PEG-16 is a polyethylene glycol readily chosen by formulators for a number of applications due to its softening, lubricating, moisturising and anti-electrostatic properties. The industries that use PEG-16 include the chemical, beauty, construction and food industries.
The compound whose INCI name is PEG-16 and chemical name is polyoxyethylene glycol is mostly used as an emulsifier and moisturiser in many branches of industry. The CAS number of the surfactant is 25322-68-3.
The pure substance is a high viscosity liquid or a soft paste with a faint odour. The colour of a 25% aqueous solution reaches a maximum of 30 in the Hazen scale (at the temperature from 20 to 25ᵒC). The molar mass of PEG-16 is in the range of 750 to 850 g/mol. pH of a 10% solution varies from slightly acidic to neutral (5.0 to 7.5). A marketed product (e.g. POLIkol 800 in the product range offered by the PCC Group) contains over 99% of the active substance. Water is an impurity and its content does not exceed 0.5%. PEG-16 is soluble in water and low aliphatic alcohols, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. The density of the substance is approx. 1.11 g/mL at the temperature of 40ᵒC.
PEG-16 exhibits strong hygroscopic properties. It readily bonds to water molecules, absorbs them from the environment and retains moisture on the surface. On that account, it can be used effectively as an ingredient of cosmetics to ensure an adequate moisturising effect. The use of products containing surfactants that act as humectants, such as PEG-16, is beneficial for the maintenance of the healthy appearance and condition of the skin and hair. In addition, it can be used in the modification of rheology of active substances.
The anti-electrostatic properties are widely used in the industrial cleaning processes, especially for surfaces where electrostatic charges need to be removed (all types of indoor facilities, mostly industrial ones, where there is a risk of fire and explosive atmosphere). The anti-electrostatic nature of PEG-16 is also used in metalworking processes.
The agrochemical industry uses PEG-16 e.g. to produce fertilisers due to the strong hygroscopicity of this compound. It enhances processes aimed at producing fertilisers and increases their capacity.
The construction industry successfully uses surfactants due to a number of advantages they exhibit. Those compounds include PEG-16 which is involved in the processes of curing concrete and cement mortars. The water retention capacity of PEG-16 plays a major role in those processes. It reduces losses of water from the mix, which improves the setting of the material. With the right dosing, you can significantly boost the mechanical strength of the hardened concrete. PEG-16 may be used in the design of self-curing concretes.
PEG-16 is also used in the processes of manufacture of polyurethane foams. It has a significant influence on their mechanical properties. With the right dosing for the system, you can obtain reduced brittleness and improved compression strength of foams.
The compound has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use as an indirect food additive.
