Question

How to use Polyethylene Glycol PEG-800?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-800

The use of Polyethylene Glycol PEG-800 needs to be flexibly adjusted according to different application scenarios. It is usually added in molten state or as an aqueous solution, and the recommended dosage depends on the specific formulation.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-800 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) is a white to off-white waxy solid at room temperature, with a melting point of 28~32°C. Therefore, it is usually necessary to gently heat it to a molten state before use, or pre-dissolve it in water to prepare a solution of a certain concentration. The active ingredient content of PEG-800 provided by Guoli Chemical is ≥99%. It is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer with an HLB value of 20 and strong hydrophilicity. The pH value (1% aqueous solution) is 5.0~7.0, and it has stable chemical properties with good compatibility with acids, alkalis, and hard water.

In actual operation, it is recommended to place the required amount of PEG-800 in a clean container and slowly heat it to 35~50°C using a water bath heating method until it completely melts into a colorless transparent viscous liquid, then add it to the system according to the formula ratio and stir evenly. If using in the form of an aqueous solution, slowly add the molten PEG-800 to a predetermined volume of warm water (40~60°C) under stirring conditions, and continue stirring until completely dissolved to avoid agglomeration due to rapid cooling. The PEG-800 solution remains clear and transparent after cooling to room temperature without precipitation, thanks to its excellent water solubility.

The usage methods vary for different industry applications: In pharmaceutical preparations, PEG-800 is often used in combination with other molecular weights of polyethylene glycol such as PEG-400 and PEG-4000. By adjusting the ratio of different molecular weight PEGs, the consistency of ointments, the melting temperature of suppositories, and the hardness and drug release rate of pills can be regulated. In personal care products, PEG-800 is usually added to the water phase during the emulsification stage and co-emulsified with oil phase components to play multiple roles in solubilization, moisturizing, and skin conditioning. In the industrial lubrication field, it can be directly applied in molten form on mold or metal surfaces, or prepared as a 5%~20% aqueous solution for use as a processing lubricant.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemGuoli Chemical PEG-800 Specifications
AppearanceWhite to off-white waxy solid
Melting Point28~32°C
Molecular Weight Range700~900
Active Ingredient Content≥99%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
HLB Value20
Hydroxyl Value125~160 mg KOH/g
Water Content≤1.0%
Density1.08~1.10
Water SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Flash Point (Closed Cup)>240°C
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)>100°C
Acid Value≤1 mg KOH/g

Application Recommendations

Pharmaceutical Preparation Applications

When used as an ointment base, mix PEG-800 with PEG-400 in a ratio (common ratio is about 1:1 to 3:1), melt, add drug ingredients under stirring, and cool to obtain a uniform and fine ointment. When used as a suppository base, it is recommended that PEG-800 accounts for 20%~50% of the total base weight, combined with low molecular weight PEG, to precisely adjust the melting temperature and hardness of suppositories. In pill preparation, PEG-800 is used as an excipient with a recommended addition amount of 1 to 5 times the drug weight.

Personal Care Product Applications

In oil-in-water (O/W) creams and lotions, the recommended addition amount of PEG-800 is 1%~8% of the total formula weight. Add after heating the water phase to 60~70°C, completely dissolve, and then emulsify with the oil phase. In makeup removers and cleansing creams, PEG-800 provides mild cleansing ability and a smooth feel, with a typical usage amount of 3%~10%.

Industrial Lubrication and Mold Release

When used as a mold release agent, molten PEG-800 can be directly brushed or sprayed onto the mold surface, or prepared as a 10%~30% aqueous solution. In metal wire drawing lubrication, a 5%~15% PEG-800 aqueous solution is recommended as a cooling lubricant, which can significantly reduce the friction coefficient and improve the surface finish of the workpiece.

Textile Industry Applications

For warp sizing, PEG-800 is often used in combination with starch, PVA, and other sizing agents. The recommended dosage is 5%~15% of the total solid content of the sizing agent, which can improve the flexibility of the size film and the bundling of yarns. In fabric softening finishing, apply using a pad-dry method, with a working solution concentration generally at 5~20 g/L.

Coating and Ink Applications

As a pigment dispersant, it is recommended to add during the grinding stage, with a dosage of 2%~10% of the pigment weight. Pre-melt PEG-800 or dissolve it in a small amount of water, then grind together with the pigment and resin base to effectively prevent pigment flocculation and sedimentation, improving the fluidity and storage stability of the color paste.

Precautions

  • When heating to melt, use a water bath heating method to avoid direct open flame or local overheating. The heating temperature should be controlled below 60°C to prevent product degradation and the generation of irritating vapors.
  • PEG-800 has low hygroscopicity. After opening, it should be sealed and stored promptly to avoid prolonged exposure to humid air, which may cause clumping or excessive water content.
  • Store and operate separately from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong alkalis, and other substances to avoid cross-contamination that may cause degradation reactions.
  • It is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation. Although the product has extremely low skin irritation (no irritation in rabbit skin irritation test), basic protection is still recommended for long-term heavy exposure.
  • This product is not flammable (flash point > 240°C), but in a high-temperature molten state, it should still be kept away from fire sources and open flames.
  • Discarded products must not be discharged arbitrarily and should be disposed of by qualified institutions in accordance with regulations. Guoli Chemical packaging specifications are 50kg plastic drums, 200kg plastic drums, and IBC totes. Please choose the appropriate packaging specification based on the required amount.