Propylene Glocol Vs Ethylene Glycol

Both products are two chemical compounds used as some low temperature heat transfer fluids. Both of them possess low vapor pressure, also they contain high boiling points and the ability to lower the freeze point of water. However, there are industries that like more a particular glycol than the other one.

What is propylene glycol?

It is a colorless, tasteless and odorless liquid that its main function is to absorb water. This product is safe for use in cosmetics with qualifications. Some of the industries that mostly used Propylene Glycol are: Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food industries. An interesting fact about this particular product is that it can be used to create artificial smoke or fog used in firefighting or theatrical productions.

Other uses of Propylene Glycol:

• Commonly used to de-ice aircraft
• Main ingredient of e-liquid bottles for vaping
• Used in various edible items (ice cream, soda, liquid sweeteners and more)
• Used as a humectant for skin
• Used as a solvent for pharmaceutical formulations
• Used in veterinary medicine

What is ethylene glycol?

It is a colorless, and odorless liquid that has a sweet taste. It can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations.  This chemical is commonly used in many industrial and commercial applications. Some of the benefits of using Ethylene Glycol is that helps keeping the car’s engine from freezing in the winter and acts as a coolant to reduce overheating in the summer. This product appears in many common household items such as a laundry detergent, dishwasher, cosmetics and paint.

Other uses of ethylene glycol:

• As a solvent for paint
• As a solvent for plastic
• As an ink for stamp pads
• As a solution for photographic developing
• As a hydraulic brake fluid
• Used as a dehydration agent in natural gas pipelines

Can I mix propylene glycol with ethylene glycol?

Yes, they can be mixed. They would not cause any harm to the cooling system, but it does slightly weaken the heat transfer.

Similarities of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol:

Both glycols can typically be expected to last twelve years longer. Both produce acids in the present of air.

Main differences between propylene glycol and ethylene glycol:

Between the two ethylene glycol is a better heat transfer fluid than propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is less toxic and is considered when toxicity is a concern. Ethylene glycol solutions are normally preferred over Propylene Glycol because of their more desirable physical properties particularly at lower temperature. However, in certain applications involving possible contact of the coolant with foods or beverages, it is recommended to use propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol solutions are normally considered as pumpable down to freezing points commonly encountered under ambient conditions. Propylene glycol solutions become considerably more viscous at low temperatures.

In summary both products (Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol) have pros and cons for their use.

Acetone is a key ingredient in most lacquer thinners including Ecolink’s Lacquer Thinner #11, Lacquer Thinner #48, and Lacquer Thinner #51.

Acetone is an important component in every type of lacquer thinner product, because as a solvent acetone is a very strong and effective cleaning agent.

Common Applications

Acetone is useful to prep surfaces prior to painting with both lacquer-based and oil paints. Acetone is often incorporated into paints and paint thinners as a volatile compound.

Quality lacquer thinners require power solvents with fast evaporation rates. Fast drying solvents are a necessity in products like Lacquer Thinner #11, Lacquer Thinner #48, and Lacquer Thinner #51, so that no residue or streaks are left behind when lacquer thinner is used to remove paint or adhesive.

Lacquer Thinner is a common product in paints and adhesives; acetone is also a common product in paints and adhesives. This source of mutual use is why acetone is a required product of any lacquer thinner.

Acetone is the ingredient that makes lacquer thinner a strong cleaning agent, fast evaporating, and adds to lacquer thinners’ solubility in water.

In some situations lacquer thinner and acetone can be used interchangeably, but it is helpful to remember that it is difficult to find lacquer thinner without acetone for a good reason.

Acetone or Lacquer Thinner?

It is often better to use lacquer thinner in place of acetone, because acetone on its own has a much faster evaporation rate than lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinner has other ingredients besides acetone–i.e. Lacquer Thinner #11 includes Toluene, Acetone, and Methanol.

Lacquer Thinner and acetone have different uses on their own, but if a strong cleaning agent to remove lacquer-based paints, residue, and adhesives is needed lacquer thinner is your best bet.

For these purposes there is often no reason to choose between acetone and lacquer thinner, because acetone is the ingredient in lacquer thinner that makes it the only necessary chemical for the job.

Different Types of Lacquer Thinner

Most lacquer thinners include acetone, but they are not all made with the same ingredients.

Ecolink’s Lacquer thinner #11 is comprised of Toluene, Methanol, and Acetone, as stated above. Conversely, Ecolink’s Lacquer Thinner #48 is made of MEK, Methanol, Toluene, and Glycol EB or 2-Butoxyethanol, while Lacquer Thinner #51 includes Methanol, Toluene, and Glycol EB.

It is simple to see that Lacquer Thinner is typically similar in structure, but the differing components offer different results. Acetone is a key ingredient in each type of lacquer thinner sold by Ecolink, because acetone helps to make lacquer thinner the strong and fast drying product that consumers and companies desire.

Safety and Handling

Acetone’s presence in lacquer thinner results in higher toxicity and flammability. All Ecolink lacquer thinners have highly flammable liquids and vapors.

• Only use lacquer thinner in a well-ventilated area.
• May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways.
• Harmful upon inhalation.
• Causes dizziness and drowsiness.
• Use proper protective equipment when using lacquer thinner.
• Read the SDS provided with your lacquer thinners before making use of the product.

Shop Acetone and Lacquer Thinners Here or call (800)-563-1305 for help!