Polyethylene glycol is a condensation polymers of ethylene oxide and water with the general formula where n is the average number of repeating oxyethylene groups typically from 4 to about 180. The low molecular weight members from n=2 to n=4 are diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol respectively, which are produced as pure compounds. The low molecular weight compounds upto 700 are colorless, odorless viscous liquids with a freezing point from -10 C (diethylene gycol), while polymerized compounds with higher molecular weight than 1,000 are waxlike solids with melting point up to 67 C for n 180. The abbreviation (PEG) is termed in combination with a numeric suffix which indicates the average molecular weights.
- One common feature of PEG appears to be the water-soluble. It is soluble also in many organic solvents including aromatic hydrocarbons (not aliphatics).
- They are used to make emulsifying agents and detergents, and as plasticizers, humectants, and water-soluble textile lubricants.
- The wide range of chain lengths provide identical physical and chemical properties for the proper application selections directly or indirectly in the field. and polyester resin preparation to enhance water dispersability and water-based coatings.
- Antidusting agent in agricultural
- Brightening effect and adhesion enhance in electroplating and electroplating process.
- Cleaners, detergents and soaps with low volatility and low toxicity solvent properties.
- Coupling agent, humectant, solvent and lubricant in cosmetics and personal care bases.
- Dimensional stabilizer in wood working operations.
- Dye carrierin paints and inks Heat transfer fluid formulation and defoamer formulations.
- Low volatilie, water soluble, and noncorrosive lubricant without staining residue in food and package process.
- Mold release agent and lubricant in fabricating elastomers
- Paper coating for antisticking, color stabilizing, good gloss and free flow in calendering operations.
- Plasticizer to increase lubricity and to impart a humectant property in ceramic mass, adhesives and binders.
- Softener and antistatic agent for textiles
- Soldering fluxes with good spreading property.
- Polyethylene glycol is non-toxic, odorless, neutral, lubricating, nonvolatile and nonirritating and is used in a variety of pharmaceuticals and in medications as a solvent, dispensing agent, ointment and suppository bases, vehicle, and tablet excipient.
Source: PEG400
