Aliphatic Polyether Glycols
Properties and Applications
Aliphatic polyglycols, also called polyether glycols or polyols, are viscous liquids or waxy solids depending on molecular weight and hydroxyl content. The only exception is polyoxymethylene (see Polyacetal) which is a highly crystalline polymer. The three most important polyglycols are polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and polytetrahydrofuran (polytetramethylene glycol). Polyglycols have superior lubricity and solvency properties, and therefore, are part of many functional fluids. They are also known to greatly improve the flexibility and toughness of polyesters and urethanes when copolymerized with them.
Polyglycols are used in a variety of products including elastomers, adhesives, sealants, and coatings. When used in engineering plastics, they are often copolymerized with other monomers to produce polyurethane and polyester elastomers. They are also used as hydraulic fluids and lubricants, as additives in cosmetics, and as binders in ceramic and metalic powders. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is probably the most versatile glycol. It is frequently used in combination with glycerin in skin creams, personal lubricants, and in toothpastes as a dispersant and to bind water. PEG also functions as an anti-foaming agent in food. PEG has lately received increased interest for use as a biomedical polymer due to its bio- and blood compatibility in linear, grafted, and gel form. It is believed that it does not cause any harmful interactions with biological systems and thus, is permitted for direct addition to food products for human consumption.1
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