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Ethylene Glycol

The Whitaker Company > Products > Ethylene Glycol

SUMMARY

Ethylene Glycol, a dihydroxy alcohol is a colorless liquid. Ethylene glycol is used as an antifreeze agent in automobile engines, as a coolant and heat-transfer agent, as a de-icing fluid for aircraft and windshields, in hydraulic brake fluids, and as a desiccant. Ethylene glycol is also utilized as a solvent for paint and plastics, as an industrial humectant, in the formulations of inks for printers, stamp pads, and ballpoint pens, as an ingredient of electrolytic condensers, and as a softening agent for cellophane. Ethylene glycol is employed in the synthesis of plasticizers, safety explosives, terylene and dacron fibers, and synthetic waxes.

INDUSTRIES

  • Personal Care & Cosmetics: Used as a humectant and solvent to improve product texture, moisture retention, and formulation stability.
  • Electrical & Electronics: Applied in heat-transfer fluids and antifreeze systems that support cooling and thermal management in electronic equipment.
  • Plastics Manufacturing: Serves as a key feedstock in polyester and PET resin production, providing durability and clarity.
  • Textile & Leather Processing: Supports fiber production, dyeing, and finishing processes by enhancing moisture control and stability.
  • Paints & Coatings: Acts as a solvent and viscosity regulator to improve flow, film formation, and product longevity.
  • Adhesives & Sealants: Improves flexibility, bonding performance, and moisture resistance in various adhesive formulations.
  • Oil & Gas: Utilized in dehydration of natural gas and as a component in heat-transfer and antifreeze fluids.
  • Furniture & Wood: Supports resin and coating systems used in composite wood products and protective finishes.
  • Chemical Manufacturing: Functions as a versatile intermediate for producing polymers, resins, and specialty chemicals.
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceutical: Used in antifreeze systems for medical equipment and as a processing aid in certain pharmaceutical applications.

APPLICATIONS

  • Injection Molding: Used as a key component in polyester-based materials to enhance moldability, durability, and processing efficiency.
  • Packaging & Containers: Essential in the production of PET resins for bottles, food containers, and other rigid packaging applications.
  • Chemical Industry: Serves as an important intermediate for synthesizing polymers, coolants, plasticizers, and specialty chemicals.
  • Resins: Integral in the manufacture of polyester and alkyd resins, improving strength, clarity, and chemical resistance.
  • Mineral Processing: Utilized in grinding aids and flotation formulations to improve processing efficiency and material separation.
  • Plastic & Polymer Production: Acts as a building block in polymerization reactions, contributing to flexibility, stability, and performance.
  • Paints & Varnishes: Functions as a solvent and coalescing agent to enhance flow, film formation, and application smoothness.
  • Adhesives & Sealants: Improves bonding, flexibility, and moisture-resistance properties in various industrial adhesive formulations.
  • Electrical Components: Supports heat-transfer systems and insulation processes used in the manufacturing and protection of electrical parts.

MARKET SEGMENTS

  • Polymers & Resins: Utilized as a primary building block in polyester, PET resins, and specialty polymers, supporting applications across packaging, textiles, and molded plastics.
  • Petroleum Products: Applied in antifreeze, coolants, and heat-transfer fluids used throughout the oil & gas and automotive sectors for temperature regulation and system protection.
  • Paint & Dyes: Used as a solvent and humectant in paints, coatings, inks, and dyes to improve stability, flow characteristics, and color performance.

FUNCTIONS

  • Additive: Enhances formulation performance by improving stability, flow properties, and overall product effectiveness across industrial and consumer applications.
  • Solvent: Dissolves or disperses other ingredients efficiently, supporting use in coatings, inks, adhesives, and chemical processing.
  • Humectant: Attracts and retains moisture, helping maintain product consistency and preventing drying in cosmetics, textiles, and chemical formulations.
  • Softening Agent: Improves flexibility and softness in materials such as textiles, leather, and plastics by modifying physical properties.
  • Anti-Microbial Agent: Provides microbial control in certain formulations, helping extend product shelf life and maintain cleanliness or hygiene.