Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are the two major players in the antifreeze market Main benchmark material. They can all be mixed with water to form a solution to lower the freezing point of the aqueous solution and have the ability to prevent frost cracking. Let’s take a look at how the two differ.
1. Different basic physical and chemical properties
Ethylene glycol is also known as “glycol” ”, “1,2-ethylene glycol”, referred to as EG. The chemical formula is (CH2OH)2, which is the simplest glycol. Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet liquid, and is toxic. Ethylene glycol is miscible with water and acetone, but its solubility in ethers is small, with a melting point of -13.2°C. Since the 1950s, almost all countries have used ethylene glycol as antifreeze.
Propylene glycol, whose chemical formula is C3H8O2, is a colorless, viscous and stable water-absorbing liquid. It is usually a slightly sweet, odorless, colorless and transparent oily liquid. It absorbs moisture and is easily mixed with water, acetone, and chloroform. Mixed, melting point -59°C.
2. Different toxicities
Simply based on the ability of the coolant to transport cold and its anti-freezing ability Speaking of which, ethylene glycol is better than propylene glycol. The two coolants are equivalent in terms of heat conduction, freezing point protection and rubber compatibility, but propylene glycol coolant is superior to ethylene glycol coolant in terms of corrosion resistance, toxicity and biodegradation.
Especially in terms of toxicity, propylene glycol is of low toxicity, with very little toxicity and irritation. Ethylene glycol is highly toxic and does great harm to the human body. For an average adult, the lethal dose for humans is about 1.6g/kg. , applying more than 200ml alcohol glycol at one time can be life-threatening.
3. Different application fields
Ethylene glycol type coolant, including industrial type and automobile antifreeze Liquid type and other different models. The general industrial type only performs anti-corrosion treatment on carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, etc. The automotive antifreeze type also adds anti-corrosion for cast aluminum, flux, etc.
Propylene glycol antifreeze is generally used in the field of automobile antifreeze, as well as in fields with special requirements such as food and beverages that require low toxicity.
IV. Different prices
The market price of propylene glycol is higher than that of ethylene glycol.
PS: Precautions for antifreeze
1. Antifreeze of different brands cannot be mixed. High-quality Antifreeze should be used in all seasons. Water and inferior antifreeze will not only seriously corrode the water tank, water pump and body, but also seriously shorten the service life of the engine.
2. Antifreeze is composed of a variety of chemicals, so do not drink it.
3. Do not suck with your mouth when using, and wash your hands after touching them.
4. Do not mix with other brands of antifreeze.