Bulletin No. ES20000005A
Date issued: Aug. 21, 2019

Polyethylene Glycols

PEG ProductsPreface
PEG products (polyethylene glycols) are formed by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide
to ethylene glycol and water.
These products are generally represented by the following formula:
HO [CH2CH2O]n CH2CH2OH
They are composed of a mixture of polyethylene glycols each with different molecular weights.
Therefore, they are usually classified depending on their number-average molecular weight. Our
company offers a wide range of PEG products in molecular weights ranging from 200 (PEG-200) to20,000 (PEG-20000).

We offer the following range of PEG products:
Number­Average Molecular Weight

Product NameLowMediumHigh

PEG-200
PEG-300
PEG-400
PEG-600
PEG-1500

PEG-1000
PEG-1540
PEG-2000

PEG-4000N
PEG-4000S
PEG-6000P
PEG-6000S
PEG-10000
PEG-20000-1-Typical Property
1. Typical Properties
Tables 1-a and 1-b show the typical properties of PEG products. The values are representative.
PEG products are compatible with each other. Mixing equivalent amounts of PEG-200 and PEG-300
produces PEG products with intermediate properties between those of PEG-200 and PEG-300.

Table 1-a. Typical Properties
Hydroxyl
Value *3

pH *4

Color(APHA)

Freezing
Point°C

SpecificGravity(25°C /25°C)

200

565

6.0

10

＜­35

1.125

300

375

5.5

10＜­8

1.125

400

281

5.5

106

1.125

600

187

6.0

1021

1.125

Product Name Appearance Molecular
Weight *2
PEG-200
PEG-300

ColorlessliquidPEG-400
PEG-600
PEG-1000White wax

1,000

113

6.5

10 *537

PEG-1500 *1

White
paste

550

207

5.5

10 *540

1,450

79

6.0

10 *545

2,000

56

5.5

10 *551

3,100

36

6.5

10 *555

3,400

33

6.5

10 *5568,300

137.0

10 *558

8,300

146.5

10 *559

11,000106.5

10 *559

20,0005.6

7.0

10 *560

PEG-1540

White wax

PEG-2000
PEG-4000N
PEG-4000SWhiteflake

PEG-6000P

Whitepowder

PEG-6000S
PEG-10000
PEG-20000
*1
*2
*3*4
*5

White
flake

Mixture of PEG-300 and PEG-1540
Number-average molecular weight calculated from hydroxyl value
Hydroxyl value by acetylation
Measured using a 5 wt % aqueous solution
Measured using a 25 wt % aqueous solution-2-Kinematic
Product Name Viscosity
mm2/s(210 °F)

Table 1-b. Typical Properties
Flash
Vapor
Specific
FusionPoint
Pressure
Heat
Heat°CPa(100 °C) kJ･kg-1･K-1
kJ/kg

PEG-200

4.1

196

1.3

2.2 *6

PEG-300

5.6225

3.9×10 -1

2.2 *6

PEG-400

7.12301.2×10 -2

PEG-600

10246

PEG-1000

17250

PEG-1500

16240

PEG-1540

26256

PEG-200042

PEG-4000N

Refractive
Surface
Index
Tension(25 °C) mN/m(25 °C)
1.458

44.5160

1.462

44.5

2.2 *6150

1.465

44.5

6.9×10 -4

2.2 *6150

1.467

44.5

4.4×10 -7

2.3 *7160

2.3 *7160

2.3 *7180

2602.3 *718080

270

2.3 *7180

PEG-4000S

80265

2.3 *7180

PEG-6000P

800

256

2.3 *7190

PEG-6000S

800

256

2.3 *7190

PEG-10000

2,100260

2.4 *7190

PEG-20000

14,000296

2.5 *7190

2.7×10 -10< 2.7×10-10*6 The average value when measured from 30 to 60 °C*7 The average value when measured from freezing point to 100 °C-3-Performance
1. Solubility and Compatibility
As shown in Table 2, PEG products are soluble in water and many other organic solvents (except
aliphatic hydrocarbons), but their solubility decreases in accordance with the increase in theirmolecular weight.
Table 3 shows the compatibility of PEG products with various chemicals such as cellulose
compounds.

WaterMethanol

Ethanol

AcetoneEthyl Acetate

TolueneEthyl Cellosolve

Butyl Cellosolve

Ethyl Carbitol

Butyl Carbitol

HeptaneEthyl Ether

Table 2. Solubility

20 °C

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

D

D50 °C

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

D

D

20 °C

A

A

D

B

C

C

D

D

C

D

D

D50 °C

AA

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

D

D20 °C

B

C

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

D

D50 °CAAA

A

A

A

A

BB

B

D

D20 °CCC

DDDDDDDDD

D

PEG-400

PEG-1540

PEG-4000S

PEG-20000

Value of Symbols
A：Higher than 100 g of PEG dissolves in 100 mL solvent.
B：From 50 to 100 g of PEG dissolves in 100 mL solvent.
C：From 1 to 50 g of PEG dissolves in 100 mL solvent.
D：Lower than 1 g of PEG dissolves in 100 mL solvent.

