What are the main characteristics of polyethylene glycol PEG-800?

Polyethylene glycol PEG-800 is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer with excellent solubility, emulsifying and wetting properties, chemical compatibility, physiological safety, and lubricating and mold release characteristics. It is an indispensable basic raw material in industrial and pharmaceutical formulations.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-800 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is produced by the polymerization of ethylene oxide. It appears as a white waxy solid that can transform into a colorless viscous liquid with temperature changes. As a non-ionic surfactant, its molecular structure endows it with unique amphiphilic properties, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with water for complete dissolution as well as good miscibility with various organic solvents, performing excellently in interfacial chemistry.

The product has broad chemical compatibility, resisting acids and alkalis, and maintaining high performance even in hard water environments without interference from metal ions. Additionally, PEG-800 exhibits excellent physiological safety: the acute oral toxicity LD50 value is greater than 5000 mg/kg, both skin irritation and eye irritation tests show no irritancy, and the skin sensitization test also shows no sensitization. Therefore, it is widely used in the pharmaceutical and personal care fields.

Furthermore, PEG-800 possesses good lubricating and mold release properties, significantly reducing the coefficient of friction and minimizing mold adhesion, thereby improving operational efficiency and surface finish in industrial processes such as metalworking, plastic molding, and rubber vulcanization. The product is non-flammable, with no flash point risk, stable under normal operating conditions, and safe and convenient for storage and use.

Key Properties at a Glance

Application Recommendations

Based on the above properties, PEG-800 has clear application directions in multiple industries:

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as an ointment base, suppository base, and drop pill excipient, leveraging its excellent biocompatibility and stable chemical properties to effectively regulate drug release rate and improve formulation forming quality.
• Personal Care Products: Used as a humectant and emollient in skin creams, lotions, and facial cleansers, forming a protective film to reduce water evaporation and impart a smooth skin feel.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Used as a lubricant and mold release agent in metalworking, plastic molding, rubber vulcanization, etc., extending equipment service life.
• Textile Industry: Used for sizing and softening finishing, improving yarn cohesion and abrasion resistance, imparting a soft and full hand feel to fabrics.
• Coatings and Papermaking: Used as an efficient dispersant in coating systems to prevent pigment flocculation and sedimentation, and improving paper flexibility and surface smoothness in papermaking processes.

Precautions

• The product has certain hygroscopicity; after opening the packaging, it should be resealed promptly. It is recommended to store in a cool, dry place at a temperature not exceeding 40°C.
• When heating for melting, control the temperature to avoid overheating, which may produce irritating vapors or degradation products.
• Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong alkalis.
• Although extremely safe, it is still recommended to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (such as safety goggles and gloves) during operation to avoid prolonged direct contact.
• Spilled solid PEG may create a slipping hazard on the floor and should be cleaned up promptly.