Description
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Propylene glycol is a high-purity, syrup-like liquid that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, synthetic, and fully miscible with water.
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Technical / USP grade antifreeze; propylene glycol is also used as a solvent and humectant in, among others, cosmetics and antifreeze fluids.
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Propylene glycol is not classified as a hazardous substance under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 or Directive 67/548/EEC.
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It serves a similar function to ethylene glycol, but its use is preferred due to its lower toxicity.
Specification
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Freezing point: -58 °C
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Boiling point: 184–189 °C
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Density: 1.075 g/cm³
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Viscosity: 45 mPa·s
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The freezing point is not directly proportional to dilution.
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A mixture of 1 part water and 1 part propylene glycol has a freezing point below -30 °C.
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Freezing point of 99% solution: -58 °C
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Excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal stability.
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Recommended replacement interval: 2–3 years.
General Applications
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Use in cooling systems of industrial facilities
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De-icing and anti-icing applications
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Use in heat pumps and solar collectors
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Other consumer uses (PC 28: Perfumes and fragrances; PC 29: Pharmaceuticals; PC 39: Cosmetics and personal care products)
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Agrochemical uses (PC 12: Fertilizers; PC 27: Plant protection products)
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Use in coatings
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Use in cleaning products
Sustainability Summary
Production Process
➡️
Standard propylene glycol
Used propylene glycol
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – per 1 ton (T)
- 🌱 Based on RISE Research – Swerea database (from glycol collection to the end of the purification process)
- 🌍 Carbon footprint: ≈ 400 kg CO₂ eq/T, equivalent to approximately (US EPA data): ~1620 km driven (car), ~170 liters of gasoline consumed, ~200 kg of coal burned, ~0.5 months of energy use for an average European household, ~1 barrel of crude oil burned
- ♻️ Offset requirement: ≈ growth of 7 tree saplings over 10 years, ≈ carbon sequestration capacity of 0.2 hectares of forest per year
