Editorial Technical Reference

Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol

This page explains how Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol is classified within Basic Chemical Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

Industrial grade polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound produced by the polymerization of ethylene oxide.

View Full Specifications Explore Manufacturing Sources
Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol in a manufacturing environment
Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

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
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Average Molecular WeightRequired190–210 g/molWeight-average molecular weight determining physical properties
Viscosity at 40°CRequired4.1–4.9 mPa·sKinematic viscosity measured at standard temperatureASTM D4878
Hydroxyl ValueRequired535–590 mg KOH/gMeasure of terminal hydroxyl group concentrationASTM D4274
Melting Point RangeRequired-6–-4 °CTemperature range for solid-liquid transition
Water Content≤0.5 %Maximum moisture content by weightASTM E203
pH Value (5% solution)4.5–7.5 pHAcidity/alkalinity of aqueous solutionGB/T 9724
Color (APHA)≤50 APHALow color for clear productsASTM D1209
Density at 20°C1.12–1.14 g/cm³For volume calculationsASTM D4052
Flash Point≥240 °CHigh 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 Temperature5–35 °CAvoid 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

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
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
Media Compatibility
✓ Water-based systems ✓ Petrochemical processing ✓ Pharmaceutical synthesis
Unsuitable: Strong oxidizing acids (e.g., concentrated nitric acid)
Sizing Data Required
  • Required viscosity range (cP)
  • Desired molecular weight (g/mol)
  • Target application concentration (% w/w)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Thermal degradation
Cause: Exposure to temperatures exceeding 150°C causes molecular chain scission, reducing viscosity and lubricity
Oxidative degradation
Cause: Contact with atmospheric oxygen at elevated temperatures forms acidic byproducts, leading to corrosion and viscosity breakdown
Maintenance Indicators
  • Visible darkening or discoloration from clear/light to amber/brown
  • Unusual foaming or aeration in storage tanks or application systems
Engineering Tips
  • Implement nitrogen blanketing in storage vessels to prevent oxidative degradation
  • Maintain temperature control below 100°C during storage and handling, with continuous monitoring systems

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ASTM D4875 - Standard Guide for Polyethylene Glycol CE Marking - EU Regulation for Chemical Products

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Molecular Weight: +/- 5% of specified value
  • Hydroxyl Value: +/- 2 mg KOH/g
Quality Inspection
  • Viscosity Test - ASTM D445
  • Hydroxyl Number Test - ASTM E222
Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol

Manufacturer profiles associated with Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol.

Sourcing Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol from China?
Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.
Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Explore company information and manufacturing capabilities, then discuss the scope of your project with a relevant supplier.

Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes
Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here
We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman
CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What to include
Share your product specifications, quantity, destination and target delivery date.

Your business information is used only to process this request.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.
Sorry, we couldn't send your message. Please try again, or email us at [email protected].

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. See the editorial policy.

Related equipment

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

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

PEG industrial grade Polyoxyethylene glycol Macrogol industrial

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 12 October 2026

Need to Manufacture Industrial Grade Polyethylene Glycol?

Compare manufacturer profiles with relevant product and process capability.

Create Manufacturer Profile Contact Us
Previous Product
Industrial Grade Sodium Hydroxide Flake
Last Product
Get QuotesChat