CARBOWAX™ Polyethylene Glycols

Innovation, Performance, Flexibility and Quality from the Global Leader in PEGs
 CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs
Improving Formulations and Processes for More than 70 Years

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) and Methoxypolyethylene

Glycols (MPEGs) are among the most versatile Innovation Flexibility
chemical ingredients available to formulators and Dow is a reliable source of innovative solutions. CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs may be a suitable
manufacturers. Since 1940, CARBOWAX™ brand Whether those innovations come in the form of product for your application. CARBOWAX™ PEGs
PEGs and MPEGs have set industry standards new products, increased processing efficiency, and MPEGs are available in a wide range of
for innovation, performance, formulation flexibility support for quality requirements, or tailored viscosities and melting points for wide formulating
and quality. supply chain solutions, you can look to Dow for the flexibility. By choosing a suitable product grade,
science, technology and knowhow to help support or blending products, you can achieve the desired
Formulators in a wide range of industries value your innovations. balance of water solubility, hygroscopicity, vapor
pressure, melting or freezing range, and viscosity.
Performance
the contributions CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs
make to their products, including enhanced solvency, Flexibility is further enhanced by multiple product
lubricity, hygroscopicity, and other important The performance of CARBOWAX™ PEGs and forms including liquid, powder, granular and
functional properties. Manufacturing chemists choose MPEGs has been proven over decades of use in flake materials.

Quality
CARBOWAX™ PEGS and MPEGs to improve a variety of industries. It starts with the physical
production processes, in applications including mold properties and primary hydroxyl functionality of
and mandrel releases, lubricants, anti-static agents PEGs and MPEGs, which make them valuable Whether you are concerned about regulatory
and other processing aids. CARBOWAX™ PEGs can formulating ingredients or intermediates. compliance or managing quality across your supply
also be used as chemical intermediates, resulting in CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs offer attractive chain, the CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs team
products for foam control, thickeners, and resins. solubility properties, are hygroscopic, enable supports you with an exceptional commitment to
viscosity profile design, and can undergo reactions quality. We were the first U.S. producer of PEGs
typical of alcohols. and MPEGs with manufacturing facilities registered
to the ISO 9002 quality standard. That heritage
continues as we maintain our current registration
to ISO 9001:2008 and our total commitment to
providing quality products, quality service and
quality support.

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Global Supply Capabilities
As the world’s largest supplier of PEG and MPEG products, Dow operates manufacturing facilities in
several locations. Our ability to meet various PEG and MPEG requirements globally is supported by
Dow inventory management solutions and our network of strategically located terminal facilities that
help enable delivery by marine, rail, and truck transportation. We offer Product Stewardship assistance
for proper handling of CARBOWAX™ PEG and MPEG products throughout the supply chain.
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 The Inside Story

CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs

Chemistry and Product Line

Typical Physical Properties of CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs*

CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs are a family of

Product Range of Range of Liquid Density, g/cc Melting or Solubility Viscosity
water soluble linear polymers formed by the addition
Average Average Freezing in Water at 100°C,
reaction of ethylene oxide to an ethylene glycol Molecular Hydroxyl 20°C 60°C 80°C Range, °C at 20°C, (210°F),
equivalent. The general formula for polyethylene Weight Number, % by wt cSt
glycol is: H–(OCH2CH2)n–OH and for methoxypoly- Mg KOH/g
ethylene glycol: CH3–(OCH2CH2)n–OH where “n” CARBOWAX™ PEGs
is the average number of repeating oxyethylene
200 190 to 210 535 to 590 1.1238 1.0921 1.0763 (d) Complete 4.3
groups. 300 285 to 315 340 to 394 1.1249 1.0927 1.0766 -15 to -8 Complete 5.8
400 380 to 420 264 to 300 1.1255 1.0931 1.0769 4 to 8 Complete 7.3
CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs are available in a 540 Blend (a) — — (e) 1.0930 1.0765 38 to 41 73 15.1
wide range of viscosities and melting points to 600 570 to 630 178 to 197 1.1258 1.0931 1.0767 15 to 25 Complete 10.8
offer flexibility to help optimize formulations. 1000 950 to 1050 107 to 118 (e) 1.0927 1.0765 35 to 40 80 17.2
Depending on molecular weight, CARBOWAX™ 1450 1305 to 1595 70 to 86 (e) 1.0919 1.0761 42 to 46 72 26.5
products are available in liquid, molten, solid, 1450 aqueous 1305 to 1595 70 to 86 (e) 1.0919 1.0761 42 to 46 72 26.5
granular, flake and powder forms. 3350 3015 to 3685 30 to 38 (e) 1.0926 1.0769 53 to 57 67 90.8
4000 3600 to 4400 25 to 32 (e) 1.0926 1.0769 53 to 59 66 140.4
CARBOWAX™ Polyethylene Glycols are available in 4000 aqueous 3600 to 4400 25 to 32 (e) 1.0926 1.0769 53 to 59 66 140.4
4600 4140 to 5060 22 to 27 (e) 1.0926 1.0764 54 to 60 65 183.9
average molecular weights ranging from 200 to
8000 7000 to 9000 12 to 16 (e) 1.0852 (b) 1.0689 (c) 55 to 62 63 821.7
8000. CARBOWAX™ Methoxypolyethylene Glycols
are available in average molecular weights ranging CARBOWAX™ MPEGs
from 350 to 750. CARBOWAX™ PEG 540 Blend, a 350 335 to 365 154 to 167 1.0894 1.0547 1.0373 -5 to 10 Complete 3.9
mixture of PEG 300 and PEG 1450, completes the 550 525 to 575 97 to 107 1.1039 1.0690 1.0515 15 to 25 Complete 6.5
family of CARBOWAX™ products. 750 715 to 785 71 to 78 (e) 1.0761 1.0595 27 to 32 Complete 10.3
* Typical properties, not to be construed as specifications.

FOOTNOTES:
(a) A 41/59 wt % mixture of PEG 300 and PEG 1450 (f) 50% aqueous solution
(b) At 70°C (g) At 40°C
(c) At 90°C (h) Negative indicates heat evolved
(d) Sets to glass below -65°C (i) Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
(e) Solid at specified temperature (j) International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient
(k) Proposed CTFA/INCI Name

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Average Surface Heat of Heat of CTFA (i)/INCI (j) Supplied Form Appearance at 27°C
Number of Tension Fusion, Combustion (h) Nomenclature
Repeating at 25°C, cal/g at 25°C,
Oxyethylene mN/m Btu/lb
Units (J/g)

4.1 44.5 (d) -10,510 (-26,753) PEG-4 Liquid Clear, Viscous Liquid
6.4 44 37 -10,840 (-25,196) PEG-6
8.7 44.5 36 -11,010 (-25,591) PEG-8
(a) (e) 37 -11,070 (-25,730) PEG-6 (and) PEG-32 Fused Solid Soft, Opaque White Solid
13.2 44.5 35 -11,100 (-25,800) PEG-12 Liquid Clear, Viscous Liquid
22.3 (e) 38 -11,240 (-26,125) PEG-20 Fused Solid Soft, Opaque White Solid
32.5 (e) 37 -11,300 (-26,265) PEG-32 Flake
32.5 (e) 37 -11,300 (-26,265) PEG-32 Liquid in bulk
75.7 (e) 39 -11,380 (-26,451) PEG-75 Granular, Powder Hard, Opaque White Solid
90.5 (e) 45 -11,390 (-26,474) PEG-90 (k)
90.5 (e) 45 -11,390 (-26,474) PEG-90 (k) Liquid in bulk
104.1 (e) 45 -11,390 (-26,474) PEG-100 Granular Hard, Opaque White Solid
181.4 51.3 (f) 41 -11,410 (-26,521) PEG-180 Granular, Powder

7.2 40.5 26 -11,340 (-26,358) PEG-6 Methyl Ether Liquid Clear, Viscous Liquid
11.8 40.7 (g) 30 -11,400 Methoxy PEG-10
16.3 40.7 (g) 34 -11,350 (-26,381) Methoxy PEG-16 Fused Solid Soft, Opaque White Solid

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 Compliance Information FDA Food FDA Regulation (21 CFR)
Certain CARBOWAX™ PEGs are permitted Indirect Additives:
for use under the following Food Additive
Regulations for indirect use as components Permitted Use 200 300 400 600 1000 540 1450 3350 4000 4600 8000
of articles intended for use in contact with Blend

food. There is no maximum limit on their 175.105 Component of adhesives used x x x x x x x x x x

use in these applications other than that the in articles intended for packaging,
amount used shall not exceed the minimum transporting or holding food.

