Polyethylene Glycol 600 (PEG 600) is a low-molecular-weight polymer of ethylene glycol, appearing as a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid. Its average molecular weight is approximately 600 g/mol.
🏭⚗️ Production
PEG 600 is produced through the polymerization of ethylene oxide with water, ethylene glycol, or its oligomers, often using alkaline or acidic catalysts. The process results in a synthetic polyether with tailored chain lengths.
🔬 Properties
• Physical form: Clear, viscous liquid with a mild, neutral characteristic; fully water-soluble and compatible with many alcohols and organic solvents.
• Chemical behavior: Non-toxic, non-volatile, and chemically inert; stable under standard storage conditions, making it versatile for various applications.
🧪 Applications
PEG 600 serves a wide range of functions across different industries:
• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Acts as a humectant, solvent, lubricant, and stabilizer in skin creams, lotions, and bath products.
• Industrial & Manufacturing: Utilized as a viscosity modifier, dispersant, solvent, and wax/paraffin emulsifier; also functions as a plasticizer, mold release agent, and additive in inks, adhesives, and coatings.
• Lubricants & Metalworking: Used in synthetic lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and metalworking formulations to improve flow and performance.
• Rubber & Plastics: Functions as a mold release agent and lubricant in the processing of rubber and plastic components.
• Detergents & Cleaners: Enhances viscosity and wetting properties and serves as a dispersant in cleaning formulations.
