What is monoethylene glycol(MEG)?
C2H6O2
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is an organic solvent with the chemical formula C2H6O2 and the PUB code of 174, in the form of a transparent, colorless syrupy liquid with no odor and sweet taste. The boiling point of monoethylene glycol is 198 degrees Celsius, and the density of monoethylene glycol is It is more than water. This substance can be dangerous for the environment in such a way that it easily pollutes underground water and rivers by penetrating into the water.
Monoethylene glycol is miscible with water, acetone, methylene chloride, glycerol, acetic acid, similar ketones, aldehydes, it is insoluble in benzene, its homologues, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum ether, fatty oils and mineral oils.
Applications of monoethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is one of the most important industrial glycols, which is used in the production of products such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyester fibers, etc.
This material is used in the production of antifreeze for cars, airplanes and boats, as well as brake oil.
MEG is used in industry as an industrial humidifier as well as a constituent of electrolytic capacitors.
Other uses of monoethylene glycol include:
- Synthesis of synthetic fibers and synthetic waxes
- In the combination of fuel additives and hydraulic brake fluids
- Production of insulating materials
- Non-pesticide agricultural chemicals
- Anti-adhesive agents
- Synthesis of plasticizers
- As a solvent in paint and plastic industries
- In the preparation of shoe polish products
- In paint and ink industries
- It is used in deicing solutions for car and airplane windshields.
- It is used in the combination of screen cleaning solutions with isopropyl alcohol.
- Application in the production of cosmetics
Global monoethylene glycol market
The production capacity of monoethylene glycol (glycol) in 2016 was about 34.8 million tons per year. This was while Asian countries were able to allocate 15.1 million tons of the total production of this product.
In the meantime, Asia has a prominent share in the production of the global MEG market because the countries in this region are major producers of fiber and textiles that require polyester and polyethylene terephthalate. China, India, and Taiwan are prominent producers of this product among others. Asian and Pacific countries.
Monoethylene glycol buying and selling market is a prosperous and demanding market.
Safety aspects of monoethylene glycol
Monoethylene glycol msds is classified in the list of toxic and dangerous substances for human health, and swallowing, contact with skin and eyes, and inhalation should be avoided.
In case of contact with skin and eyes, the contact area should be washed with plenty of running water.
If someone swallows this substance, he should drink water.
Due to the high toxicity of this substance, its use is prohibited in the following cases:
- Equipment related to water consumption
- In the manufacture and formulation of food, medicine and cosmetics
- As antifreeze in water tanks
- Antifreeze in fire extinguishing systems