Question

What are the main industries and processes where polypropylene glycol PPG-400 is applied?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚丙二醇PPG-400

Polypropylene Glycol PPG-400 is widely used in six core areas: the polyurethane industry, synthetic lubricants, surfactants, daily chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and industrial auxiliaries. It is a multifunctional nonionic surfactant and synthetic intermediate.

Detailed Description

Polypropylene Glycol PPG-400 (CAS: 25322-69-4) is a nonionic high-molecular-weight polymer synthesized through catalytic polymerization of propylene oxide and propylene glycol. It has an average molecular weight of approximately 380–420 and appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid. Its molecular structure contains abundant ether bonds and terminal hydroxyl groups, with an HLB value of about 2.0. It exhibits excellent chemical stability and is resistant to hydrolysis or decomposition in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media.

The core functional advantages of this product lie in four aspects: first, outstanding surface activity, effectively reducing interfacial tension for emulsification, wetting, dispersion, and solubilization; second, excellent reactivity, with high primary hydroxyl content suitable as a quality raw material for synthesizing polyurethanes, ester derivatives, and other products; third, good lubrication and moisturizing capabilities, with stable viscosity-temperature characteristics providing sustained lubrication across a wide temperature range; fourth, significant safety and mildness, with low acute oral toxicity (rat LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg), non-irritating to skin, non-sensitizing, meeting strict safety requirements for personal care and pharmaceutical applications.

Guoli Chemical uses clean and dry galvanized iron drums, plastic drums, or IBC totes for packaging, with specifications of 50 kg, 200 kg, and tote drums to meet the needs of customers of various scales. Under sealed original containers and recommended storage temperatures of 0–40°C, the shelf life is no less than 12 months.

Industry Applications and Process Details

1. Polyurethane Industry

In the PU industry, PPG-400 is a key soft segment component in flexible and rigid polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, and adhesives. Its core role is to regulate chain flexibility and hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, imparting excellent flexibility, hydrolysis resistance, and low-temperature elasticity to final products. When reacting with isocyanates (e.g., MDI, TDI), the primary hydroxyl groups of PPG-400 effectively participate in chain extension and crosslinking reactions, making it an indispensable polyol raw material in high-end polyurethane product formulations.

2. Synthetic Lubricants and Functional Fluids

PPG-400 can be directly used as a base oil or co-solvent component for synthetic high-temperature lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and compressor oils. Benefiting from its excellent viscosity-temperature characteristics (kinematic viscosity at 40°C of about 70 mm²/s) and high flash point (closed cup approximately 220–230°C), it maintains stable lubricating film strength under high-temperature conditions, while also offering good detergency and synergistic effects with antioxidants. It is widely used in metalworking fluids, industrial gear oils, and specialized hydraulic transmission systems.

3. Surfactant and Emulsifier Preparation

As an intermediate for nonionic surfactants, PPG-400 is extensively used in industrial cleaning, textile auxiliaries, and pesticide emulsification. Its cloud point is approximately 50°C (1% aqueous solution), and it is readily soluble in water, alcohols, esters, and ketone solvents. It can be further processed via ethoxylation or converted into anionic derivatives such as phosphate esters and sulfates to expand its dispersion and emulsification performance in different media.

4. Personal Care and Cosmetics

In creams, lotions, facial cleansers, and color cosmetics formulations, PPG-400 acts as a humectant, lubricant, and emollient, significantly improving skin feel, reducing stickiness, and aiding in the uniform dispersion of active ingredients. Its low irritation and low sensitization characteristics make it suitable for baby care products and products for sensitive skin.

5. Pharmaceutical Applications

With good biocompatibility and safety, PPG-400 is primarily used in the pharmaceutical field as a suppository base, ointment base, and drug solubilizer. It can serve as a consistency modifier to adjust the spreadability and extensibility of ointments while also acting as a plasticizer to enhance formulation stability.

6. Industrial Auxiliaries and Others

Additionally, PPG-400 can be used as a core raw material for defoamers and mold release agents (especially in polyurethane molding processes), as a base component for heat transfer fluids, and as a nonionic lubricating component in synthetic fiber oils and textile spinning oils. Its low foaming properties and good chemical stability also make it perform excellently in demanding applications such as metal cutting fluids and quenchants.

Technical Parameters

Parameter Name Specification Description
Appearance Colorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid Visual inspection
Molecular Weight 380~420 Average molecular weight
Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) 260~300 Reflects terminal hydroxyl content
HLB Value Approx. 2.0 Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) Approx. 50°C Inversion temperature point
Kinematic Viscosity (40°C) Approx. 70 mm²/s Characterizes fluidity
Density (25°C) 1.004~1.010 g/cm³
Refractive Index (25°C) 1.450~1.452
pH Value (1% aqueous solution) 6.0~8.0 Near neutral
Flash Point (Closed Cup) ≥200°C (approx. 220~230°C) High flash point, good safety
Moisture Content ≤0.1% Low moisture
Acid Value (mg KOH/g) ≤0.1 Low acidity
Heavy Metals ≤10 mg/kg Meets safety requirements
Arsenic ≤2 mg/kg Meets safety requirements

Application Recommendations

  • In Polyurethane Synthesis: It is recommended to combine PPG-400 with other high-molecular-weight polyether polyols based on the target product's soft-to-hard segment ratio to precisely control chain flexibility and glass transition temperature. Thorough dehydration is required before reaction to prevent moisture from consuming isocyanate.
  • In Lubricant Formulations: The recommended dosage of PPG-400 varies depending on the final product type. As a base oil co-solvent, it typically accounts for 10% to 50% of the total formulation, balancing compatibility with mineral oil or synthetic esters. In metalworking fluids, it can be used in synergy with anti-wear agents and rust inhibitors.
  • In Cosmetic Formulations: The recommended usage is 1% to 10%. It can be added to either the water phase or oil phase of the emulsion system, depending on the formulation type. Due to its low HLB value (approx. 2.0), it is more suitable as a co-emulsifier for W/O systems.
  • In Pharmaceutical Applications: The dosage in suppository bases can reach 20% to 60%, requiring adjustment of the ratio with solid fats or PEG-based bases based on drug release characteristics. The common usage in ointment bases is 5% to