The glycol ethers group includes a unique class of organic solvents comprising of all aerates and cellulose esters of ethylene glycol, chlorohydrosols, and pentanes. Compared to other solvents, glycol ethers have more rigid organic solvents and others that are best for certain industrial applications.
The market for glycol ethers is not very developed in Asia Pacific. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are the only producers, but consumption is quite high. These flexible organic solvents can be used to encapsulate and bind hazardous materials, cure oil, precipitate clays, remove toxic materials, lubricate moving parts, encapsulate explosive gases, and serve as an antimicrobial agent against bacteria. Glycol ether is also used to emulsify liquid cultures for use in the pharmaceutical industry and used in paint and coatings, hard-surface cleaners, polishes, solvents, chemical intermediates, and surfactants.
Both the above-mentioned uses make glycol ethers a versatile industrial solvent. In terms of cleaning and degreasing, it performs admirably. It does not yield soap-like residue and its absorption rate is fast; furthermore, it is able to penetrate into many nonporous materials such as plastics and rubber. For this reason, glycol-based paints and cleaners find extensive use in the paints and floor coatings industry. It is also commonly used as a stabilizer in the printing and illustration industries. In addition, it has found application in several food service applications, particularly in the hygiene department.
Glycol ethers have excellent solvency properties, which are why they can be used as an organic solvent. Its solid state and polar solvent properties make it a superior substitute for methylene chloride and dichlorodimides. Its low solvency level (at 40% equivalent to honey) makes it safer than industrial solvents like benzene and isocyanates. Also, it has very good odor, taste, and flash sensitivity properties. Glycol-based organic solvents are used to remove grease from chocolate, tea, and coffee and to clean up industrial equipment and food.
When using glycol ethers for solubilizing organic materials, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. For instance, it is extremely flammable; even when stored at room temperature, a small spark can easily ignite it. Moreover, it releases toxic gases during combustion. Because of these risks, it should only be used in laboratories or highly contained situations. Also, it may be harmful to breathe in the fumes.
Glycol ethers are ideal chemicals for carrying out a wide range of industrial applications and their cost-effective features make them suitable for many applications. However, care should be exercised to ensure that these solvents are compatible with most chemicals. They are available in a wide range of formulations, which include foams, gels, oils, powders, liquids, and sheets. They are suitable for cleaning upholstery, painting, printing, and pharmaceutical industries. Glycol-Ethers are also widely used as growth regulators and deodorizers in food processing plants, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
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