Question

PEG400DO, Polyethylene Glycol 400 Dioleate: How to use? What is the recommended dosage?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 PEG400DO,聚乙二醇400双油酸酯

PEG400DO is an oil-soluble nonionic emulsifier, and its dosage varies significantly depending on the application scenario. It typically accounts for 1% to 15% of the total formulation, and the optimal dosage needs to be determined through small-scale trials based on the specific emulsion system.

Detailed Description

PEG400DO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Dioleate) is a nonionic surfactant, appearing as a light yellow to amber liquid. Its HLB value is around 8.5, making it an oil-soluble emulsifier, more suitable for preparing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, or for use in combination with high-HLB emulsifiers in oil-in-water (O/W) systems. Due to the ester bonds in its molecular structure, this product is not resistant to strong alkaline environments and may hydrolyze in formulations with excessively high pH. Therefore, the acid-base conditions of the system should be controlled during use.

In practical applications, the dosage depends on the specific function required—whether used as a primary emulsifier, co-emulsifier, or wetting dispersant. General recommended dosage ranges are as follows: When used as a primary emulsifier in metalworking fluids and industrial lubricants, the recommended dosage is 5% to 15%; as a lubricating and antistatic component in textile oils, the recommended dosage is 3% to 10%; as a mild emulsifying emollient in personal care products (such as facial cleansers and makeup removers), the recommended dosage is 2% to 8%; as a dispersant and spreading agent in agrochemical formulations (emulsifiable concentrates, aqueous emulsions), the recommended dosage is 1% to 5%. The above dosage ranges are based on common industry reference values; actual formulations need to be optimized through experimentation.

Technical Parameters

ParameterReference ValueParameterReference Value
AppearanceLight yellow to amber liquidHLB ValueAbout 8.5
Ionic TypeNonionicActive Content≥99%
Density (25°C)1.11~1.13 g/cm³pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.5
Saponification Value116~126 mgKOH/gAcid Value≤5.0 mgKOH/g
Hydroxyl Value≤15 mgKOH/gKinematic Viscosity (25°C)100~200 mm²/s
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)40~50°CFlash Point>200°C
Moisture Content≤0.5%SolubilityDispersible in water, soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone

Application Recommendations

Metalworking Fluids/Industrial Lubricants: PEG400DO serves as an efficient oil-soluble emulsifier, helping base oils form stable emulsions in the aqueous phase. The recommended dosage is 5% to 15%, and it can be used in combination with anionic emulsifiers to enhance emulsion stability. This product also exhibits synergistic anti-corrosion properties and boundary lubrication performance, helping to extend tool life and improve workpiece surface finish.

Textile Oils: As a key component of synthetic fiber spinning oils, PEG400DO provides smoothness and antistatic capabilities, reducing friction damage during fiber drawing and winding. The recommended dosage is 3% to 10%, and it can be blended with antistatic agents and bundling agents to improve the feel of the final product and ensure smooth processing.

Personal Care Products: Suitable for formulations such as facial cleansers, body washes, makeup removers, and shampoos, it acts as a mild emulsifying emollient. The recommended dosage is 2% to 8%. It effectively removes dirt without excessive degreasing, leaving the skin feeling silky after washing. Due to its low HLB value, it is recommended to be used in combination with high-HLB emulsifiers (such as PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) in O/W cleansing formulations.

Agrochemical Formulations: Used in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates (EC), aqueous emulsions (EW), and microemulsions (ME) to enhance the dispersion stability of active ingredients and their wetting and spreading ability on target surfaces. The recommended dosage is 1% to 5%, which helps active ingredients disperse uniformly, improving efficacy and utilization rate.

Precautions

  • Not Resistant to Strong Alkali: This product contains ester bonds and is prone to hydrolysis under strong alkaline conditions. It is recommended to control the formulation pH below 7.5. If an alkaline system is required, please test its hydrolysis stability or choose an ether-type product as an alternative.
  • Safety Protection: This product may cause skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and respiratory irritation (H335). Wear protective gloves, goggles, and protective clothing during operation. Avoid inhaling vapors or mists. If it gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes and seek medical attention.
  • Dispersion Method: PEG400DO is dispersible in water but dissolves slowly. It is recommended to fully dissolve it in the oil phase before mixing with the water phase, or to pre-emulsify it before use to achieve a more uniform dispersion effect.
  • Compatibility Advice: As a nonionic surfactant, it is compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants for blending. When adjusting the HLB value, it can be used together with high-HLB emulsifiers.
  • Ecological Impact: This product is readily biodegradable but may have harmful effects on aquatic organisms. Wastewater after use should be properly treated to avoid direct discharge into natural water bodies.