Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
(PEG 200-300-400-600-1000-1500-4000-6000-8000-12000-18000-20000)
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
| Property | Explanation |
| Physical State | Liquid |
| Chemical Formula | HO(CH2CH2O)nH |
| Packaging Form | Drum / IBC |
| Chemical Class | Polymeric compound |
| Other Features | Molecular weight varies depending on the degree of polymerization. |
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?
- Ethylene Oxide Production:
- Ethylene reacts with hydrogen peroxide.
- Ethylene oxide is produced using a sulfuric acid catalyst.
- Polymerization:
- Ethylene oxide is polymerized with sodium hydroxide or an acid catalyst.
- The degree of polymerization determines the molecular weight of PEG.
- 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.