March, 2013
Ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin — these substances are most frequently used as the basis of antifreezes because their water solutions have a tendency to remain liquid at temperatures below 00C.
The following table shows the main properties of the above chemicals:
| Properties | Ethylene glycol | Propylene glycol | Glycerin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clas | polyatomic alcohols (fatty alcohols) | ||
| Appearance | Slightly viscous clear liquid | Moderately viscous clear liquid | Very viscous clear liquid |
| Color | without color | without color | without color |
| Odor | Without odor | Without odor | Without odor |
| Density at 200С, g/cm3 | 1,115 | 1,040 | 1,260 |
| Melting point, 0С | -13 | -60 | 17,9 |
| Boiling point, 0С | 197 | 187 | 290 |
| Dynamic viscosity at 200С, mPа*s | 19,9 | 56 | 1490 |
| Freezing temperature of 50% solution, 0С | -33 | -31 | -23 |
| Boiling temperature of 50% solution, 0С | >100 | >100 | >100 |
| Density of 50% solution at 200С, g/cm3 | 1,065 | 1,037 | 1,126 |
| Toxicity | Moderately toxic and poisonous | Non-toxic - food supplement | Non-toxic - food supplement |
