Question

What are the main characteristics of 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 esterifying polyethylene glycol with lauric acid. Its core features include high emulsifying power, low foaming, excellent dispersing and solubilizing properties, good chemical stability, and outstanding safety and environmental performance.

Detailed Description

PEG400DL (polyethylene glycol dilaurate, CAS No.: 9005-02-1) appears as a light yellow to yellow liquid and belongs to the nonionic surfactant category. Its molecular structure is obtained through the esterification of polyethylene glycol 400 and lauric acid, combining both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, exhibiting excellent comprehensive performance in various formulation systems.

The most prominent performance characteristic of this product is its high emulsifying ability — it effectively reduces oil-water interfacial tension, forming stable and fine emulsions suitable for various oil phase systems. It also possesses excellent dispersing and solubilizing properties, significantly improving the dispersion uniformity and solubility of insoluble substances in the medium, thereby enhancing formulation stability. Its low foaming characteristic is particularly notable in practical applications, with low foam volume and easy rinsing, making it especially suitable for industrial cleaning and metalworking fluid systems. Additionally, the product maintains stable performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media without easy decomposition or failure.

From a safety perspective, PEG400DL is a non-hazardous substance with extremely low acute oral toxicity (rat LD₅₀ > 5,000 mg/kg), non-irritating to the skin, and only causing mild, reversible eye irritation. It also exhibits ready biodegradability (OECD 301F, 28-day degradation > 60%), meeting modern product requirements for environmental friendliness and occupational health.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemSpecification
Product NamePEG400DL (Polyethylene Glycol Dilaurate)
CAS No.9005-02-1
Product TypeNonionic Surfactant
AppearanceLight yellow to yellow liquid (clear to slightly turbid)
Flash Point (Closed Cup)> 250 °C
Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat LD₅₀)> 5,000 mg/kg
Skin IrritationNon-irritating
Eye IrritationMild irritation, reversible within 72 hours
Mutagenicity (Ames Test)Negative
Aquatic ToxicityLow toxicity, LC₅₀/EC₅₀ > 100 mg/L
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable (28 days > 60%)
Recommended Storage Temperature5 °C to 40 °C

Application Recommendations

With its balanced molecular structure and multifunctional properties, PEG400DL is widely applicable in various industries:

  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as a solubilizer, co-emulsifier, and emollient component in creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes to enhance product transparency and skin feel.
  • Industrial Cleaners and Metalworking Fluids: Utilized for its low foaming and lubricating abilities in hard surface cleaning and cutting/grinding processes for cleaning and protection.
  • Textile and Leather Processing: Acts as an antistatic agent, softener, and leveling agent to improve fiber surface properties and hand feel while reducing static buildup.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Serves as an emulsifying and dispersing component to help active ingredients distribute uniformly in water-based media, improving wetting and spreading of the spray solution.
  • Coatings and Inks: Used as a pigment wetting dispersant and leveling agent to enhance color uniformity and storage stability of the system.

Precautions

At low temperatures, the product may become turbid or solidify; this is a normal physical phenomenon and does not affect product quality. After returning to room temperature, stir slowly and evenly before use. Seal the container promptly after use to prevent moisture absorption or contamination. It is recommended to wear protective goggles and chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile gloves) during handling and maintain good ventilation.