Description
Description
PEG-90M is a very high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide used at low concentration to generate exceptional lubricity, stringiness, drag reduction, and water-phase body. POLYOX-type grades are especially useful in cleansers, shaving products, gels, and hair systems where conventional thickeners do not provide the same slippery sensory profile.
Chemical & Technical Profile
| INCI / Identity | PEG-90M |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 25322-68-3 |
| Molecular Formula | High-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide |
| Molecular Weight | Grade-dependent |
| Physical Form | White free-flowing powder |
| Solubility | Water-soluble; requires controlled hydration |
| Functional Category | High-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide / slip and drag-reduction polymer |
Mechanism of Action / Technical Function
Polyethylene oxide chains hydrate extensively and form highly entangled polymer coils in water. The entanglement network increases extensional viscosity and reduces friction under flow, producing characteristic slip and lubricity even when conventional Brookfield viscosity is modest. Molecular weight and shear history are therefore critical performance variables.
Formulation Guidelines
Pre-wet the powder in glycerin, glycol, or another non-solvent carrier, or add slowly to strongly agitated water to prevent fish-eyes. Allow complete hydration before judging viscosity. Avoid prolonged high shear after hydration because chain scission can irreversibly reduce molecular weight and performance. Salts and surfactants can alter hydration behavior, so develop in the actual finished system.
Compatibility & Stability
Monitor viscosity, stringiness, clarity, foam behavior, and shear stability. Standardize hydration time and measurement method. Oxidative chain degradation can occur in the presence of strong oxidants or certain transition metals.
R&D, Scale-Up & Quality Control
Critical quality attributes for PEG-90M Powder (POLYOX-Type) include PEG-90M powder hydration, molecular-weight-related viscosity, and stringiness. The production record should fix pre-wetting, addition rate, hydration time, and the maximum shear applied after hydration; otherwise a chemically correct formula can still show batch-to-batch physical variation. Before release, verify that the required slip and extensional rheology are achieved without fish-eyes or shear-induced viscosity loss.
Packaging, Shipping & Storage
Supplied in a sealed aluminum pouch. Store tightly closed, cool, dry, and protected from humidity. Prevent airborne dust.
Estimated Delivery: 10–15 Business Days
Applications
Gels, shampoos, cleansers, liquid soaps, shaving systems, hair styling products, lubricious serums, and specialty rheology systems.
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