Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are liquids that, according to chemical classification, belong to the group of polyhydric or fatty alcohols.
They are colorless, rather viscous (propylene glycol — more, ethylene glycol — less), slightly oily to the touch.
Both propylene glycol and ethylene glycol mix well with water. In this case, solutions are obtained, the freezing points of which can be significantly lower than 0°C.
It is this property that determines the main use of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol — as raw materials for antifreeze fluids and heat carriers for various purposes.
Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol Applications
In addition, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol have a number of other uses.
Propylene Glycol Applications:
- Production of mixtures, resins and polyurethanes for the construction and automotive industries.
- As a solvent in the cosmetic industry in the manufacture of shampoos, creams, pastes and other products.
- As a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Food additive E1520 in the food industry.
- Humidification of tobacco in the tobacco industry.
- As a plasticizer in the production of films.
- Liquids for electronic cigarettes.
Ethylene glycol application:
- Raw materials for the production of polymers and other chemicals.
- As a solvent in the production of paints and inks.
- As a component of recipes for household and industrial products.
- For drying gases.
Benefits of Propylene Glycol
The main advantage of propylene glycol is its environmental friendliness.
Propylene glycol is non-toxic, it is a food additive, therefore it can be used without restriction in any industry, including food and pharmaceutical, in public and residential buildings.
Disadvantages of Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is more viscous than ethylene glycol. At high concentrations of propylene glycol in the solution or coolant, as the temperature decreases, it becomes more difficult to pump and the load on the pumps increases.
Propylene glycol is also slightly more expensive than ethylene glycol.
Benefits of ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol has good thermophysical characteristics, which leads to a fairly efficient heat transfer in the system.
Plus, the price of ethylene glycol is quite budgetary.
Disadvantages of ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is moderately toxic and poisonous. In this regard, the areas of its application have certain limitations.
