PEG400MO is a non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value of 11.5 (Source: Guoli Chemical Product Database). It is readily soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone, exhibiting good chemical stability and broad compatibility. Its usage is generally simple; it can be added directly to the aqueous phase or oil phase, or mixed simultaneously with both phases during emulsification. Since the product may thicken or solidify at low temperatures, it is recommended to check the product condition before use. If solidification occurs, gently warm it under 20-40°C and stir thoroughly before use (Source: Guoli Chemical Product Safety Instructions). This does not affect product quality.
In practical formulation operations, there are three main methods for adding PEG400MO: (1) Direct addition to the aqueous phase – add the product proportionally to deionized water, stir until fully dissolved, then mix with the oil phase for emulsification. Suitable for O/W creams, lotions, etc.; (2) Addition to the oil phase – dissolve the product in the oily components, then mix with the aqueous phase. Suitable for formulations requiring pre-dispersion in the oil phase; (3) Phase inversion emulsification – add the product to the oil phase, then slowly add the aqueous phase under high-speed stirring, utilizing the phase inversion process to achieve finer emulsion droplet sizes. Since PEG400MO is a low-foaming surfactant (Source: Guoli Chemical Database), it does not generate excessive foam that interferes with mechanical stirring processes.
This product can be used in combination with non-ionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants (Source: Guoli Chemical Product Instructions). It is recommended to conduct small-scale compatibility tests before formulation. Its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is approximately 0.05 g/L (Source: Guoli Chemical Database), allowing it to exert surface-active effects at low concentrations. Actual usage concentrations should be higher than this value to ensure emulsification or dispersion effects.
Note: The following recommended dosages are general industry experience values, with no specific dosage data available in the database. Optimal addition levels should be determined through small-scale trials.
| Application Field | Recommended Dosage (% of total formula weight) | Addition Method | Process Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic creams/lotions | 2%-6% | Can be added to either oil phase or aqueous phase | Heat oil and water phases separately at 60-75°C, mix and homogenize for 3-5 minutes, then stir and cool to below 40°C |
| Makeup removers/cleansers | 3%-8% | Add to oil phase | Can be mixed at room temperature; ensure thorough stirring |
| Textile spinning oils | 5%-15% | Add to aqueous phase | Prepare with warm water at 40-50°C, dissolve the product first before adding other auxiliaries |
| Metalworking fluids (cutting/grinding fluids) | 3%-10% | Add to oil phase | Premix with base oil, rust inhibitors, etc., then add water to form a concentrate emulsion |
| Pesticide emulsifiable concentrates/emulsions in water | 5%-12% | Add to oil phase | Premix with active ingredients and solvents, then add water for dilution when used |
| Coatings/inks | 0.5%-3% | Add during grinding stage | Grind together with pigments and fillers to promote wetting and dispersion |
| Industrial cleaners | 2%-8% | Add to aqueous phase | Blend with other surfactants; stir to dissolve at room temperature or with slight heating |
| Leather fatliquors | 5%-15% | Add to oil phase | Blend with other fatliquoring agents, stir evenly at 40-50°C |
| Parameter Name | Value | Parameter Name | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber liquid | HLB Value | 11.5 |
| Ionic Type | Non-ionic | Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0-7.0 | Cloud Point | 50-70°C |
| Acid Value | ≤5 mgKOH/g | Hydroxyl Value | 85-105 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 80-100 mgKOH/g | Iodine Value | 70-90 gI₂/100g |
| Density | 1.11-1.13 g/cm³ | Surface Tension | Approx. 32 mN/m |
| Moisture Content | ≤1.0% | Flash Point | >200°C |
| Monoester Content | ≥90% | Diester Content | <10% |
Source of parameters above: Guoli Chemical Product Database
Optimal Application Conditions: PEG400MO is stable in the pH range of 4.5-7.5 (Source: Guoli Chemical Database). The emulsification temperature is recommended to be controlled at 50-75°C. This product may hydrolyze when exposed to strong alkalis (Source: Guoli Chemical Database), so in strongly alkaline formulations, evaluate its stability or appropriately increase the dosage. With an HLB value of 11.5, it is particularly suitable for preparing O/W (oil-in-water) emulsion systems. For preparing W/O emulsions, it is recommended to use it in combination with low-HLB emulsifiers.
Combination Recommendations: This product has excellent compatibility and can be combined with anionic (e.g., sulfonates), cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. In metalworking fluids, it is often used in conjunction with sodium petroleum sulfonate, fatty acid amides, etc. In cosmetics, it can synergize with fatty alcohols, fatty acids, silicone oils, and other ingredients to enhance product stability and skin feel.