Overview
Polyglycerol esters (PGE) are synthetic emulsifiers derived from glycerol polymerization and esterification with fatty acids. They are classified as non-ionic surfactants with adjustable hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values, making them adaptable to diverse formulations. First developed in the mid-20th century, PGEs gained prominence as safer alternatives to traditional emulsifiers like monoglycerides. Their molecular structure consists of a polyglycerol backbone (typically 2–10 glycerol units) bonded to fatty acid chains (e.g., stearic, oleic, or lauric acid). This modular design allows customization for specific applications, from stabilizing ice cream to enhancing drug delivery systems. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and FDA approve select PGEs for food use under E-number E475.
Physical and Chemical Properties
PGEs exhibit variable physical states depending on their composition—ranging from liquids to waxy solids. Their viscosity increases with higher glycerol polymerization degrees. A key advantage is their thermal stability, resisting decomposition up to 180°C, which suits baking and frying applications. Chemically, PGEs demonstrate low interfacial tension, enabling efficient oil-water emulsification. Their HLB range (3–13) allows formulators to select products for water-in-oil (e.g., margarine) or oil-in-water (e.g., dairy creams) systems. Unlike ionic emulsifiers, PGEs maintain functionality across pH 3–10, making them robust for acidic beverages or alkaline cleaners.
Main Applications
In the food industry, PGEs serve as multifunctional additives. They prevent sugar crystallization in chocolates, improve aeration in whipped toppings, and extend shelf life in baked goods by starch complexation. Their synergy with other emulsifiers (e.g., lecithin) enhances performance in low-fat spreads. Beyond food, PGEs are valued in cosmetics for their non-greasy texture and moisturizing effects, appearing in creams and makeup removers. Pharmaceutical formulations use them as solubilizers for poorly water-soluble drugs. Industrially, they act as lubricant additives and biodegradable dispersants for agrochemicals.
Safety and Storage
Regarded as low-risk substances, PGEs are non-mutagenic and exhibit LD50 values >2,000 mg/kg (oral, rats). However, dust inhalation during industrial handling may irritate respiratory tracts, necessitating PPE like N95 masks. Food-grade PGEs must comply with purity standards limiting residual glycerol and free fatty acids. Storage recommendations include airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption, which can induce hydrolysis. Bulk storage tanks should use stainless steel or polyethylene lining to avoid corrosion. Shelf life typically exceeds 24 months when stored below 30°C.
