Application of Polyethylene Glycol PEG

Polyethylene glycol (PEG), also known as: α- Hydrogen- ω- Hydroxyl (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) polymer, etc.) is prepared by gradual addition reaction of ethylene oxide and water or ethylene glycol as raw materials. It is a white paraffin like flake or powder solid, odorless or with weak odor. Polyethylene glycol is non-toxic, non irritating, and has excellent water solubility, phase solubility, lubricity, adhesion, and thermal stability.

Polyethylene glycol PEG4000

1、 Properties of polyethylene glycol

As the degree of polymerization increases, the physical appearance and properties of polyethylene glycol PEG gradually change. Those with a relative molecular weight between 200 and 600 are liquid at room temperature, while those with a relative molecular weight above 600 gradually become semi solid. As the molecular weight increases, the hygroscopicity of a colorless and odorless viscous liquid transitions to a waxy solid, resulting in a corresponding decrease.

Polyethylene glycol can be divided into several series based on its purity, including pharmaceutical grade, cosmetic grade, food grade, and industrial grade. Polyethylene glycol is widely used in the pharmaceutical, veterinary, and cosmetics industries as a matrix for ointments and suppositories, as a carrier for pills and tablets, as well as as as a solvent in shaping agents and injections.


2、 The following is the application of polyethylene glycol PEG in our daily life

1. In terms of medicine

PEG is used as an adhesive, encapsulation material, carrier, and matrix, and its application in the pharmaceutical field varies depending on the degree of polymerization.

1) PEG-400 is suitable for making soft capsules. Due to its liquid nature and wide compatibility with various solvents, it is a good solvent and solubilizer, and is widely used in liquid preparations such as oral liquid and eye drops;

2) PEG-1450 and 3350 are suitable for making ointments, suppositories, and creams. PEG1450 and 3350 can be used alone or mixed to produce a storage time field and a range of melting point changes that meet the requirements of drug and physical effects. Suppositories using PEG matrix have less irritation than traditional oil matrix.

3) PEG-4000, 6000, 8000 are used for tablets, capsules, thin film coatings, drop pills, suppositories, etc. Due to the high molecular weight PEG (PEG4000, PEG6000, PEG8000) used during the production process, the surface of the tablet can be shiny and smooth, while not easily damaged, improving the ability of the tablet to release drugs.

2. In terms of daily cosmetics

1) A skincare cream composed of polyethylene glycol and loofah has dual functions of efficacy and beauty. Adding polyethylene glycol to all cosmetic formulas has the advantages of good stability and no damage to organic microbial nutrients.

2) Polyethylene glycol can maintain the moisture concentration in toothpaste, improve the stability of paste viscosity, and product stability. When polyethylene glycol is added to toothpaste, the extruded ribbon is smooth and has a bright appearance. Low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (peg400) is mainly used in toothpaste formulations that do not contain carboxymethyl fiber cmc.

3) The addition of polyethylene glycol to oil-free cosmetic liquid, shampoo and hair finishing agent, sunscreen, foot odor eliminating aerosol, skin cream, antiseptic ointment, shaving cream, acne cream, medicinal skin lotion, facial cleanser, facial cleanser and soap, hand lotion, lipstick and other cosmetics can improve the ability of skin to absorb additives, and has the property of lubricating skin without bonding.

3. In the textile industry

In the textile industry, polyethylene glycol can be used as a solvent and dispersant for spinning aids, sizing agents, and dyeing operations. It is used to treat fiber aids, making fabrics soft, plasticized, and refined, inhibiting the accumulation of static electricity, making textiles smooth, soft, elastic, and full to the touch, and enhancing tear resistance, wear resistance, and anti-static and stain resistance.

4. Coatings and Ink Industry

Using polyethylene glycol PEG as the substrate instead of water emulsion coatings, low molecular weight PEG has good dispersibility, while high molecular weight PEG can produce good film formation, improve the glossiness of the film, and reduce odor.

5. Rubber and cork products

Polyethylene glycol PEG has a strong binding force with rubber without degrading it, and can be used as a release agent and loosening agent for rubber and polyurethane products; In cork and sponge, due to the low volatility and good water absorption of polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG becomes a good plasticizer and water retention agent.

Polyethylene glycol PEG has many other functions, and we can see its presence everywhere, widely used in our daily lives.