Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Safe antifreeze: The real difference between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol

Journal Article · · Environmental Solutions
OSTI ID:31877
 [1]
  1. Waste Away Services, Maumee, OH (United States)

Antifreeze-coolants are added to the radiators of internal combustion engines to prevent freezing during the winter and boil-over during the summer. Although ethylene glycol is the most commonly used coolant, products containing propylene glycol have been used--at least, experimentally--for years. Both substances have similar characteristics; however, some manufacturers claim that antifreeze-coolants containing propylene glycol are more environmentally friendly and safer to humans and animals than ethylene glycol products. This article examines these two substances, and addresses the similarities and differences of their physical and chemical compounds, thereby enabling users to determine whether such claims are valid or merely advertising hyperbole.

OSTI ID:
31877
Journal Information:
Environmental Solutions, Journal Name: Environmental Solutions Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 8; ISSN ESOLE7; ISSN 1077-2537
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English