Polyethylene glycol monoricinoleate

Polyethylene glycol monoricinoleate (CAS 9004-97-1), commonly referenced in trade as PEG 400 Monoricinoleate, is an ester derived from castor oil fatty acid and polyethylene glycol. It functions as a non-ionic emulsifier, lubricant, and plasticizer across multiple industrial and personal care sectors.

In personal care formulations, it emulsifies oil-in-water systems in creams, lotions, and conditioning products while contributing moisturizing properties to the finished formula. Textile and leather processors use it as a softening and lubricating agent during fiber treatment.

The product is essential during yarn spinning and leather finishing operations. In metalworking and industrial lubricant formulations, it acts as an emulsifier and boundary lubricant in cutting fluids and rolling oils to ensure smooth mechanical performance.

Coatings and adhesive formulators incorporate it as a plasticizer to improve flexibility and substrate adhesion in polymer-based systems. This versatility makes it a staple component in various chemical manufacturing processes and specialized industrial applications.

Polyethylene glycol monoricinoleate is supplied as a liquid, with viscosity varying according to the PEG chain length of the specific grade. The most commercially common grade is based on PEG 400, though other molecular weight variants are available.

These variants are selected depending on specific application requirements and desired solubility profiles. Technical and industrial grades are standard across the market, ensuring consistent performance for large-scale manufacturing and formulation needs.