Chemicals Direct: Glycol Antifreeze

Antifreeze is a colligative agent that reduces a mixture’s freezing point while simultaneously raises it's boiling point. It is usually applied in internal combustion engines and other heat transfer applications like HVAC chillers and solar heaters. Antifreezes are used to prevent rigid enclosures from undergoing catastrophic deformation due to expansion in extreme low temperatures. This chemical was developed in response to the limitations of water as a heat transfer fluid. In the long run, galvanic corrosion is inevitable if only water is used as an engine coolant. Proper coolant and a pressurized system are imperatives to alleviate corrosion and freezing problems. With the right antifreeze fluid, engine coolant can withstand a wide range of temperature.

There are various kinds of antifreeze fluids; the most popular are those derived from ethylene glycol, a poisonous alcohol. Propylene glycol is a better alternative because it doesn’t emit harmful fumes and is readily biodegradable. It is designated by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) additive
for food and food processing applications, and can also be used in enclosed spaces. Propylene glycol is a colorless, thick, and nearly odorless alcohol, with a slightly sweet taste. It is also known as 1,2- propanediol and methylene glycol, and has a chemical formula of C3H8O2. It is hygroscopic and readily
dissolves with water, ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and diethyl ether.

Physical Properties:

Molecular mass:              76.10 g/mol
Melting point:                -59° C
Boiling point:                 187.6° C
Vapor pressure:              0.2 (23° C)
Vapor density:                2.62 (air=1)
Viscosity:                       91.41 cp (10.45° C)
Surface tension:              1.4324 (20° C)
Refractive index:             40.1 g/s2 (25° C)
Heat of vaporization:       66.27 kJ/mol  
Heat of combustion:        -1828 kJ/mol

Chemicals Direct’s glycol antifreeze is a low hazard, propylene glycol-based heat transfer fluid concentrate for closed water systems. This corrosion inhibitor is formulated with different compounds to effectively protect steel, cast iron, copper, cupric alloys, and aluminum against deterioration and
freezing. Product is either clear or dyed with pink fluorescence for ease of detection. Because our glycol antifreeze is vegetable-based, it is non-toxic and perfectly safe for food and drug applications. To use it for water systems, just dilute with water until required temperature is reached.

To prevent unnecessary hazards though, store the product in a tightly closed container. Glycol should be protected from moisture as well. Store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible compounds. Before handling, wash hands thoroughly. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothes. Use product with adequate ventilation. In case of spillage, remove  contaminated clothing and wash well before reuse.

Here in Chemicals Direct, we sell in EXACT volume! Product is also available in gallons, drums, totes, and tankers. We even offer customized labels. Hurry! Order now! Call (800) 658-7716 for details.

References:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifreeze; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

The University of Akron Chemical Database - http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/Chemicals/8000/
7709.html