Carbowax
Description
[Dow (formerly Union Carbide]) A registered trademark for a series of translucent polyethylene glycols (PEG) and methoxypolyethylene glycols. The water-soluble Carbowax® products are available in a range of viscosities from a honey-like solution to a hard wax-like block. They are used commercially as solvents for dyes, 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.
Carbowax compounds are categorized by their molecular weight. Note: this is an average weight measure in daltons.
- Carbowax 200, 300 (or PEG-4, -6) : Clear liquids; used as dye dispersants, latex processing aids, fungicide.
- Carbowax 400 (or PEG-8): Oily liquid as dispersants, lubricants, anti-static agents, anti-fog coatings, leather conditioner, inks.
- Carbowax 540 (or PEG 300): Viscous liquid used as a mold release agent, a humectant, and cleaner (copper, brass, tires).
- Carbowax 1000 & 1450: Soft, waxy solids used as carriers for adhesives, mold release agent, plasticizers, shoe polish
- Carbowax 3350 & 4000: Heavy, waxy solids used as binders, lubricants, mold release, anti-caking, stick applications for cleaning
- Carbowax 8000: Waxy, white solids or flakes that are highly soluble in water, sold for anti-caking, fertilizer spikes, wood treating.
Synonyms and Related Terms
PEG; polyethylene glycol; methoxypolyethylene glycol; polietilenglicol (Esp.): metoxipolietilenglicol (Esp.)
Risks
- Potential skin irritant.
- Combustible. Flash point: 182 - 287 C
- Dow Chemical: MSDS
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Soluble in water.
- CAS# = 25322-68-3
Resources and Citations
- Dow Chemical: Carbowax
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- Marie Svoboda, Conservation Survey Index, unpublished, 1997