Propylene glycol is regarded as one of the building blocks of various industrial processes. It is safe, easy to use, biodegradable, and non-corrosive. Aside from its popularity as antifreeze and heat transfer fluid, it controls the viscosity of liquid products, protects metal against deformation, and dissolves active agents in drugs. Not only that, this organic alcohol helps to improve the stability of liquid compounds and prolong their shelf life. Detailed below are some of its popular uses:
Antifreeze:
In colder temperature, an ordinary fluid like water usually freezes and expands in volume. When applied to metal pipes as antifreeze, it causes pipes to rupture and deform in time. A substance with high boiling point and low freezing point like propylene glycol is necessary to prevent engines from undergoing corrosion, overheating, and/or freezing.
A mixture of water and propylene glycol is ideal for pipe burst protection and containment systems. This solution retains its flow ability in engines and does not add pressure in pipes and metal vessels. It can also be applied for solar panel systems and marine transportation.
Aircraft Deicer:
Airlines need to maintain a regular service regardless of the weather. Flight operation is especially challenging during winter as aircraft tend to accumulate atmospheric ice while in flight. At the same time, snow can render ground surfaces rough that it disrupts smooth air flow and degrades the ability of an airplane wing to generate lift.
It is important to apply a deicer that not just cleans surfaces of ice, but can delay its build-up for longer periods to prevent Industrial Development Report 2019 ice adhesion. Propylene glycol is suitable as an aircraft deicer not just for its low freezing point but for its non-toxicity.
Plastics and Resins:
The organic glycol also serves as an important raw material and chemical intermediate for the production of formable plastics like unsaturated polyester resins (UPR). These resins in turn are used for molding compounds of transports, tank sheets, electric components, reinforced plastic laminates, synthetic castings, and windmill blades.
It also used as a starter for polymers to produce polyurethanes. Polyurethane is a well-known material for synthetic foams, which are used for insulation and furniture.
Detergents:
Likewise, household detergents, cleaning fluids, and soaps require a homogenous distribution of their active ingredients throughout a product. When propylene glycol is added to a product, it acts as a stabilizer while retaining its effectiveness at lower temperatures.
Paints and Coatings:
Propylene glycol contributes significantly to the protective power of paints and varnishes. It also helps preserve surfaces, protects What Is Manufacturing Entrepreneurship buildings against wear-and-tear, and maintains the quality and beauty of floors especially in areas of frequent use.
It is also used as a raw material in alkyd resin production for paints and varnishes. It contributes to the flexibility and hardness of coatings. Latex-based paints also benefit from its freeze and thaw stability. Printing inks also uses this glycol as it increases energy efficiency during production while it lowers UV emission.
