Polyethylene-glycol

What polyethylene glycol (PEG) are

Polyethylene glycols are polymers of ethylene oxide with hydroxyl groups at both ends. They are described by average molecular weight: PEG 200, 300, 400 and 600 are liquids; PEG 1000, 1500, 2000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 are waxy solids. Dyna Glycols manufactures PEG for use as solvents, humectants, ointment bases, tablet binders, plasticisers, mould-release aids and chemical intermediates.

PEG is not a surfactant in the same way as a fatty alcohol ethoxylate, but it is produced on related alkoxylation technology and is used alongside ethoxylates in many formulae. Low molecular weights mix with water and many polar organics. High molecular weights give body, lubrication and a defined melting range that pharmaceutical and cosmetic chemists rely on.

How Dyna Glycols manufactures polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Ethylene oxide is polymerised to the target average molecular weight under controlled conditions. Release tests typically include appearance, viscosity or melting range, hydroxyl value, pH of aqueous solution, water, colour and, where specified, sulphated ash. Stainless-steel equipment and 24/7 QA support both industrial and higher-documentation grades.

Customers who need a narrow molecular-weight window, a low aldehyde or a particular pharmacopoeia-style test list should attach that list to the enquiry. Industrial PEG and more tightly specified PEG are both in the manufacturing scope.

Typical grades in this range

The molecular weights below are the usual catalogue points. Intermediate weights are available.

• Liquid PEG: 200, 300, 400, 600
• Solid PEG: 1000, 1500, 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000

Where polyethylene glycol (PEG) are used

Pharmaceuticals and personal care use PEG 400 as a solvent and PEG 1500–4000 as ointment and cream bases or tablet binders. Detergents and cleaners use liquid PEG as a solvent and hydrotrope partner. Inks, dyes and textile pastes use PEG for hygroscopicity and as a humectant.

Rubber, plastics and moulding use higher PEG grades as lubricants and release agents. Electroplating, metal treatment and gas treatment formulations use PEG as a soluble polymer carrier. PEG is also the starting point for PEG esters manufactured in the Esters family.

Laboratory and industrial formulations that need a water-soluble, low-volatility polyether with two hydroxyls specify PEG by molecular weight rather than by a surfactant HLB.

How to specify polyethylene glycol (PEG)

State the molecular weight (or a viscosity / melting-range target), the required pharmacopoeia or industrial test list, and colour or odour limits. Say whether the grade will be esterified later, because residual catalyst and water then matter more.

For ointment and tablet use, include the melting behaviour and any limit on ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol if those tests are part of the customer specification.

Quality, documents and supply

Each PEG lot is released against the agreed molecular-weight identity tests and the impurity list on the TDS. SDS and COA are issued after company verification. Samples allow melting, solubility and compatibility checks.

Liquid PEG is packed in drums or IBCs; solid PEG in bags or drums according to form. Keep solids dry. Warm liquids only as needed and avoid copper that can discolour some lots.

Practical notes on polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Hydroxyl value falls as molecular weight rises. It is the practical identity test on the COA together with viscosity (liquids) or melting range (solids).

PEG 400 is fully water miscible and a common solvent for actives that do not dissolve in water or ethanol alone. PEG 4000 and 6000 dissolve more slowly and are used for body and binding rather than as solvents.

Hygroscopicity is high for low molecular weights. Closed containers and dry handling protect both assay and flow of solid grades.

PEG can form complexes with some actives and can affect the melting of fatty bases. Compatibility trials should use the same molecular weight that will be purchased.

Dyna Glycols also manufactures PEG esters. If the need is an emulsifier rather than a polyether solvent, the PEG ester or fatty acid ethoxylate pages are the better starting point.

Do not confuse PEG with PPG (polypropylene glycol) or with a fatty alcohol ethoxylate of similar viscosity. The COA should show a polyethylene glycol identity, not a surfactant hydrophobe.

Ordering and evaluating polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Dyna Glycols supports polyethylene glycol (PEG) with laboratory samples, current SDS, TDS and COA from the Kandla SEZ manufacturing network. Tell us the intended application, the substrate, the required moles or molecular weight, and any limits on colour, odour, cloud point, hydroxyl value, pH or residual feedstock. A matching catalogue grade of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the Ethoxylates family can then be confirmed, or a custom batch can be planned on the ethoxylation, esterification or related plant.

When you evaluate polyethylene glycol (PEG), send the competitor grade if one exists, the bath or emulsion conditions, and the tests your receiving laboratory will run. Pack options for polyethylene glycol (PEG) typically include drums, IBCs and bulk where the viscosity and melting point of the selected grade allow safe handling from the Ethoxylates manufacturing line.

A first order of polyethylene glycol (PEG) is easier when the purchase specification lists identity tests, not only a local trade name. Hydroxyl value, saponification value, acid value, cloud point, pH, water, colour and appearance are the numbers the Kandla QA laboratory can lock. If your QC uses a different solvent or a different cloud-point electrolyte for polyethylene glycol (PEG), write that method on the order so the COA speaks the same language.

Custom lots of polyethylene glycol (PEG) are quoted after the hydrophobe or acid/alcohol pair, the target analytical window, the annual volume and the pack. Pilot batches are available when a catalogue point in the Ethoxylates range is close but not exact. Once a trial lot is approved, that TDS should be frozen so the tenth delivery of polyethylene glycol (PEG) matches the first approved drum.

Storage of polyethylene glycol (PEG) should follow the SDS: keep containers closed, protect hygroscopic grades from moisture, and warm high-melt or high-mole grades until uniform before sampling. FIFO rotation protects colour and odour. If a drum of polyethylene glycol (PEG) has frozen or separated in transit, homogenise it before charging a batch; do not decant only the liquid layer.

Application advice for polyethylene glycol (PEG) is given against the process you describe, not as a universal recipe. Share machine type, temperature, pH, electrolytes, fibre or hide type, and any ban on APEO, formaldehyde or food-contact lists. Dyna Glycols can then sample polyethylene glycol (PEG) alone or as a pair with a sister grade from the same Ethoxylates family so compatibility is checked in one evaluation.