PEG-7 Stearate belongs to surfactants that, due to their properties, are used not only in the cosmetics industry, but also in the textile industry. Antistatic, dispersing and wetting properties are the main features that determine the use of this chemical compound.
PEG-7 Stearate is one of the products offered in the PCC Group catalogue, produced by PCC Exol S.A., under the ROCKAcet S-7 brand. Other chemical names are: glycol, monostearate, and ethoxylated stearic acid. The CAS number of the compound is 9004-99-3.
PEG-7 Stearate is available as a paste or a wax with a yellow or yellow-beige colour. The odour is described as characteristic. PEG-7 Stearate is insoluble in water. When mixed with water, it forms emulsions where PEG-7 Stearate particles are dispersed in a solvent. This substance dissolves well in organic compounds such as alcohols and hydrocarbons. This is due to the presence of a long hydrocarbon chain in the molecule, which eliminates the polar nature of the hydroxyl group and directly determines the solubility of PEG-7 Stearate.
The basic physical and chemical characteristics of PEG-7 Stearate are:
PEG-7 Stearate, used in the preparation of cosmetic formulations, has a dispersing effect. Dispersants are valuable personal care ingredients found in all formulations where solids must be dispersed. Dispersants are chemical compounds that significantly improve the separation of particles in a suspension or colloidal dispersion and reduce deposition or agglomeration. The dispersing action of compounds such as PEG-7 Stearate is especially important in cosmetics, as most of them are in the form of emulsions. The dispersion is necessary to maintain the stability of the preparation and the form convenient for application. PEG-7 Stearate also has hygroscopic properties (as the whole group of compounds called PEGs). This property is used in moisturising cosmetics. PEG-7 Stearate as one of the ingredients of such cosmetics helps to maintain proper hydration. This compound is also characterised by the fact that it works synergistically with other substances constituting a cosmetic formulation. Synergism means that the joint action of two or more substances is greater than the combined effect of each of these compounds separately. In cosmetics, the effect of a given ingredient, e.g., on the skin, often depends on the synergistic action of all substances in the preparation and their concentration.
Cosmetic products that contain PEG-7 Stearate:
The use of PEG-7 Stearate in the textile industry is largely based on two of its basic properties:
Softening effect
A softening agent such as PEG-7 Stearate added at the final stage of fibre preparation is a finishing agent which, when applied to textiles, improves adhesion and provides a pleasant touch. PEG-7 Stearate, as one of the components used in the textile industry, facilitates the movement of the fibre in the fabric structure, and thus facilitates deformation and wrinkling of the fabric.
Anti-electrostatic effect
The build-up of electrostatic charges on the fibres can cause sparks which, in extreme cases, can start a fire. In order for textile fibres to be safe for consumers and to reduce processing problems due to electrical charge build-up, it is very important to use the so-called electrostatic agents. Due to its properties, PEG-7 Stearate is one of the chemical compounds included in such preparations.
In addition, PEG-7 Stearate is a component of dye baths for dyeing cotton, wool and mixed products. It is also used for the preparation of finished products, both by drawing and pad batch dyeing.
