Ethylene glycol (IUPAC name: ethane-1,2-diol) is an organic compound with the formula (CH2OH)2. It is mainly used for two purposes, as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations. It is an odorless, colorless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid. Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) is a colorless, virtually odorless and slightly viscous liquid. It is miscible with water, alcohols, aldehydes, and many organic compounds. MEG will not dissolve rubber, cellulose acetate or heavy vegetable and petroleum oils. MEG has low volatility and it is 50% more hygroscopic than glycerol at room temperature.
Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is the most widely used chemical from the Glycol family. It is an essential raw material for Polyester fibers and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) polymer. MEG based products are also used as coolants in Automobile antifreeze, resins, humectants for paper, etc.
MEG can be transported in Avon Basson coated MS tankers. It can be stored in MS containers lined with baked phenolic resin/air drying Avon Basson phenolic resin or vinyl resin. It is advisable to store MEG in a cool, dry place with good ventilation – away from heat, sparks or flames.
Applications for Mono-Ethylene Glycol.
1. Polyester
Mono Ethylene Glycol is an essential raw material for Polyester. Ethylene Glycol reacts with PTA / DMT to produce polyester.
2. Adhesives, Sealants, and Coatings
Mono Ethylene Glycol and D-Ethylene Glycol have used in latex based paint formulation. These glycols are also used to produce acrylate and methacrylate resins for coatings, adhesives, and paints.
3. Alkyd Resins for Paints and Coatings
Mono Ethylene Glycol is used as a reactant in the manufacture of Alkyd resins which are used in paints, enamels, and varnishes.
4. Antifreeze
Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is used as an active ingredient in engine coolants and antifreeze, offering benefits including a high boiling point, low vapor pressure, excellent heat transfer abilities, and the ability to depress the freezing point of water.
5. Others
A) Dyes & Inks
MEG finds applications in products like Dyes & Inks for High-speed printing.
B) Humectants
Glycols being hygroscopic in nature are also used as Humectants for paper etc.
Diethylene Glycol
Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is a colorless, practically odorless, and hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste. It is miscible in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and ethylene glycol.
DEG is a widely used solvent. It is used in the manufacture of resins, polyurethanes, plasticizers, and is also used as a solvent for dyes and oils. DEG can be found in products such as tobacco, cork, ink, glue, brake fluid, lubricants, and cosmetics.
We have helped multiple customers, from small end users to large Fortune 500 customers, with their Diethylene Glycol (DEG) supply requirements and can ship bulk and various packaged products to meet such needs
Products that capitalize on these and other DEG properties include:
- Drywall joint compound
- Thermoplastic polyurethanes
- Emulsifiers
- Plasticizers
- Glass- and cement-grinding aids
- Furniture and shoe polishes
- Printing ink
Because of its higher molecular weight, diethylene glycol is considerably less volatile than ethylene glycol and differs sufficiently in that it has specialized uses. The reactivity and solubility of diethylene glycol provide the basis for many applications.
Triethylene glycol
Tri ethylene glycol is prepared commercially as a co-product of the oxidation of ethylene at high temperature, in the presence of a silver oxide catalyst. The ethylene oxide is then hydrated to yield mono, di, tri, and tetra ethylene glycols.
he main uses for tri ethylene glycol are based upon its hygroscopic quality. It is used as a dehydrating agent for natural gas pipelines where it removes the water from the gas before being condensed and reused in the system. It is also a dehumidifying agent in air-conditioning units.
It is also used to make chemical intermediates such as plasticizers and polyester resins. It is an additive in hydraulic fluids and brake fluids, and TEG is also used as a solvent in many applications, including as a selective solvent for aromatics, and a solvent in textile dyeing.
Tri ethylene glycol also has mild disinfectant qualities and, when volatised, is used as an air disinfectant for virus and bacteria control.
Tri ethylene glycol can be stored and transported in stainless steel, aluminum or lined tank cars, tank trucks, or 225 kg drums. It has a specific gravity of 1.125 and a flash point of 168 °C (closed cup) and is not classified for transport by road, sea, or rail.