3 Benefits of Using Polyethylene Glycol 400 in Your Company’s Products
The year 2020 saw many industries struggle due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the chemical and manufacturing sectors. The good news is, the US-based chemical industry is set for a strong rebound in 2021. The chemical industry and material science in general are essential to our modern lifestyles.
Polyethylene glycol 400 is a mouthful and as such is not often brought up in casual conversation. Even so, this highly versatile material is found in thousands of the products we use in our daily lives. What exactly is Polyethylene and what is it used for? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Polyethylene Glycol 400?
Polyethylene Glycol, or PEG for short, is a compound consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. PEG is a common ingredient used in research, manufacturing, and many other commercial applications. The 400 attached to the end of its name represents its “average molecular weight”.
PEG is synthesized via the polymerization of ethylene oxide. The resulting compound, polyethylene glycol, has physical properties that are very useful in the manufacturing of goods.
What Is Polyethylene Glycol 400 Used For?
Polyethylene glycol 400 suppliers are an excellent source of information on their products, so feel free to reach out and ask questions. Material science is always evolving, learn more about Polyethylene Glycol 400 and keep an eye out for new developments.
- Textile Industry
PEGs have the ability to enhance the solubility of dyes. Because of this, PEGs are used as a “die carrier” in the textile industry. The same physical property of PEGs is used for the same reason in cosmetics as well.
- Food Industry
Polyethylene glycol helps to retain moisture in substances and this property is extremely useful in keeping food moist. PEGs help to stabilize emulsions in complex formulations like food processing. The food industry uses PEGs to reduce foaming during food processing.
- Pharmaceutical Industry
New research into the pharmaceutical applications of PEGs led to the discovery of the process of “pegylation” in which pharmacokinetics are improved in protein and peptide therapeutics. PEG compounds are used in the production of excipients and botanical medicines.
In layman’s terms, PEGs are primarily used in pharmaceuticals to improve the drug delivery process in which medicine, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed into bodily systems.
Is Polyethylene Glycol 400 Safe?
The short answer, yes. PEG is an FDA approved substance, considered non-toxic and biologically inert. As such, this class of oligomers and polymers are considered safe for use in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, as well as any other application.
The use of PEGs in products must adhere to the guidelines set by the National Fromulary (NF), established by the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act of 1938. Check with your chemical manufacturer and distributor to make sure the PEGs they sell meet these FDA guidelines.
Useful and Versatile Material
The world would not be the same without polyethylene glycol 400. PEGs are a vital ingredient in so many products we use and many more products could benefit from this wonderfully unique compound. For more articles to help run a successful business, keep reading our blog.