Question

What is PEG400MO, Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 PEG400MO,聚乙二醇400单油酸酯

PEG400MO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant, widely used in daily chemicals, textiles, metal processing and other industrial fields due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting and dispersing abilities.

Detailed Description

PEG400MO, full name Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate, CAS number 9004-96-0, also known as PEG-8 Monooleate. It is esterified from oleic acid and polyethylene glycol, with a molecular weight of about 600. At room temperature, this product appears as a light yellow to amber transparent oily liquid. With its unique molecular structure, it exhibits efficient emulsifying ability, outstanding wetting and dispersing properties, and excellent chemical resistance, maintaining stable surface activity in acids, bases, and high-hardness water.

As a nonionic surfactant, PEG400MO has wide compatibility and can be compounded with nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. It has good skin affinity and low irritation, making it a safe component with low toxicity and non-irritating properties. In addition, it is easily soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone, with an HLB value of about 11.5. In oil-in-water (O/W) systems, it can effectively reduce interfacial tension, forming stable and fine emulsions.

Technical Parameters

Item Typical Value
Appearance Light yellow to amber transparent liquid
Ionic Type Nonionic
HLB Value 11.5
pH (1% aqueous solution) 5.0~7.0
Cloud Point (℃) 50~70
Active Content (%) ≥99
Density (g/cm³) 1.11~1.13
Kinematic Viscosity (mm²/s) About 80~120
Surface Tension (mN/m) About 32
Critical Micelle Concentration (g/L) About 0.05
Acid Value (mgKOH/g) ≤5
Iodine Value (gI₂/100g) 70~90
Hydroxyl Value (mgKOH/g) 85~105
Flash Point (℃, closed cup) >200
Solubility Easily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone

Application Recommendations

Based on its HLB value and excellent emulsifying ability, PEG400MO is particularly suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems:

  • Cosmetics and Personal Care: Used as an emulsifier and emollient in creams, lotions, makeup removers, and facial cleansers, providing a silky feel and stable texture. The recommended dosage is generally 1% to 5%.
  • Metalworking Fluids: Acts as an emulsifier and lubricant in cutting fluids and grinding fluids, effectively improving processing accuracy and extending tool life. It can be compounded with other anionic emulsifiers.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Used as a nonionic emulsifier in emulsifiable concentrates and emulsion concentrates, enhancing the spreading and penetration of the spray solution. Recommended as part of a composite emulsifier.
  • Industrial Cleaning: Exhibits excellent emulsification and stripping ability for mineral oils and animal/vegetable oils, with low foaming characteristics, suitable for metal degreasing and hard surface cleaning formulations.

Precautions

Basic chemical handling procedures should be followed during operation. The product is non-irritating to the skin, but it is recommended to wear safety goggles to prevent splashes into the eyes. For storage, keep it sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place at a recommended temperature of 5°C to 40°C. Solidification at low temperatures is a normal physical change; it can be warmed and stirred gently before use. Special care should be taken to avoid contact or co-storage with strong oxidizers (such as high-concentration nitric acid, peroxides).