What are the main characteristics of PEG400DO, polyethylene glycol 400 dioleate?

PEG400DO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Dioleate) is a balanced nonionic surfactant, featuring excellent emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting abilities, along with broad formulation compatibility and good environmental adaptability.

Detailed Description

PEG400DO (CAS No.: 9004-96-0), chemically named Polyethylene Glycol 400 Dioleate (also known as PEG-8 Dioleate), appears as a light yellow to amber liquid and belongs to the typical nonionic surfactant category. Its molecular structure contains both hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chains and lipophilic dioleate groups, giving it a balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic property, which enables it to form a stable interfacial film at the oil-water interface, thereby exhibiting excellent emulsification and dispersion functions.

One prominent advantage of this product is its tolerance to complex working conditions—it maintains stable surface activity in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, and is not easily deactivated by water quality fluctuations or pH changes. Additionally, as a nonionic surfactant, it boasts extremely high formulation flexibility and can be used synergistically with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic systems without antagonism in composite formulations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

In terms of safety and environmental protection, PEG400DO is classified as a low-toxicity substance (oral LD50 > 5000 mg/kg, rat) and is readily biodegradable, with minimal environmental impact. However, attention should be paid to its irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract during handling, and appropriate protective measures should be taken.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

With its balanced HLB characteristics, PEG400DO excels in the following five major application areas:

• Textile Oils: As a key component in spinning oils for synthetic fibers, providing lubrication and antistatic properties, preventing fiber damage during stretching and winding, and improving the hand feel of finished products.
• Industrial Lubricants: Used in water-soluble cutting fluids and hydraulic fluids as an efficient emulsifier and rust inhibitor, extending fluid service life and enhancing cooling and boundary lubrication performance.
• Metalworking Fluids: Promotes the formation of stable oil-in-water emulsions in turning, milling, and grinding processes, reducing tool wear and improving machining precision and workpiece surface finish.
• Personal Care Products: Suitable for formulations such as facial cleansers, body washes, makeup removers, and shampoos, acting as a mild emulsifier and emollient, imparting a silky after-wash feel.
• Agrochemical Formulations: Used in emulsifiable concentrates (EC), oil-in-water emulsions (EW), and microemulsions (ME), enhancing the dispersion stability of active ingredients and improving target wetting and spreading for better efficacy.

Precautions

• Skin Irritation: May cause skin irritation. It is recommended to wear protective gloves and protective clothing during operation.
• Eye Irritation: May cause serious eye irritation. Wear protective goggles. If accidentally gets into eyes, rinse immediately with water for several minutes. If discomfort persists, seek medical attention.
• Respiratory Irritation: May cause respiratory irritation. Avoid inhalation of vapors or mists. Wear a protective mask if necessary.
• Storage and Handling: Thoroughly wash exposed areas after operation. Keep the operating environment well-ventilated.