-4-Ethyl Cellulose

Methyl Cellulose

Shellac

Carnauba Wax

Paraffin Wax

Beeswax

Ester Gum

Rosin

Gum Arabic

Caster Oil

Tung OilMineral Oil

Olive Oil

CaseinGelatin

Compatibility

Nitrocellulose

Table 3.

PEG-400

A

CB

B

CC

CCA

CCCCCAC

PEG-1500

ACC

B

CC

CC

B

CC

C

C

C

A

C

PEG-4000S

BCC

CCC

C

C

B

CCCC

C

B

C

Value of Symbols
A：Compatible

B：Partially compatible

C：Not compatible

2. Hygroscopic Properties

Equilibrium Moisture Regain (wt%)

PEG products are hygroscopic, and the hygroscopic properties decrease in accordance with theincrease in their molecular weight. For example, PEG-200 has a high hygroscopic property similar tothat of propylene glycol, whereas PEG-4000S and PEG-20000 have very low hygroscopic properties.
Figure 1 shows the equilibrium moisture regain of PEG, and Figures 2 to 4 show the change ofwater content over time when the relative humidity (R.H.) varies.
1008060
50403020Ethylene glycol
Glycerin
Diethylene glycol
glycol10 Propylene
PEG-200
8PEG-300
PEG-400
6PEG-600

PEG-1540

PEG-4000S

543

PEG-20000

2PEG-1500

1102030405060Relative Humidity

708090100(%)

Figure 1. Relationship between Relative Humidity and Equilibrium Moisture Regain-5-(wt %)30

Ethylene glycol

20Water Content

Diethylene glycol
Glycerin
Propylene glycol
PEG-200

PEG-300

10PEG-400
PEG-600

PEG-1500
PEG-1540
PEG-4000S
PEG-20000

0010Time

3020(day)Figure 2. Change of Hygroscopic Properties Over Time (R.H.: 42 %)Testing Method:
Two grams of a sample were placed in a 20-mL beaker, which was allowed to stand in asealed desiccator at a relative humidity of 42 %, and then the water content was measured
by investigating the variation in mass.
50

Water Content(wt %)

Ethylene glycol

40Glycerin

30

PEG-200

20PEG-300
PEG-400
PEG-600
PEG-1500

10PEG-1540

0PEG-4000S
0102030Time40

PEG-20000

50(day)Figure 3. Change of Hygroscopic Properties Over Time (R.H.: 65 %)Testing Method:
As described in Figure 2 except that the test was conducted at a relative humidity of 65 %.
-6-60

Water Content(wt %)Ethylene glycol

50Glycerin

40

PEG-200
PEG-300
PEG-400
PEG-600

30PEG-1500

20
PEG-1540100

PEG-4000S
PEG-20000

01020304050Time (day)Figure 4. Change of Hygroscopic Properties Over Time (R.H.: 79.2 %)Testing Method:
As described in Figure 2 except that the test was conducted at a relative humidity of 79.2 %3. Lubricity
PEG products and their aqueous solutions show excellent lubricity. These products decompose
at high temperatures without leaving any sludge by carbonization.

4. Safety
PEG products cause mild irritation, and have low toxicity.

5. Other Performances· PEG products are easily esterified and etherified, because these products have primary hydroxyl
groups at both ends of its molecule.
· They are not hydrolyzed.
· The solubility in water is not affected by the presence of electrolytes. They are soluble in hard waterand aqueous saline solutions, as well as in acids and alkalis (except extremely high concentrated
acids or alkalis).
· Figure 5 shows the temperature-kinematic viscosity curve of PEG products, and Figures 6 to 8 show
the temperature-kinematic viscosity curve of selected PEG products in aqueous solutions.

-7-Kinematic Viscosity (mm2/s)

1000
500
200
100
50

PEG-6000Freezing Point Curve

PEG-4000

2010

PEG-1540
PEG-1000
PEG-600
PEG-400
PEG-300
PEG-200

6.0
4.0
3.02.01.50-303060

Temperature

90120150180(°C)

Figure 5. Temperature－Kinematic Viscosity Curve of PEG

400
Freezing Point Curve

Kinematic Viscosity (mm2/s)

200
100
6040100%

2075%

106.0
4.050%

2.025%

1.0
0.60Figure 6.

