Question

How to use polyethylene glycol PEG-600? What is the recommended dosage?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-600

The usage method of polyethylene glycol PEG-600 varies depending on the application field. Generally, it can be directly added to the formula and stirred evenly. The recommended dosage is usually 1% to 20% of the total formula, and the specific amount should be adjusted according to the application and system.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-600 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a nonionic high molecular weight compound produced by Guoli Chemical. It appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid or semi-solid (melting point 15~25°C), with a molecular weight range of 570~630 and an HLB value of up to 19. It has excellent water solubility, emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing capabilities. Before use, if the product is waxy solid due to low temperature, it can be gently warmed to liquid in an environment not exceeding 40°C, stirred evenly, and then directly added to the formula system. This product has good compatibility with acids, alkalis, and hard water, and has wide compatibility.

PEG-600 can be used flexibly in various ways: In the pharmaceutical field, it is usually melted and mixed with other matrix materials (such as PEG-400, PEG-4000, etc.) in proportion to make ointment bases or suppository bases; in personal care products, it can be directly added during the water phase heating stage, fully dissolved in water before participating in emulsification; in industrial fields (such as metalworking fluids, ceramic slurries, coatings, etc.), it is generally added slowly to the system as a functional additive under stirring to ensure uniform dispersion. Since the product is hygroscopic, it should be sealed promptly after opening to avoid absorbing moisture from the air and affecting weighing accuracy.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemSpecification Value
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid or semi-solid
Molecular Weight570~630
Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g)178~196
HLB Value19
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Density (g/cm³)1.11~1.13
Melting Point15~25°C
Flash Point≥220°C
Active Content≥99%

Application Recommendations

The recommended dosage for different application scenarios is as follows (data source: Guoli Chemical product database combined with industry application experience):

Application FieldPurposeRecommended Dosage (as percentage of total formula)
Pharmaceutical — Ointment/Suppository BaseWater-soluble drug carrier20%~50% (compounded with other PEGs)
Pharmaceutical — Dropping Pill CarrierSolid dispersion matrix10%~30%
Personal Care — HumectantFace creams, lotions, toners1%~5%
Personal Care — Fatting Agent in DetergentsBody washes, hand washes0.5%~3%
Metalworking FluidsLubricants, coolants3%~15%
Ceramic/Pigment SlurriesDispersant0.2%~2% (based on solid content)
Rubber/Plastic ProcessingInternal lubricant, mold release agent0.1%~1%
Coatings/InksLeveling agent0.5%~3%
Textiles — Antistatic Agent/Leveling AgentFinishing liquor or dye bath0.5%~5%
Pesticide FormulationsEmulsifying dispersant, synergist penetrant3%~10%

Precautions

  • Pretreatment and Feeding Sequence: In the case of low-temperature solidification, gently heat to melt below 40°C, avoiding localized high-temperature heating. It is recommended to pre-dissolve in the water phase before subsequent emulsification or mixing processes.
  • Hygroscopicity Management: This product is hygroscopic. After weighing, the packaging container should be sealed immediately. Prolonged exposure to air can cause the product to absorb water, affecting active ingredient content and thus formula accuracy.
  • Safety Protection: Although the product is non-irritating to the skin (according to rabbit test data), it is slightly irritating to the eyes. It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves) during operation, avoiding contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after work.
  • Storage Requirements: The recommended storage temperature should not exceed 40°C. Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases. Keep the container tightly closed and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse.
  • Compatibility Testing: When compounding with anionic surfactants or other functional additives, it is recommended to first conduct small-scale compatibility verification to confirm no precipitation, separation, gelation, or other adverse phenomena before scaling up.