Industrial grade polyethylene glycol

The preparation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) mainly involves the addition polymerization reaction of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol under the action of a catalyst.

The most common preparation route is to use ethylene oxide and water as raw materials, and to use acidic or alkaline catalysts. Acidic catalysts such as sulfuric acid can open the ring of epoxyethane and undergo nucleophilic addition reactions with water. Slowly introduce ethylene oxide into water containing catalyst in the reaction vessel, and control the reaction temperature at 50-70 ℃. This temperature can ensure the reaction rate and avoid side reactions. As the reaction proceeds, ethylene oxide is continuously added to form polyethylene glycol with different degrees of polymerization. The polyethylene glycol produced by this method is widely used as a moisturizer and lubricant in the cosmetics industry due to its good water solubility and lubricity. It can make skincare products feel silky and enhance the user experience; In the pharmaceutical industry, it is often used as a drug carrier to help drugs dissolve and disperse better, promoting drug absorption. Alkaline catalysts such as potassium hydroxide can also catalyze this reaction. At an appropriate temperature, ethylene oxide is mixed with water in a certain proportion to produce polyethylene glycol. This type of polyethylene glycol can serve as a dispersant in the coating industry, assisting in the uniform dispersion of pigments and improving the application effect and stability of coatings; As a softener in rubber processing, it effectively improves the flexibility and plasticity of rubber.

When using ethylene glycol as a starting agent to prepare polyethylene glycol, the process is similar. First, mix ethylene glycol with a catalyst, then introduce ethylene oxide. Under suitable conditions, the hydroxyl group of ethylene glycol triggers the ring opening polymerization of ethylene oxide. By precisely adjusting the proportion of raw materials, reaction temperature, and time, polyethylene glycol products with different molecular weights can be prepared to meet various industrial needs. Polyethylene glycol prepared by this method can be used as a textile additive in the textile industry, reducing friction between fibers, making yarns smoother, and improving fabric quality; In the electronics industry, with its good insulation properties, it is used for packaging electronic components to ensure stable operation of electronic devices.