Applications in Various Industries:
- Industrial Use: Used as a lubricant and coolant in rubber and metal processing.
Acts as a dispersant and emulsifier in pesticide and pigment industries. - Cosmetic and Personal Care: Used as a base in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, such as creams and lotions.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as a matrix in controlled-release drug formulations and as a laxative (e.g., Macrogol).
Where is PEG 8000 Found?
- Natural Sources: Not naturally occurring; it is a synthetic polymer.
- Industrial Production: Produced by the polymerization of ethylene oxide with a molecular weight of approximately 8000.
- Consumer Products: Found in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial products like lubricants and dispersants.