20408010060
Temperature (°C)

120140Temperature－Kinematic Viscosity Curve of PEG-1000 and its Aqueous Solutions-8-400

Freezing Point Curve100%

Kinematic Viscosity (mm2/s)

20010075%

60
4050%

20106.0
4.025%

2.0
1.00.60Figure 7.

4080
60100
Temperature (°C)

Freezing Point Curve

140

100%

20,00010,0006,0004,00075%

2,000
1,000600
400

50%

200

25%

1000204060

Temperature
Figure 8.

120

Temperature－Kinematic Viscosity Curve of PEG-4000S and its Aqueous Solutions

100,000
60,00040,000Kinematic Viscosity (mm2/s)

2080

100

120140(°C)

Temperature－Kinematic Viscosity Curve of PEG-20000 and its Aqueous Solutions-9-Applications

PEG products have been used in many industries as an intermediate for the manufacture ofsurfactants, plasticizers, lubricants, etc.
Table 4. PEG Main Applications
MolecularWeightIndustrialFieldLowCosmetics
and toiletries

MediumHigh
Binders for facepowder and enzymes
for detergents

Bases for cream

TextilesPerforating agentsDyeing improvers

Antistatic agents

Papermaking

Softeners

LubricantsSofteners

RubberLubricants

Resins・Lubricants
・Plasticizers
・Antistatic agents

Metals・Lubricants・Base polymers forquenching

Ceramics

Binders

Woods

Anticracking agents
Binders for granulepreparation

Agrichemicals
ChemicalProducts
OthersRaw materials for various products・Heating mediums
・Desulfurization
auxiliaries
・Cold insulators

Heat resevoirs

Pharmaceutical Applications
We offer polyethylene glycol as a pharmaceutical additive under the trade name of MACROGOL
that conforms to Japanese Pharmacopoeia. For details, see our latest pamphlet for MACROGOLProducts.

- 10 -Cosmetics & Toiletries
1. Water-Soluble Bases
PEG products are very safe and soluble in water. Therefore, PEG-1500 is applicable as awater-soluble base for cosmetic creams and hand creams, and PEG-400 can be applied as awater­soluble base for skin lotions.

2. Moisturizers
PEG products with lower number-average molecular weights such as PEG-300, PEG-400 andPEG-600, are applicable as a moisturizer for toothpastes, facial cleaning foams, hair-care products
and wet tissues due to their moisture-retention properties.

3. Binders
PEG products with higher number-average molecular weights such as PEG-4000S andPEG-6000S exhibit high binding power and are soluble in water. Therefore, they are applicable asbinders for face powders and detergent enzymes.

4. Anticaking Agents
PEG-6000S is applicable as an anticaking agent for powdered detergents.

5. Anticracking Agents
PEG-6000S is applicable as an anticracking agent for solid soaps.

6. Antiblocking Agents
PEG-200 and PEG-300, when blended with liquid detergents such as kitchen detergents, areeffective as antiblocking agents for detergent containers.

7. Dustproofing Agents
PEG-6000S is applicable as a dustproofing agent for powdered products such as cosmetics anddetergents.

- 11 -Textiles
1. Antistatic Agents
PEG-4000S, PEG-6000S and PEG-2000 are applicable as antistatic agents for polyester fibers.

2. Dyeing Improvers
PEG-1000 or PEG-2000 is copolymerized to produce polyester that can be easily dyed.

3. Sizing AgentsThe sewing of cloth, such as polyester, nylon and rayon, that has been sized, may be obstructed
due to the sizing agent adhering to the needle.
PEG-600 blended with sizing agents imparts flexibility and an antistatic property to the cloth andmakes sewing easy. PEG­600 is also effective as anti-skinning agents for sizing agents.

4. Perforating Agents
PEG-400, PEG-600 and PEG-1000 are applicable as perforating agents for hollow fibers andporous fibers.

Papermaking
1. Softeners
PEG products are suitable as paper softeners; the softening effect lasts a long time due to the low
volatility of PEG products.
PEG-200, PEG-300 and PEG-400 are particularly suitable for softening PVA films and cellophane.

2. Lubricants
PEG-1540 and PEG-4000S blended with starch paste or protein paste are applicable as lubricants
for paper calendering.

3. Anticurling Agents
Impregnation of paper with PEG-400 prevents the paper from curling due to the product's moistureretention property.

- 12 -Rubber
1. Extruding Lubricants
PEG-4000S kneaded with natural and synthetic rubbers improves fluidity of compounds anddispersibility of fillers including carbon black, and increases the vulcanization rate.
PEG-4000S also allows the rubber to be easily removed from the mold.

2. Molding Lubricants
PEG-4000S is applicable as a lubricant for use when molding natural and synthetic rubbers.
After molding, this product is easily rinsed off the rubber surface.

