Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol

Definition

Industrial grade polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound produced by the polymerization of ethylene oxide. It serves as a versatile chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, cosmetic formulations, and industrial lubricant production. The material functions as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier across multiple manufacturing sectors. Its water-soluble properties and low toxicity make it suitable for diverse industrial applications requiring controlled chemical reactivity.

Typical specifications for this grade include an average molecular weight of 190–210 g/mol, a viscosity at 40°C of 4.1–4.9 mPa·s (ASTM D4878), a hydroxyl value of 535–590 mg KOH/g (ASTM D4274), a melting point range of -6 to -4°C, and a water content of ≤0.5% (ASTM E203). The pH of a 5% solution is 4.5–7.5 (GB/T 9724), color is ≤50 APHA (ASTM D1209), density at 20°C is 1.12–1.14 g/cm³ (ASTM D4052), flash point is ≥240°C (ASTM D92), purity is ≥99.0% (GB/T 7383), and ash content is ≤0.1% (GB/T 7531). Recommended storage temperature is 5–35°C.

These values are typical for the product category and must be verified against the specific batch or grade supplied by the manufacturer. Standards listed are for reference in procurement and quality verification; they do not imply certification of any particular product or supplier. Always confirm model-specific data and applicable standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier before use.

Working Principle

Polyethylene glycol molecules consist of repeating ethylene oxide units with terminal hydroxyl groups. These hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with water and other polar substances, allowing PEG to act as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity modifier. The polymer chains interact with other molecules through hydrogen bonding and solvation, altering the physical properties of mixtures such as viscosity, solubility, and lubricity. The molecular weight distribution influences the material's behavior; lower molecular weight PEGs are more fluid and hydrophilic, while higher molecular weight variants become more viscous or waxy. In industrial applications, PEG can modify the rheology of formulations, stabilize emulsions, or serve as a carrier for active ingredients. Its low toxicity and water solubility make it suitable for processes where controlled chemical reactivity is required.

Common Materials

Ethylene oxide, Catalyst (typically alkaline)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Average Molecular WeightRequired	190–210 g/mol	Weight-average molecular weight determining physical properties
Viscosity at 40°CRequired	4.1–4.9 mPa·s	Kinematic viscosity measured at standard temperatureASTM D4878
Hydroxyl ValueRequired	535–590 mg KOH/g	Measure of terminal hydroxyl group concentrationASTM D4274
Melting Point RangeRequired	-6–-4 °C	Temperature range for solid-liquid transition
Water Content	≤0.5 %	Maximum moisture content by weightASTM E203
pH Value (5% solution)	4.5–7.5 pH	Acidity/alkalinity of aqueous solutionGB/T 9724
Color (APHA)	≤50 APHA	Low color for clear productsASTM D1209
Density at 20°C	1.12–1.14 g/cm³	For volume calculationsASTM D4052
Flash Point	≥240 °C	High flash point for safetyASTM D92
Purity	≥99.0 %	High purity for consistent performanceGB/T 7383
Ash Content	≤0.1 %	Low ash for minimal residueGB/T 7531
Storage Temperature	5–35 °C	Avoid extreme heat or cold

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Polymer Chain Part
Primary molecular structure providing chemical properties

Material: Polyethylene oxide repeating units
Terminal Hydroxyl Groups Part
Reactive sites for chemical modification and crosslinking

Material: Hydroxyl functional groups
Catalyst Residue Optional Part
Remaining polymerization catalyst affecting purity

Material: Alkaline metal compounds

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol.

Manufacturers of Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical applications of industrial grade PEG?

Industrial grade PEG is used as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis, as a humectant and solvent in cosmetic formulations, and as a lubricant or processing aid in industrial manufacturing. Its water solubility and low toxicity make it suitable for various processes requiring controlled reactivity.

What is the significance of the average molecular weight range?

The average molecular weight (190–210 g/mol) determines the physical properties such as viscosity, melting point, and solubility. Lower molecular weight PEGs are more fluid and hydrophilic, while higher molecular weights become more viscous or waxy. The specified range indicates a low-molecular-weight grade suitable for applications requiring high water solubility and low viscosity.

Which standards are referenced for quality verification?

Standards include ASTM D4878 for viscosity, ASTM D4274 for hydroxyl value, ASTM E203 for water content, GB/T 9724 for pH, ASTM D1209 for color, ASTM D4052 for density, ASTM D92 for flash point, GB/T 7383 for purity, and GB/T 7531 for ash content. These are reference methods; actual compliance must be confirmed with the supplier.

What storage conditions are recommended?

Store at 5–35°C in a dry, well-ventilated area away from extreme heat or cold. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents. Always follow the manufacturer's safety data sheet.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	Atmospheric to 10 bar
flow rate:	0.1 to 100 m³/h
temperature:	-40°C to 200°C
slurry concentration:	Up to 60% solids by weight

Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards