MONOETHYLENE GLYCOL/ MEG

ETHYLENE GLYCOL/ EG is shortname of MEG/ MONOETHYLENE GLYCOL. EG is a clolorless, practically odorless, low-volatile, hygroscopic liquid. It is completely miscible with water and many organic liquids. The low volatility and low molecular weight of ethyleen glycol, coupled with low solvent action on automobile finishes, make EG an ideal base for all winter automobile antifreeze. Asphalt emulsion paints are protected from freezing by the addition of EG; freezing of these emulsions would break the suspension. Carbon dioxide pressure type fire extinguishers and wet sprinkler systems often contain EG to prevent freeze ups. Aqueous EG solutions are used as heat transfer solutions at low termperatures and at elevated temperatures. As low temperature coolants in refrigeration systems, aqueous solutions of EG are less corrosive than brine. As a high temperature coolant, aqueous solutions of EG find application in electronic tubes. Most applications involving ethylene glycol for anti freeze and coolant used require specially inhibited EG. EG is used in brake and shock absorber fluids to help dissolve inhibitors, counteract rubber swelling, and inhibit foam formation. Mixtures of glycerol and EG are nnitrated in the presence of sulfuric acid to form solutions of nitroglycerine in EG dinitrate. These solutions are used in the manufacture of low freezing dynamite. EG dinitrate is the explosive ingredient that depresses the feezing point and makes dynamite safer to handle in cold weather. Polyester resins based on maleic and phthalic anhydrides, EG, and vinyl type monomers are important in the low pressure laminating of glass fibers, asbestos, cloth, and paper. Polyester glass fiber laminates are used in making furniture, suitcases, boat hulls, aircraft parts, and automobile bodies. EG reacts with dibasic acids to form alkyd type resins. These resins are of interest to modify synthetic rubbers, in adhesives, and in other applications. Alkyds made from EG and Phytalic anhydride are used with similar resins based on glycerol or pentaerythritol in the manufacture of surface coatings.