B2B Procurement Guide
Buyers should prioritize suppliers with ISO 9001 certification and batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoA). Key specifications include HLB value (±1 unit), acid value (<5 mg KOH/g), and peroxide value (<10 meq/kg). For food applications, verify compliance with local regulations (e.g., 21 CFR 172.854 in the US). Bulk shipments (≥1 ton) commonly use 200kg drums or flexitanks, with pricing tiers for >5-ton orders. Sample testing is advised to confirm compatibility with existing formulations. Emerging trends include sustainably sourced PGEs using RSPO-certified palm oil derivatives.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：ADMER三井粘合树脂、Nucre粘合树脂、Elvaloy改性树脂、甘油酯、接枝GMA、马来酸酐接枝、PP马来酸酐接枝、PE接枝马来酸酐、Surlyn沙林树脂
- 主营：回收聚醚多元醇、回收热熔胶、回收石蜡、回收过期聚合物多元醇、回收香精、回收化工原料、回收日化原料、回收化妆品原料、回收塑料助剂、回收过期油墨、回收过期油漆、回收胶印油墨、回收树脂、回收聚氨酯黑白料、回收异氰酸酯、回收MDI、回收三氧化二锑、回收氧化锌、回收抗氧剂、回收钛白粉、回收船舶油漆、回收防污漆、回收荧光增白剂、回收二甲基硅油、回收二甲基亚砜、回收硫酸亚锡
- 主营：甲基丙烯酸十二酯、甲基丙烯酸十六酯、甲基丙烯酸十八酯、缩水甘油酯、丙烯酸十二酯、丙烯酸十六酯、丙烯酸十八酯、V50引发剂、偶氮二异丁咪唑啉盐酸盐、N-乙酰己内酰胺、硅烷偶联剂、双马来酰亚胺、马来酸酯、缩水甘油醚、甲基咪唑、N-异丙基丙烯酰胺、金属萃取剂
- 主营：异辛醇、乳化剂、乙烯醚、甘油酯、醚羧酸、脂肪醇、分散剂、染色助剂、聚乙二醇、异构醇醚、泊洛沙姆、椰油酰胺、基羟乙基、烷基糖苷、特辛基酚、聚氧乙烯、嵌段聚醚、单油酸酯、异构十三醇、丙烯磺酸钠、氢化蓖麻油、丙烯酰胺基、醇醚葡糖苷、低泡渗透剂、甲酯乙氧基、癸基葡糖苷
- 主营：聚合甘油、聚合多元醇、混合醇
- 主营：恩布酯、甘氨酰、4282-24-0、聚合物、1692-15-5、二苯胺、7779-90-0、1897-45-6、6809-52-5、7681-52-9、嘧菌酯、磷酸铬、褪黑素、3486-30-4、1776-30-3、5856-62-2、吡咯基、1317-80-2、达比加、异戊醛、化合物、1069-23-4、氟苯基、碲化钠、氟洛芬
- 主营：甘氨酰、二苯胍、碳酸镁、甘油酯、特戊醛、化合物、碲化钠
- 主营：定香剂、氧化铅、浮选油、甘油酯、氧化铋、氟化铝、氟化镁、洗涤剂、异丙醇、漂粉精、漂白粉、白僵菌、乙酸钡、氟化钙、水杨酸、松醇油、碳酸钡、醋酸钡、95福美钠、苯丙乳液、三乙二醇、鱼虾养殖、单乙醇胺、三乙醇胺、氯偏乳液、快干水泥
- 主营：硫酸钡、碳酸钙、硅溶胶、甘油酯、苄基胂酸、甲基磺酸、氨基磺酸、正硅酸乙酯、多聚甲醛
- 主营：无氟防水剂、碳六防水剂、防水剂、丙烯酸缩水甘油酯、水性防水剂、油性防水剂、C6防水剂、C8防水剂、C0防水剂、碳八防水剂、防水助剂、防水整理剂、开油水、稀释剂、清洗剂、天那水、洗网水、防虹吸、防泼水、动态防水、除油剂、除锈剂、飞织防水、网布防水、鞋面防水
- 主营：乳化剂、消泡剂、润湿剂、同步酯化聚合、分散剂、除臭剂、表面活性剂、水性上光油、杀菌剂、硅烷偶联剂、双丙酮DAAM、二酰阱ADH、防腐剂、流平剂、引发剂、成膜助剂、吊白块、雕白粉、水性增粘乳液、OT75润湿剂
- 主营：二氧化硒、硫氰酸钠、对甲苯磺酸、甲基丙烯酸缩水甘油酯、九水硫化钠、硫化钡、氢氧化钡、苯甲酰氯、三硫代碳酸钠、还原铁粉、氟硅酸铵、氟化钾、黄血盐钾、氟化钠、黄血盐钠、过氧化苯甲酰、AC发泡剂、异丙醇铝、4-对二氯苄、多硫化钠、铁氰化钾、对苯二甲酸二甲酯、5-羟甲基糠醛
- 主营：离子液体、5-二甲基吡唑、TS-钛硅分子筛、湖北肉豆寇酸单甘油酯、丙酮缩氨基硫脲、硫酸烟酰苯胺
- 主营：硫酸烟酰苯胺、TS-1钛硅分子筛、2-氯丙酰氯、肉豆寇酸单甘油酯、甲基磺酸铋、异硬脂酸、油酸咪唑啉、苯基膦酸、单宁酸、抗氧剂、中间体、离子液体
- 主营：粘结剂、阻燃剂、絮凝剂、甘油酯、3584-23-4、引发剂、哌啶基、封端剂、乙交酯、抗菌剂、交联剂、肌肽锌、增亮剂、干燥剂、润滑剂、护发剂、粘合剂、对位酯、阻聚剂、稀释剂、羟乙基、偶联剂、分散剂、中间体、l-丙交酯、丙烯酸锌