amount needed to produce the intended 175.300 In reaction with triglycerides x x x x x x x x x x

technical effect.* and fatty acids to produce
reconstituted oils that are used in
resinous and polymeric coatings.1
176.170 As a component of paper and x x x x x x x x x x
paperboard in contact with
aqueous and fatty foods.1
176.180 As a component of paper and x x x x x x x x x x
paperboard in contact with
dry food.1
177.2600 As a component of rubber articles x x x x x x x x x x
intended for repeated use.
1

178.3750 Component of articles intended x x x x x x x x x x

for use in contact with food.
Note: This regulation includes
most uses in food-contact and
food-packaging applications.
178.3910 Component of surface lubricants x x x x x x x x x x
used in drawing, stamping and
forming metallic articles from rolled
foil or sheet by further processing.

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The restriction for the use of PEGs in these applications requires an ethylene glycol + diethylene glycol content of 0.2 wt% (maximum)
EG + DEG for a mole weight of below 350. Therefore, CARBOWAX™ PEG 200 are excluded from these applications.

*Statements about the compliance status of CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs are not intended as regulatory advice for any specific use nor
are they an alternative to seeking regulatory advice for a user’s particular intended use. It is the responsibility of the user of CARBOWAX™
PEGs and MPEGs to read and understand all current applicable FDA and EPA regulations, as well as any other applicable regulations.

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EPA EPA Regulation (40 CFR)

Permitted Use 200 300 400 600 1000 540 1450 3350 4000 4600 8000
Blend

180.910 Inert ingredients used pre- and x x x x x x x x x x x

post harvest; exemptions from
the requirement of a tolerance.
180.930 Inert ingredients applied to x x x x x x x x x x x
animals; exemptions from the
requirement of a tolerance.

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 A World of Applications
The physical properties and the primary hydroxyl functionality of CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs
can make them highly versatile formulating ingredients and intermediates and have resulted in their
widespread commercial use. Following are just a few of the potential uses for CARBOWAX™ products.
We invite you to consult with our team to explore a solution to your product or process requirements.

End Use Guide for CARBOWAX™ PEGs and MPEGs

Key Properties Formulation Uses and Contributions Recommended Products

Freeze/Melt Range

Chemical Structure
Water Solubility

Typical Industrial Hygroscopicity

Solvency
Viscosity

Lubricity

Application

Adhesives x x x Used as plasticizers to increase lubricity and add humectancy to CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
maintain wet tack strength.
Agriculture x x x Water solubility and solvency properties make PEGs CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 3350, 4000, 8000
excellent vehicles for organically-derived insecticides, hormones,
and herbicides. EPA approved for use as inert ingredients in
pesticides.
Antistatic Agent x Reduces static by absorbing water. CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
Ceramics x x x x x Function as plasticizers, binders, carriers, and lubricants. Smooth, Binder: CARBOWAX™ PEG 3350, 4000, 8000
clean burnout during firing. Lubricant: CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
Chemical Intermediate x x x Primary hydroxyl functionality allows reactions typical of alcohols, CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600, 1000,
such as conversion of functional alcohol group to esters, ethers, 1450, 3350, 4000, 4600, 8000
amines and acetals.
Dye Carrier x x Carrier and dispersant for dye particles. CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
Humectant x Attracts and retains moisture from atmosphere. Suitable for inks CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
and adhesives. Replaces other hygroscopic materials such as
glycerin and propylene glycol.
Inks x x x x Act as humectants, solvents, lubricants, and dye carriers. Provide CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
controlled hygroscopicity for ink setting.
Lubricants x x x Natural lubricity, low volatility, and water solubility. CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600, 1000,
Nonstaining to metal parts, textiles and clothing; are easily 1450, 3350
cleaned and are noncorrosive to rubber and plastic materials.

