POLYOX ™ - What is Polyethylene Oxide?

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is a water soluble non ionic thermoplastic polymer with high molecular weight and strong thickening and binding performance. In the IFF POLYOX™ product line it provides viscosity control film formation wet tack and retention benefits across many industries.

Polyethylene oxide is made by the polymerisation of ethylene oxide into long high molecular weight chains which are then supplied under the POLYOX™ brand. These polymers cover a broad range of molecular weights from about 100000 up to about 8000000 grams per mole.


Because PEO is non ionic and highly water soluble it provides strong water binding viscoelastic behaviour and shear thinning flow when used in aqueous systems. In formulated products PEO helps control viscosity and flow improves film strength increases wet tack in adhesives and reduces drift or mist in spray applications.
PEO is also widely used as a flocculant binder and retention aid for water treatment paper production agriculture and other industrial processes. Certain POLYOX™ grades show compatibility with both water and selected organic solvents which increases formulation flexibility.


Under environmental or oxidative conditions PEO breaks down into low molecular weight polyethylene glycol which allows for improved recoverability and biodegradation in specific uses.
 

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