Applications

Dow propylene glycols play a significant role in many industries due to their wide range of practical applications. Select from the table below to learn about how propylene glycols are used in specific applications or see Products to find information on Dow products suitable for your application.

Application Use
Unsaturated Polyester Resins Propylene glycol is the preferred glycol for manufacturing high-performance unsaturated polyester resins for many thermoset composite applications. Propylene Glycol Industrial Grade (PGI) is an appropriate product for this application.
Urethanes Glycols such as Propylene Glycol Industrial Grade (PGI), Dipropylene glycol Regular Grade (DPG) and Tripropylene Glycol Regular Grade (TPG) can be used as:

  • Initiators for urethane polyol synthesis from epoxides
  • The polyol itself in some polyurethane foam systems
  • A component for polyurethane/urea elastomers
Coolants and Antifreeze Propylene Glycol Industrial Grade (PGI) is often used as an active ingredient in engine coolants and antifreeze because of its low mammalian toxicity, low flammability, excellent heat transfer properties and other benefits.
Aircraft Deicing Fluid Propylene Glycol Industrial Grade (PGI) is an excellent choice as the base fluid for aircraft deicing formulations due to its low freezing point, low toxicity, biodegradability, ease of handling, low corrosive nature to metals and low flammability.
Hydraulic and Brake Fluid Propylene Glycol Industrial Grade (PGI) is used in the production of polyglycols for use in hydraulic and brake systems to provide lubricity and anti-freezing protection, and to help reduce swelling of rubber parts.
Heat Transfer Fluids Propylene Glycol USP/EP (PG USP/EP), with a suitable inhibitor package, makes an excellent choice for use as a heat transfer fluid in applications where contact with potable water, food or beverages might occur. Its low toxicity, low freezing point and high boiling point make it uniquely applicable for use in such applications.
Fragrance, Cosmetics and Personal Care Propylene Glycol USP/EP (PG USP/EP), Dipropylene Glycol LO+ (DPG LO+) and Tripropylene Glycol Regular Grade (TPG) are premium, high-purity products, with extensive applications in the fragrance, cosmetics and personal care industry:

  • Solvents, carriers, emollients, dispersants, coupling agents and co-emulsifiers, emulsion stabilizers or viscosity modifiers
  • Humectants, due to their hydroscopic nature and ability to attract and hold water
  • Preservatives, due to inherent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial and fungal species
Food and Flavorings Propylene Glycol USP/EP (PG USP/EP) is used as:

  • Humectant and stabilizer (in prepared fruits, vegetables and bakery goods)
  • Solvent in flavor solutions and extractions (and in food additives, such as colors, antioxidants, enzymes and emulsifers)
  • Plasticizer and softening agent for items such as cork seals
  • Heat transfer fluids for food and beverage chilling and freezing applications
  • Solvent for printing inks used in food packaging
  • Equipment cleaner, to remove contamination from food processing equipment
Pet Food/Animal Feed Propylene Glycol USP/EP (PG USP/EP) has a “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) designation for pet food** and animal feed uses:

  • Solvent
  • Stabilizer
  • Preservative
  • Energy source
  • Humectant for moist feeds
  • Dust control agent for dry feed ingredients
  • Wetting agent for molasses
  • Lowers freezing temperature of feed
  • Preventative for ketosis

**Excluding cat food; see 21CFR582.1666
Pharmaceutical Propylene Glycol USP/EP (PG USP/EP) is used in pharmaceutical products as an excipient (non-active ingredient or starting material) or solvent in oral, topical and injectable drug products.
Paint and Coatings Propylene glycols are used in the synthesis of alkyd resins found in paints, enamels and varnishes.
Other Applications Propylene glycols serve as dust suppression agents, solvents, lubricants, dehydrating fluids, plasticizers, surfactants and for other uses in a variety of applications.


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