Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound with many applications, from industrial manufacturing to medicine. PEG is also known as polyethylene oxide (PEO) or polyoxyethylene (POE), depending on its molecular weight. The structure of PEG is commonly expressed as H−(O−CH2−CH2)n−OH.[1]
Medicine:
Depending on the degree of polymerization, the use of PEG can be classified as follows:
PEG-400 is suitable for making soft capsules.
1. As a liquid, PEG-400 has a wide compatibility with various solvents, is a good solvent and solubilizer, widely used in liquid preparations, such as oral liquid, eye drops, etc.
2. PEG-1450, PEG-3350 is most suitable for creams. Suppositories using a PEG matrix are less irritating than conventional oil matrices.PEG based matrix are less irritating than traditional oil based matrices.
3. PEG-4000, PEG-6000, PEG-8000 are adopted for tablets, capsules, film coats, dropping pills, suppositories. PEG promotes the surface of the tablet shiny and smooth, while not easily damaged.
(PEG keep a shiny surface of the medicine)
Cosmetics:
In cosmetic formulations, adding polyethylene glycol can increase the absorbing ability of skin.Polyethylene glycol (4000~8000) is a neutral ingredient in cosmetic formulations and has excellent water solubility,non-volatile, non-oil based, suitable for light color cosmetic product.PEG can be applied in different texture of products and formulated according to different requirements.After adding polyethylene glycol, the ointment cream, body lotion and hand cream can lubricate the skin without bonding.
Textile industry:
In the textile industry, polyethylene glycol can be used as solvents and dispersants in the dyeing process.Solid powder polyethylene glycol has good film forming properties,lubrication and plasticity.It is used as fiber treatment auxiliaries, which can make fabric soft, plasticized and refined, and can inhibit the accumulation of static electricity.
[1]Wikipedia,Polyethylene glycol;Available from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol
