Question

What is Polyethylene Glycol PEG-800? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-800

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-800 is a nonionic water-soluble polymer formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide. It appears as a white waxy solid and is a widely used basic raw material in industrial and pharmaceutical formulations.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-800 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3), also known as Polyethylene Glycol 800, Macrogol 800, Polyoxyethylene Glycol 800, etc., is a high-molecular-weight nonionic water-soluble polymer formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide. It appears as a white waxy solid at room temperature and can transform into a colorless viscous liquid as temperature rises. This product is manufactured by Hai'an Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., exhibiting good chemical stability, excellent compatibility, and very low physiological toxicity.

PEG-800 possesses several core characteristics: excellent solubility, soluble in water and various organic solvents, with outstanding solubilization and dispersion effects; superior emulsifying and wetting properties, effectively reducing interfacial tension; extensive chemical compatibility, resistant to acids and alkalis, maintaining high efficiency even in hard water; excellent physiological safety, with very low skin and eye irritation; good lubrication and mold release properties; and it is non-flammable, making storage and use safe and convenient.

Main Uses

PEG-800 has a wide range of applications, mainly including the following six areas:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as an ointment base, suppository base, excipient for pellets, and co-solvent. With its excellent biocompatibility and stable chemical properties, it effectively regulates drug release rates and improves formulation quality.

2. Personal Care and Cosmetics: Used as a humectant and emollient in skin creams, lotions, and facial cleansers. It can form a protective film to reduce water evaporation, impart a smooth feel to the skin, and assist in the penetration and dispersion of active ingredients.

3. Industrial Lubrication and Processing: Applied in metalworking fluids, wire drawing lubricants, rubber mold release agents, and antistatic agents. It reduces friction coefficient, minimizes mold adhesion, enhances product surface finish, and prolongs equipment service life.

4. Textile Industry: Used as a sizing agent and softening finishing agent. It enhances yarn cohesion and abrasion resistance, imparts a soft and full hand feel to fabrics, and does not affect subsequent dyeing and finishing processes.

5. Coatings and Inks: Acts as an efficient pigment dispersant and leveling aid. It prevents pigment flocculation and sedimentation, improves system uniformity, and optimizes coating gloss and surface effect.

6. Papermaking and Ceramic Forming: Provides lubrication and plasticizing assistance, improving slurry fluidity and green body forming quality. In papermaking, it enhances paper flexibility and surface smoothness.

Technical Parameters

ParameterDescription
Product NamePolyethylene Glycol PEG-800
CAS No.25322-68-3
Product TypeNonionic water-soluble polymer
AppearanceWhite waxy solid (can change to colorless viscous liquid with temperature)
SolubilitySoluble in water and various organic solvents
Acute Oral Toxicity LD50>5,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic)
Skin IrritationNon-irritating (OECD 404)
Eye IrritationNon-irritating (OECD 405)
Skin SensitizationNon-sensitizing (OECD 406)
MutagenicityNegative in Ames test, non-mutagenic
Closed Cup Flash PointApproximately 240–270°C
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable, no bioaccumulation potential

Application Recommendations

In pharmaceutical formulations, PEG-800 is often used in combination with other molecular weight PEGs to adjust the melting temperature and release characteristics of the formulation. In cosmetic formulations, it is recommended to adjust the addition ratio according to the desired texture of the target product. Generally, when used as a humectant, it can account for 1% to 10% of the formula. In industrial lubrication applications, the dosage can be flexibly adjusted based on processing requirements to achieve optimal lubrication and mold release effects.

Precautions

  • PEG-800 is hygroscopic. After opening, it should be sealed and stored promptly to prevent moisture absorption and caking.
  • It is recommended to store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse at a temperature not exceeding 40°C.
  • Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, and other incompatible substances to prevent reactions or degradation.
  • Avoid overheating when melting; the temperature should be controlled below the flash point and kept away from ignition sources.
  • This product is not classified as a dangerous chemical and is safe and stable under normal handling conditions. However, it is still recommended to wear appropriate protective gloves and goggles during operation.