Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer made from ethylene oxide. It has a wide range of applications in various fields, including medicine, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing. PEG is commonly used as a thickener, emulsifier, and lubricant in cosmetics, and as a solubilizing agent, excipient, and drug delivery vehicle in pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a coating agent in food, as a mold release agent in the production of plastics, and as a coolant and antifreeze in industrial applications. PEG is available in a range of molecular weights, which determines its physical properties such as solubility, viscosity, and melting point.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common plasticizer used in thermoplastic starch (TPS) production. PEG is added to the TPS matrix to improve its flexibility and reduce its glass transition temperature (Tg) to make it more malleable. PEG is a water-soluble polymer that can be easily incorporated into the starch matrix during the melt processing stage.
PEG has a high boiling point and low volatility, making it an ideal plasticizer for TPS production. Additionally, PEG is biocompatible, non-toxic, and renewable, which makes it a popular choice for producing eco-friendly TPS-based products.
In general, the amount of PEG used in TPS production depends on the desired properties of the final product. The addition of PEG can significantly impact the properties of the TPS matrix, such as its mechanical strength, water resistance, and thermal properties.