Casachem – Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound which has a wide variety of applications depending on the length of the polymer chain and the molecular weight of the final polymer. PEGs are typically prepared by polymerization of ethylene oxide and they can range in molecular weight from 200 g/mole to 8,000 g/mole.
PEGs are non-toxic colourless liquids or white waxes, depending on the molecular weight of the polymer. Polyethylene glycols typically offer good lubricity, heat stability and chemical resistance which make them ideal for dozens of applications.
Benefits: Polyethylene Glycols have good water-solubility even in the solid state. Thomas Swan offers PEG-3350 and PEG-4000 industrial grades, which are white waxes. Within the rubber industry these products are used as release agents for foam and latex. They are also used as lubricants and process aids in both natural and synthetic rubber applications, which may otherwise be difficult to process.
PEG-3350 and PEG-4000 are effective activators when compounding with silica and clay fillers. The PEG’s will assist in overcoming the retarding effects of mineral pigments, improving both the cure rate and state of cure. These products will also reduce bloom and iridescence due to the polarity added to the polymer. The added polarity will also promote microwave curing of EPDM.
