PEG400MO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate) is a nonionic surfactant obtained by esterification of oleic acid with polyethylene glycol. It appears as a light yellow to amber transparent liquid with an HLB value of approximately 11.5. It is a versatile chemical additive with efficient emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing functions.
Detailed Description
PEG400MO (Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate), also known as PEG-8 Monooleate or Polyoxyethylene (8) Monooleate, with CAS number 9004-96-0, molecular formula C₁₇H₃₃COO(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (n≈8~9), and molecular weight approximately 600. This product belongs to the fatty acid polyoxyethylene ester nonionic surfactant, professionally produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., with a monoester content ≥90% and active matter content ≥99%.
With its unique amphiphilic molecular structure—hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chain segment and lipophilic oleic acid long chain—this product exhibits excellent oriented adsorption capacity at the oil-water interface. It can rapidly reduce interfacial tension, forming a stable and fine emulsion system, while maintaining stable surface activity under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions. It has good compatibility and synergy with various anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants.
In terms of safety, PEG400MO has excellent toxicological data: acute oral toxicity LD₅₀ >5,000 mg\/kg (low toxicity), skin irritation index (PII) 0.0 (non-irritating), skin sensitization negative, low aquatic toxicity (zebrafish 96h LC₅₀ >100 mg\/L), meeting safety standards for cosmetic raw materials and multi-industry applications.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber transparent liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value | 11.5 |
| Monoester Content | ≥90% |
| Active Matter Content | ≥99% |
| Density (25°C) | 1.11~1.13 g\/cm³ |
| Water Content | ≤1.0% |
| Acid Value | ≤5 mgKOH\/g |
| Saponification Value | 80~100 mgKOH\/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 85~105 mgKOH\/g |
| Iodine Value | 70~90 gI₂\/100g |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Cloud Point | 50~70 °C |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >200 °C |
| Surface Tension | Approx. 32 mN\/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approx. 0.05 g\/L |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foaming |
| Freezing Point | < -10 °C |
| Alkali Resistance | Moderate (hydrolyzes in strong alkalis) |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 mg\/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 mg\/kg |
(Data source: Product technical specifications of Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Application Recommendations
PEG400MO has an HLB value of 11.5, moderate hydrophilicity, particularly suitable for O\/W (oil-in-water) emulsion systems. It is recommended for use in the following seven major fields:
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: Used as an efficient emulsifier and emollient in creams, lotions, makeup removers, and facial cleansers, with a recommended dosage of 1%~5%, providing a silky skin feel and stabilizing product texture.
- Textile Auxiliaries: Used as an emulsifier, antistatic agent, and softener component in spinning finishes and fabric finishing agents, effectively reducing static buildup during fiber processing and enhancing fabric hand feel.
- Metalworking Fluids: Used as an emulsifying and lubricating component in cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and rust prevention fluids, with a recommended dosage of 2%~8%, forming a stable emulsion system, providing excellent extreme pressure lubrication and cooling performance.
- Agrochemical Formulations: Used as a nonionic emulsifier in emulsifiable concentrates, emulsions in water, and microemulsion formulations, with a recommended dosage of 3%~10%, promoting uniform dispersion of active ingredients, improving spray coverage and field efficacy.
- Coatings and Inks: Used as a wetting and dispersing agent to promote uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, preventing particle agglomeration and sedimentation, improving flowability and storage stability.
- Industrial Cleaning: Used in metal cleaners and hard surface cleaner formulations, exhibiting excellent emulsification and detergency for mineral oils, animal and vegetable oils and fats, with low foam and easy rinsing.
- Leather Chemicals: Used as a fatliquoring agent and softener component, penetrating into leather fibers to impart a soft, plump, and elastic hand feel to the finished leather.
Precautions
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place at 5°C~40°C. Low temperatures may cause the product to solidify or become viscous; gently warm up and stir evenly before use to restore, without affecting product quality.
- Hygroscopicity: The product is hygroscopic; promptly seal the container after opening to avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity environments.
- Chemical Compatibility: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers (e.g., peroxides, concentrated nitric acid, perchlorates, etc.); the product has moderate alkali resistance and slowly hydrolyzes in strong alkalis.
- Handling Protection: Although skin irritation is low, it is recommended to wear safety goggles and protective gloves during handling to prevent accidental splashes into eyes.
- Packaging: Standard packaging is 20 kg\/bag (woven bag with inner plastic liner); custom packaging is also available upon customer request.
