Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

What is Polietilen Glikol (PEG 200-300-400-600-1000-1500-4000-6000-8000-12000-18000-20000) ?

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), with the chemical formula HO(CH2CH2O)nH, is a polymeric compound. It is obtained through the polymerization of ethylene glycol molecules and comes in varieties with different molecular weights.

• Soluble in water and many solvents.
• PEG 200-600: Used in the mineral oil, textile, leather, metal, and detergent industries; used as an emulsifier, viscosity regulator, and humectant in wax, paraffin, and solvent emulsions.
• PEG 1000-12000: serves as an emulsifier, lubricant, and mold release agent in various industries.
• Thanks to its versatile use, it is preferred in both industrial and medical fields.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Properties

Which Industries Use Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)?

• Pharmaceutical Industry:
  • It increases the solubility and absorption of drugs.
  • Extends the duration of effect by providing controlled release.
  • Used as a capsule coating and excipient.
• Cosmetics Industry:
  • Used in moisturizers, lotions, shampoos, soaps, and personal care products.
  • It gives products consistency, smoothness, and stability.
• Food Industry:
  • It is used as a food additive to regulate consistency, color, and taste.
• Industrial Applications:
  • It functions as an emulsifier, viscosity regulator, and moisture retainer in the textile, leather, paint, and cleaning industries.
  • Used as a lubricant and mold release agent.
• Electronics Industry:
  • It is used in the cooling of electronic devices.
• Agricultural Industry:
  • It is used in plant protection products and certain fertilizer formulations.

How is Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Produced?

1. Ethylene Oxide Production:
   • Ethylene reacts with hydrogen peroxide.
   • Ethylene oxide is produced using a sulfuric acid catalyst.
2. Polymerization:
   • Ethylene oxide is polymerized with sodium hydroxide or an acid catalyst.
   • The degree of polymerization determines the molecular weight of PEG.
3. Purification:
   • After polymerization, the product is filtered, precipitated, and dried.
   • High-purity PEG is obtained by removing catalysts and by-products.

Thanks to this production method, products with different molecular weights ranging from PEG 200 to PEG 12000 are available for industrial and medical use.