Polyethylene Oxide (PEO), also known as polyethylene glycol (PEG) when in lower molecular weights, is a versatile polymer made from the polymerization of ethylene oxide. Its chemical formula is (C₂H₄O)n, where n represents the number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the polymer chain.
Key Properties:
- Water Solubility: PEO is highly soluble in water, making it useful in a range of aqueous applications.
- Viscosity: It has a relatively high viscosity, especially in solutions, which can be controlled by adjusting the molecular weight.
- Biodegradability: PEO is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly option for various applications.
- Non-Toxic: It is generally recognized as safe and is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
- Thermal Stability: PEO has good thermal stability, especially at lower molecular weights, which makes it suitable for a variety of formulations.
Common Uses:
- Pharmaceuticals: Used as a binder in tablets, as a laxative, and as a controlled-release drug delivery agent.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: Found in creams, lotions, shampoos, and toothpaste as a thickening agent, solvent, or humectant.
- Food Industry: Used as a food additive (E1521) to improve texture and moisture retention in products like ice cream and baked goods.
- Industrial: Used as a lubricant, surfactant, and dispersant in various industrial processes and formulations.
- Biomedical: Used in wound dressings, hydrogels, and as a drug carrier in medical applications.
PEO is a highly versatile and safe polymer with a wide range of applications, especially in industries requiring water-soluble and non-toxic materials.