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 Key Properties Formulation Uses and Contributions Recommended Products

Freeze/Melt Range

Chemical Structure
Water Solubility

Hygroscopicity
Typical Industrial

Solvency
Viscosity

Lubricity
Application

Metalworking x x Used as lubricants for stamping and rolling, fluids for cutting CARBOWAX™ PEG 400, 600
and grinding, and as components of buffing and polishing
compounds.
Mandrel Releases x x x Used as a lubricant. Non staining to metal parts. Easily cleaned. CARBOWAX™ PEG 3350, 4000, 4600, 8000
Mining
x x Drilling fluid intermediate and ingredient. CARBOWAX™ PEG 3350, 4000, 4600, 8000
Mold Release Agent x x x Provides lubrication that is easy to rinse away with water; low ash CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
resulting in no residue.
Paints and Coatings x x Used as intermediates in resin synthesis to enhance water CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 1450, 3350, 4000
dispersibility. Also used as modifiers and binders in latex paints
and shellacs.
Paper and Paper Products x x Adds softening, flexibility, and slip characteristics. Adds effective CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600
lubricity to coatings. PEGs also serve as color stabilizers,
plasticizers, anti-stick agents, and dimensional stabilizers.
Plasticizer x Improves the fluidity of materials; non corrosive. CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 600, 1000
Powder Metallurgy x x x PEGs are used as binders in metal powder systems. CARBOWAX™ PEG 8000
Rubber and Elastomers x x Used as mold release agents and lubricants for fabricating natural CARBOWAX™ PEG 300, 400, 1450, 3350, 4000, 8000
and synthetic rubbers. Water solubility allows easy application
and removal. Dispersant for compounding.
Textiles x x x Serve as lubricants, softeners, antistatic agents, and Softener – CARBOWAX™ PEG 540 Blend, 3350
conditioning agents. PEG esters are used as processing and
Polyester Intermediate – CARBOWAX™ PEG 400, 600
finishing aids and as easily removable sizes.
Soaps and Detergents x x x Water soluble, and provides good solvent properties for other CARBOWAX™ PEG 300, 400, 600, 1000, 1450, 3350,
formulation components; also provides excellent control of
4000, 8000
texture, viscosity and degree of formulation hygroscopicity
Toilet Bowl Cleaners x x Provides viscosity and solvency for other formulation ingredients. CARBOWAX™ PEG 8000
Wood Treatment x x x Prevents shrinkage, drying, and cracking; helps maintain wood CARBOWAX™ PEG 200, 300, 400, 3350, 4000
softness. Allows kiln drying at higher temperatures, and provides
long-term dimensional stabilization.

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Product Stewardship
Dow has a fundamental concern for all who make, distribute and use its products, and for the
environment in which we live. This concern is the basis of our product stewardship philosophy
by which we assess the health and environmental information on our products and take
appropriate steps to protect employee and public health and our environment. Our product
stewardship program rests in each and every individual involved with Dow products – from the
initial concept and research to manufacture, use, sale and disposal of each product.

Customer Notice
Dow strongly encourages its customers to review both their manufacturing processes and
their applications of Dow products from the standpoint of human health and environmental
quality to help ensure that Dow products are not used in ways for which they are not intended
or tested. Dow personnel will assist customers in dealing with environmental and product
safety considerations. Dow product literature, including Material Safety Data Sheets, should
be consulted prior to use of Dow products.

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 CARBOWAX™ Polyethylene Glycols
Innovation, Performance, Flexibility and Quality from the Global Leader in PEGs

Learn More…

For additional information regarding CARBOWAX™ Polyethylene Glycol and

Methoxypolyethylene Glycol products, and to obtain formulating samples,
visit us online or contact us at the number listed for your area below.

U.S., Canada, Mexico: Latin America: Europe: Asia-Pacific:

Phone: 1-800-447-4369 Phone: (+55)-11-5188-9000 Phone Toll-free: +800 3 694 6367* Phone Toll-free: +800 7776 7776*
Phone: +31 11567 2626 Phone: (+60) 3 7965 5392
*Toll free service not available in all countries

www.carbowax.com

NOTICE: No freedom from any infringement of patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is
responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for Customer’s use and for ensuring that Customer’s workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable
laws and other governmental enactments. The product shown in this literature may not be for sale and/or available in all geographies where Dow is represented. The claims made may not have been approved for use in
all countries. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise
expressly noted. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

Published October 2011

Printed in U.S.A. ®TM
Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow Form No 118 - 01789-1011 AMS