Question

What is PEG400DL, Polyethylene Glycol Dilaurate

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 PEG400DL,聚乙二醇双月桂酸酯

PEG400DL is a nonionic surfactant produced by the esterification reaction of polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) with lauric acid. It has excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and dispersing properties, appearing as a light yellow to yellow liquid. It is widely used in various fields such as personal care, industrial cleaning, textile processing, and agricultural formulations.

Detailed Description

PEG400DL (Polyethylene Glycol Dilaurate, CAS number: 9005-02-1) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. Its molecular structure consists of a polyethylene glycol chain segment with a polymerization degree of about 9, bonded with two molecules of lauric acid via esterification, with a molecular weight of approximately 400, giving the product a balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic characteristic. The product appears as a colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid, with an active content ≥99%, and is well soluble in polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone.

In terms of performance, PEG400DL has an HLB value of about 20, leaning towards the hydrophilic side, which gives it efficient O/W emulsifying ability, significantly reducing the oil-water interfacial tension to form stable and fine emulsions. At the same time, the product exhibits low foaming characteristics, with low foam volume in practical applications and easy rinsing, making it particularly suitable for industrial cleaning and metalworking fluid systems. Its chemical stability is good, maintaining stable performance in conventional acid, alkali, and hard water media, and it is not easily decomposed or deactivated. It is non-irritating to the skin, with only mild reversible irritation to the eyes, and has excellent biodegradability (degradation rate >60% in 28 days under OECD 301F standard), making it an environmentally friendly product.

As a multifunctional additive, PEG400DL also has auxiliary functions such as solubilizing, skin conditioning, antistatic, and pigment wetting and dispersing in formulations. It can effectively improve the dispersion uniformity of difficult-to-dissolve substances and the storage stability of the system, making it an indispensable key component in many fine chemical formulations.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemSpecification
Chemical NamePolyethylene Glycol (400) Dilaurate
CAS Number9005-02-1
Molecular FormulaH(OCH2CH2)nOH, n≈9
Molecular WeightApproximately 400
Ionic TypeNonionic
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid
Active Content≥99%
HLB ValueAbout 20
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
pH Value (5% Aqueous Solution)4.5~7.5
Hydroxyl Value264~290 mgKOH/g
Acid Value≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value≤1.0
Moisture Content≤0.5%
Density (25℃)1.11~1.13 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (40℃)90~110 mm²/s
Low Shear Viscosity (25℃)100~200 mPa·s
Refractive Index1.466~1.468
Flash Point>200℃ (Closed Cup)
Melting Point<5℃
Surface TensionApproximately 60 mN/m
SolubilityEasily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone
Foaming CharacteristicsLow foam
Heavy Metals≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic≤2 mg/kg
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum

Application Recommendations

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: As a solubilizer, auxiliary emulsifier, and skin conditioning component, used in formulations of creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes to enhance product transparency and skin feel, while adjusting system viscosity. Recommended for O/W emulsion systems, with dosage adjusted according to formulation needs, typically 1%~5%.

Industrial Cleaners and Metalworking Fluids: Leveraging its low foaming property and excellent lubricating ability, suitable for formulating high-efficiency industrial hard surface cleaners and metal cutting/grinding fluids, combining cleaning power and equipment protection. Especially suitable for high-pressure spray cleaning scenarios, effectively controlling foam while ensuring cleaning effectiveness.

Textile and Leather Auxiliaries: Can be used as an antistatic agent, softening finishing agent, and leveling agent, improving the feel and processing uniformity of fibers and leather, reducing static electricity buildup, and ensuring color consistency during dyeing.

Pesticide Formulations: Acts as an emulsifying and dispersing component, helping active ingredients to be uniformly suspended or emulsified in water-based media, improving the wetting and spreading properties of the spray solution and field efficacy.

Coatings and Inks: Used as a pigment wetting dispersant and leveling agent, enhancing color uniformity and system storage stability, promoting smooth and defect-free film formation, avoiding surface defects such as craters.

Precautions

  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, with a recommended storage temperature of 5°C to 40°C. Cloudiness or solidification may occur at low temperatures, which is a normal physical phenomenon. It can be used after returning to room temperature and stirring slowly and evenly, which does not affect product quality.
  • Seal the container promptly after use to prevent moisture absorption or contamination. The product is hygroscopic, and prolonged exposure to humid air may affect quality.
  • Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong bases, and strong acids. Avoid contact with open flames and high-temperature surfaces. Flash point >200°C, classified as a high flash point substance, but standard chemical handling procedures should still be followed.
  • It is recommended to wear protective glasses and chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile gloves) during operation, and operate under adequate ventilation conditions. For skin contact, wash with soap and plenty of running water. For eye contact, rinse thoroughly for at least 15 minutes.
  • Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations through qualified entities; do not discharge into sewers or surface waters. Although the product is readily biodegradable, uncontrolled large-scale environmental releases should still be avoided.