Polyethylene Glycol 400 is a versatile chemical used as a solvent and lubricant in various industrial applications.
Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG 400) is a synthetic polymer appearing as a clear, colorless viscous liquid.
Packaging
25kg drum, 50kg drum, 200L drum
Supply Region
Kenya, East Africa
Supplier
Zenco Systems Ltd
Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG 400) is a synthetic polymer appearing as a clear, colorless viscous liquid. It serves primarily as a solvent, humectant, and lubricant across a broad spectrum of industrial formulations. Its water solubility combined with excellent miscibility in many organic solvents makes it a crucial ingredient in sectors like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and general chemical manufacturing.
Industries depend on PEG 400 both for its functional properties—improving texture, stability, and viscosity—and for its safety profile, exhibiting low toxicity and chemical stability under typical manufacturing conditions. Sourced reliably throughout East Africa by Zenco Systems Ltd, PEG 400 enables formulators and manufacturers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring countries to maintain consistent quality and supply chain continuity. Its versatile role in detergents, soaps, and pharmaceuticals underlines its commercial importance for these markets.
Chemically, Polyethylene Glycol 400 is a polymer formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide, yielding molecules with an average molecular weight of approximately 400 g/mol. The formula C₂nH₄n+2Oₙ+1 represents its structure as a chain of repeating oxyethylene groups, averaging around 8-9 ethylene glycol units per molecule. This oligomeric size gives PEG 400 its characteristic viscous liquid state at room temperature.
PEG 400’s molecular architecture confers both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, making it an excellent solvent and emulsifying agent. It readily dissolves many polar and certain non-polar compounds, facilitating formulations where water and oil phases coexist. Its viscosity contributes to lubrication effects, aiding machinery and chemical processes requiring reduced friction.
Its chemical stability under normal operating conditions ensures it neither readily oxidizes nor hydrolyzes, making it suitable for long-term use in sensitive products. PEG 400’s low volatility and minimal odor also aid formulators who prioritize stable sensory profiles. Purity levels vary by grade; specialized pharmaceutical or cosmetic grades undergo stringent tests to limit impurities and residual ethylene oxide.
In detergent and soap formulations, PEG 400 acts as a humectant to retain moisture and as a co-solvent to improve ingredient solubility. In chemical synthesis pathways, it can serve as a reaction medium or intermediate to tailor product properties. These performance characteristics give PEG 400 a multi-functional role vital to diverse industrial processes.
In pharmaceuticals, PEG 400 is widely used as a solvent and vehicle for drugs, enhancing solubility of active ingredients in liquid and semi-solid preparations. Its low toxicity and compatibility with a broad pH range allow formulation of oral solutions, injectables, and topical creams. PEG 400 facilitates controlled release in sustained delivery systems and helps achieve desired consistency in ointments and gels.
Cosmetics utilize PEG 400 for its humectancy, helping to retain moisture in skin and hair care products. It also acts as a solvent for fragrances and active ingredients, improving product stability and texture. Formulators value PEG 400 for its clarity and lack of odor, which maintains the sensory quality of lotions, shampoos, and makeup removers.
Although limited by regulatory frameworks, PEG 400 finds restricted use in food processing as a carrier for flavors and additives or as a lubricant in the production line machinery. Its water solubility and inertness make it suitable for applications requiring non-toxic, low-evaporation solvents.
Within industrial settings, PEG 400 serves as an effective solvent for cleaning agents and as a lubricant in machinery requiring a chemically stable, water-miscible fluid. Its viscosity and thermal stability are exploited in metalworking fluids, inks, and paints to optimize flow and reduce wear.
PEG 400 acts as a platform chemical in the synthesis of derivatives such as polyethylene glycol esters and ethers, which find specialized uses in surfactants, detergents, and emulsifiers. Its reactive hydroxyl termini enable functionalization tailored to application-specific requirements.
Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Detergents & soaps range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.
PEG 400’s compatibility with both water and many organic solvents allows formulators to design stable mixtures with diverse ingredients. This reduces the need for multiple solvent systems, simplifying formulations and lowering overall raw material costs.
Due to its low oral and dermal toxicity, PEG 400 is suitable for pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses where user safety is paramount. This makes regulatory approval processes more straightforward and increases product marketability.
The polymer’s humectant properties help maintain moisture in formulations, extending shelf life and improving product performance. Additionally, its viscosity lends desirable texture, contributing to ease of application and consumer acceptance in personal care products.
PEG 400 resists degradation under normal manufacturing and storage conditions. This stability ensures predictable performance over time, which is crucial for industrial processing and for maintaining product integrity.
Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Polyethylene Glycol 400 in multiple packaging formats suited for industrial use across East Africa. These include 25kg and 50kg steel drums, as well as 200L bulk drums to facilitate larger volume needs. For ease of handling and cross-border logistics within Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring markets, sealed drums ensure product integrity and protect against contamination. Customized packaging solutions can be discussed to match specific storage and transport requirements.
Standard formats: 25kg drum, 50kg drum, 200L drum
Store Polyethylene Glycol 400 in tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination and absorbance of moisture. Ideal storage temperature ranges between 15 °C and 30 °C in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing near strong oxidizing agents or incompatible chemicals. With proper storage, PEG 400 maintains its properties for extended periods, but users should verify expiry and batch-specific stability data before use. Handle with gloves and eye protection, avoiding prolonged skin contact.
Polyethylene Glycol 400 generally presents low hazard under standard handling conditions but can cause mild skin or eye irritation. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses when handling. In case of contact, flush skin or eyes with water immediately. Avoid inhalation of vapors or mists generated during heating or spraying. Dispose of waste according to local regulations and environmental guidelines. For detailed hazards, exposure limits, and first aid procedures, consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd.
PEG 400 serves as a solvent, lubricant, humectant, and reaction intermediate in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and industrial chemical manufacturing.
Yes, PEG 400 is widely accepted in pharmaceutical formulations due to its low toxicity and compatibility with various active ingredients, but always confirm with supplier about pharmaceutical grade certification.
Store PEG 400 in sealed containers in a cool, dry place between 15 °C and 30 °C, avoiding direct sunlight and strong oxidizers to maintain product quality.
We supply PEG 400 in 25kg, 50kg drums, and 200L bulk drums to accommodate different industrial volume requirements in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring regions.
Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd ships Polyethylene Glycol 400 across East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other nearby countries, with reliable logistics support.
It acts as a humectant and solvent, improving moisture retention and ingredient solubility in products like lotions, creams, and shampoos.
PEG 400 indicates a molecular weight around 400 g/mol, meaning it is liquid at room temperature, unlike higher molecular weight PEGs which are waxy solids.
Standard PPE such as gloves and safety glasses are recommended to avoid skin and eye contact; it has low toxicity but may cause mild irritation.
Purity can vary by grade and intended use, so always confirm exact purity and grade with the supplier using the certificate of analysis.
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