Glycol Ethers: What are they and what are their uses?

Glycol Ethers: What are they and What are their uses?

Glycol ethers are a group of solvents based on alkyl ethers which can be from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol (these are commonly used in paints and cleaners). Typically, these solvents have a higher boiling point. They are categorized as two types which are “e-series” and “p-series” depending on whether they are made from ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, respectively. Mostly, p-series glycol ethers are used in degreasers, cleaners, aerosol paints and adhesives. On the other hand, e-series glycol ethers are found in pharmaceuticals, sunscreens, cosmetics, inks, dyes and water based paints.

Uses of Glycol Ethers:

As solvents for resins
As solvents for lacquers
As solvents for paints
As solvents for varnishes
As solvents for gum
As solvents for perfume
As solvents for dyes
As solvents for inks
As a constituent of paint and pastes
As a constituent of cleaning compounds
As a constituent of cosmetics
As a constituent of hydraulic fluids

Glycol Ethers Background

Glycol Ethers have been used since the 1960’s as solvents and stabilizers in a variety of personal, household, and industrial products. The use of glycol ethers has changed significantly over the past 30 years. Low molecular weight E-series have been phased-out and progressively replaced by low molecular weight P-series whenever possible. These substances are industrial chemicals, not expected to occur naturally in the environment.

Significant changes that have influenced the entire glycol ether market during the last decade:

The growth of water-based surface coatings as replacements for solvent-based coatings: It seems that water-based coatings that mainly use glycol ethers as coalescing agents have been the major factor behind the growth of the entire glycol ether market.

Propylene oxide-based glycol ethers (P-series): This growth has been due primarily to increased concern about the toxicological effects of some ethylene oxide-based glycol ethers.

Continuing changes in E-series glycol ether products: In the major regions of the world, growth has been primarily for the butyl products (and some smaller-volume specialty glycol ethers); the methyl and ethyl products groups have been in decline.