Polyethylene glycol
Description
A water-soluble polymer available in a range of viscosities from a honey-like solution to a hard wax-like block. Polyethylene glycols are used commercially as solvents for dyes, resin natural resins, and proteins. They are also used as plasticizers for casein, gelatin, glue, zein, cork, and inks. Carbowax formulations have also been used to slowly replaced water in water-logged wood providing structural support while decreasing wetness. They, however, remain somewhat tacky and can retain dirt that darkens and discolors the artifact.
Synonyms and Related Terms
PEG; poly(oxyethylene); polyglycol; polyether glycol; Carbowax [Union Carbide]; PEG [Shell Chemical]; Polyethylenglykol (Deut.); macrogol (Fr.); polyetylenglykol (Sven.); polietilenglicol (Esp.)
Other Properties
Average molecular weights range from 200-6000
Soluble or miscible with water and most organic solvents.
Heat stable, inert, low vapor pressure.
| Composition | HOCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2OH |
|---|---|
| CAS | 25322-68-3 |
Hazards and Safety
Combustible. Non-toxic (used in many foods).
Comparisons
General Characteristics of Polymers
Physical Properties for Selected Thermoplastic Resins
Authority
- Richard S. Lewis, Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- Hermann Kuhn, Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: dyeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol (Accessed Feb. 10, 2006)
- Gordon Hanlon, Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998