efficient antistatic agent and lubricant, reducing fiber friction and improving fabric hand feel; also used as a penetration and lubrication medium in mercerizing processes.
  • Rubber and Plastics: Used as an efficient mold release agent and lubricating dispersant, enhancing the surface finish of molded products and improving the compatibility of fillers with resins.
  • Metalworking: As a core component of quenching fluids to regulate cooling speed, while its extremely low ash content makes it suitable for cutting fluid formulations in precision machining.

Precautions

1. This product has strong hygroscopicity, so it must be promptly sealed after opening and stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated place away from strong oxidizers.

2. Pay attention to dust control during operation; keep the work area away from open flames and high-temperature surfaces, and it is recommended to wear dust masks and protective gloves.

3. Avoid generating dust during pouring and mixing of the powder product, use non-sparking tools for handling, and prevent the risk of dust explosion.