Resins
1. Lubricants
PEG-6000S is applicable as a lubricant for nylon and polyacetal.

2. Resin Finish Baths
PEG-400 can be used in heating baths for bending such things as PVC pipes because it iswater-soluble and can be easily rinsed out.

3. Plasticizers
PEG-4000S is applicable as a plasticizer for urea resins.

4. Antistatic Agents
PEG-4000S and PEG-6000S are available as polymer-alloy type antistatic agents for polyester,ABS resins, nylon, and polyacetal.

5. Resin Modifiers
PEG imparts flexibility and hydrophilic properties to polyester, polyurethane and alkyd resins when
it modifies the resins by using its primary hydroxyl groups at both ends of its molecule.

- 13 -Metals
1. Lubricants
PEG-20000 is applicable as a base for water-soluble press forming oils used for press working ofsteel plates because of its excellent lubricity.

2. Base Polymers for Quenching
PEG-20000 is available as a base polymer for water-soluble quenching oils because the aqueous
solution of PEG-20000 has an adequate cooling property for quenching steel.

3. Binder and Dustproofing Agents
PEG-4000S is applicable as a binder for use in manufacturing powder metallurgy using metal
powders, and as a dustproofing agent for abrasives made of aluminum oxide.

Ceramics
1. Binders
Ceramic materials blended with solutions of PEG-4000S or PEG-6000S mixed with polyvinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and/or gum arabic are viscous, easily molded, and hard to crack.
When blended with fine ceramics, PEG-20000 is effective as a binder, imparting good dispersibility
and a shape retention property, yet it does not leave sludge after sintering.

Woods
1. Anti-Cracking Agents
Wood immersed in an aqueous solution of PEG-600 or PEG-1000 shows less dimensional change
and is hard to crack, because PEG products become a substitute for moisture in the wood.
Deformation of the unearthed wooden cultural properties can be prevented by gradual substitutionof moisture with PEG-4000S.

Agrichemicals
1. Binders
PEG-6000S is applicable as a binder for agrichemical granules.

2. Auxiliaries
PEG products are effective in controlling fluidity and anticaking for powdery preparations andflowable agrichemicals.
- 14 -Chemical Products
1. Surfactants
Various surfactants can be synthesized through reactions of the primary hydroxyl groups at bothends of the PEG molecule. Among them, the higher fatty acid esters of PEG products are surfactants
that are widely used as emulsifiers, dispersants and detergents.

2. Other Chemical Materials
The primary hydroxyl groups at both ends of the PEG molecule can be chemically changed toother groups (alkyl-etherified, aminated, carboxylated, glycidyl etherified, or esterified). These PEG
derivatives can be used as raw materials for various chemical products.

Others
1. Viscosity Adjustors
PEG-600 and PEG-1000 are effective as viscosity adjustors for ballpoint ink; they improve ink
performance including the prevention of blotting.

2. Heating Mediums
PEG-400 and PEG-600 are available as a heating medium. They have good thermal stability,
a high boiling point and high specific heat. They are easily washed off with water.

3. SensitizersPEG-400 mixed with saturated aliphatic polyhydric alcohol is effective as a sensitizer, improving
the sensitivity and contrast of photosensitive films.

4. Heat Reservoirs
PEG products are applicable as heat reservoirs due to their high fusion heat.

5. Cold Insulators
PEG-200 is applicable as a cold insulator base because it is water-soluble and has a low freezing
point.

- 15 -Important :Before handling these products, refer to the Safety Data Sheet for recommended
protective equipment, and detailed precautionary and hazards information.

This brochure has been prepared solely for information purposes. Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.
extends no warranties and makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of theinformation contained herein, and assumes no responsibility regarding the suitability of thisinformation for any intended purposes or for any consequences of using this information. Any
product information in this brochure is without obligation and commitment, and is subject tochange at any time without prior notice. Consequently anyone acting on information contained inthis brochure does so entirely at his/her own risk. In particular, final determination of suitability of
any material described in this brochure, including patent liability for intended applications, is thesole responsibility of the user. Such materials may present unknown health hazards and should beused with caution. Although certain hazards may be described in this brochure, Sanyo ChemicalIndustries, Ltd. cannot guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.

For detailed information, please contact below.
Head Office & Research Laboratory
Address: 11-1, Ikkyo Nomoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0995, Japan
Tel: +81-75-541-4311
Fax: +81-75-551-2557

Tokyo Branch Office: Tokyo Area Sales & Marketing Office of Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.
E-mail: sanyoproduct@sanyo-chemical.group
Address: 24th Fl., Hibiya Fort Tower, 1-1-1, Nishi-shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3500-3411
Fax: +81-3-3500-3412
URL https://www.sanyo-chemical.co.jp/eng- 16 -B731907