Question

PEG400DO, Polyethylene Glycol 400 Dioleate: Precautions for Use?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 PEG400DO,聚乙二醇400双油酸酯

PEG400DO is a low-toxicity nonionic surfactant, but it is irritating. Personal protective measures are required during operation to avoid contact with skin, eyes, and inhalation of vapors.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol 400 Dioleate (PEG400DO) is a nonionic surfactant with relatively high safety. Its acute oral toxicity LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg (rats), classifying it as a low-toxicity substance. However, the product is still classified as Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Irritant (Category 2), and Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure (Category 3, respiratory tract irritation). Therefore, its potential irritation risks should not be overlooked during industrial operations and formulation processes.

This product is readily biodegradable and has a low cumulative impact on the environment. However, it may still cause harmful effects to aquatic organisms in the short term. Waste liquids containing this ingredient should not be directly discharged into natural water bodies. Under normal storage conditions, PEG400DO is chemically stable, but it is recommended to store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources. Keep the container sealed to avoid moisture absorption and deterioration.

As a nonionic surfactant, PEG400DO has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, allowing flexible combinations in compounding. However, it is recommended to conduct small-scale tests before mass production to confirm compatibility with other components and the stability of the final formulation.

Safety Precautions

ItemRequirement
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, protective goggles/face shield to avoid direct skin and eye contact
Respiratory ProtectionAvoid inhalation of dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray (P261). Use a respirator in poorly ventilated areas
Workplace HygieneThoroughly wash exposed skin after handling (P264). Launder work clothing regularly, do not take it home
Eye Contact TreatmentImmediately rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing (P305+P351+P338)
Persistent Eye IrritationIf eye irritation persists after rinsing, seek medical attention immediately (P337+P313)
Storage ConditionsStore in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed, away from strong oxidizers
Waste DisposalDispose of in accordance with local regulations; do not discharge into water bodies or soil directly

Application Operation Suggestions

  • Textile Oil Formulation: When formulating spinning oils, control the addition amount to avoid excessive residue on fiber surfaces that may affect subsequent dyeing processes. It is recommended to add slowly under stirring to ensure uniform dispersion.
  • Metalworking Fluid Formulation: When used as an emulsifier, pre-mix with base oil before adding the water phase to help form a stable oil-in-water emulsion system. Typically, use 2% to 8% of the total formulation amount, adjusting based on processing requirements and desired lubricity.
  • Personal Care Formulations: For products such as facial cleansers and body washes, recommended usage is 1% to 5%. Ensure the final product pH is within 5.5 to 7.0 to reduce potential skin irritation. It is advisable to combine with other mild surfactants in the formulation to synergistically reduce irritation.
  • Pesticide Formulation Processing: When preparing emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or oil-in-water emulsions (EW), mix thoroughly. It is recommended to pre-dissolve with oil-phase ingredients before mixing with the water phase to ensure uniform dispersion of the active ingredient and emulsion stability.

Special Reminder

The above suggestions are for process reference only. In actual use, optimization and adjustment should be made based on the specific formulation system, processing conditions, and target product performance requirements. When using for the first time or changing batches, it is recommended to conduct small-scale tests to confirm process suitability and product safety before scaling up production.