Polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) is widely utilized in the fields of disinfection and hygiene, finding application in products such as contact lens care solutions, hand sanitizers, vaginal washes, and skin and wound disinfectants; it also serves as a household disinfectant. In the cosmetics and personal care sector, it is incorporated into both leave-on and rinse-off products-including creams, lotions, facial masks, baby care items, wet wipes, shampoos, and hair conditioners.
In the textile industry, PHMG enables antimicrobial finishing for non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, and viscose fibers through processes such as pad-rolling, dipping, or spraying; this treatment demonstrates durability, withstanding over 50 washing cycles. Within the industrial and water treatment sectors, it is employed for the disinfection of containers, pipelines, and facility floors in the food, beer, and beverage industries; for the elimination of algae in aquatic environments; and for the flocculation and clarification of suspended solids during water treatment. Furthermore, it functions as a flocculant and disinfectant in the processing of fruits and vegetables, aquaculture, and wastewater treatment.
In the realm of antimicrobial materials, PHMG can be incorporated in solid form to manufacture antimicrobial plastics-such as antimicrobial PP, PE, and masterbatches-as well as antimicrobial silicone and fibers. In the paper industry, it acts to kill and inhibit microbial growth while dispersing and eliminating sticky deposits, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of circulating white water. Finally, in the context of disposable hygiene products, it is utilized for the surface treatment of sanitary pads, panty liners, and baby diapers.
