PEG esters are fatty-acid esters of polyethylene glycol: PEG oleates, stearates, laurates, cocoates and similar grades described by PEG molecular weight and by mono- or diester. They are nonionic emulsifiers, solubilisers, thickeners and dispersing agents. Dyna Glycols manufactures them by esterifying PEG with the named fatty acid to agreed SAP, hydroxyl value, acid value, melting behaviour and pH.
What polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters are
PEG esters are fatty-acid esters of polyethylene glycol: PEG oleates, stearates, laurates, cocoates and similar grades described by PEG molecular weight and by mono- or diester. They are nonionic emulsifiers, solubilisers, thickeners and dispersing agents. Dyna Glycols manufactures them by esterifying PEG with the named fatty acid to agreed SAP, hydroxyl value, acid value, melting behaviour and pH.
Low molecular-weight PEG esters (PEG 200–600) tend to be liquid emulsifiers and solubilisers. PEG 4000 or 6000 stearates are waxy and are used as thickeners, pearlising partners and high-melting emulsifiers. Monoester-rich grades are more hydrophilic; diesters are more lipophilic. The same plant that makes PEG itself can supply the ester, so chain length and residual PEG can be controlled together.
How Dyna Glycols manufactures polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters
Polyethylene glycol of the specified molecular weight is esterified with oleic, stearic, lauric, palmitic or coconut fatty acid. Process control covers conversion, residual acid, mono/di ratio, colour and water. QA uses SAP and hydroxyl value as identity tests.
Customers may specify PEG-8 oleate, PEG-40 stearate, PEG-100 stearate or an industrial equivalent. Catalogue names vary; the reliable specification is PEG molecular weight, fatty acid, and mono versus di.
Typical grades in this range
Identify PEG molecular weight, fatty acid and ester type. Custom combinations are routine.
- PEG oleates, stearates, laurates, palmitates and cocoates
- Liquid esters on PEG 200–600
- Waxy esters on PEG 1000–6000, including PEG-100 stearate types
- Mono- and diester cuts with agreed SAP and hydroxyl value
Where polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters are used
Personal care uses PEG-100 stearate with glyceryl stearate as a self-emulsifying cream base, and PEG-40 stearate as a solubiliser or O/W emulsifier. Wash products use selected PEG esters as thickeners or co-surfactants.
Agro EC/EW, textile auxiliaries, paints and industrial cleaners use PEG esters as nonionic emulsifiers, especially where a fatty acid ethoxylate is specified as an ester rather than as a direct acid ethoxylate. High-mole PEG stearates disperse pigments and waxes.
If the customer wants a PEG-free claim, use glyceryl esters or polyglycerates instead. PEG esters are chosen when ethoxylated ester performance is required.
How to specify polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters
State PEG molecular weight, fatty acid, mono/di preference, SAP or hydroxyl target, melting range and colour. For cream systems, name the co-emulsifier (often glyceryl stearate) so the pair can be sampled together.
If matching a competitor PEG-40 or PEG-100 stearate, attach SAP, hydroxyl and drop point from that TDS.
Quality, documents and supply
Lots are released against SAP, hydroxyl, acid value, water, pH, colour and appearance. SDS and COA follow verification. Samples support emulsification, thickening and freeze–thaw tests.
Warm waxy grades until uniform. Keep moisture away from PEG esters; they are hygroscopic. Follow the SDS.
Practical notes on polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters
Hydroxyl value distinguishes monoester-rich from diester-rich PEG esters. Both may share a trade-style name; always check the COA numbers.
PEG esters can hydrolyse in strong alkali. They are more stable than some short-chain esters but should still be stored dry and used within a sensible pH window.
PEG-100 stearate is not a substitute for a fatty alcohol ethoxylate of HLB 15. It is an ester thickener/emulsifier. Choose the chemistry that the formula actually needs.
Dyna Glycols manufactures both PEG and PEG esters. Ordering both from one source simplifies viscosity matching of the PEG backbone.
Odour and colour of oleate esters depend on the oleic acid and on finishing. Pale cream grades should specify colour and a maximum acid value.
For a first sample, PEG molecular weight + stearic or oleic acid + intended cream or solubiliser duty is enough to select a close catalogue ester.
Ordering and evaluating polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters
Send the application, the analytical window and the pack size when you request a laboratory sample of polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters. SDS, TDS and COA follow a short company check. Handle and store the grade as the SDS describes.
Next step
Need a specification for this chemistry?
Tell us the substrate, EO/PO moles and the application. We will confirm a catalogue grade or a custom batch.