Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a commonly used concrete antifreeze. Its primary function is to prevent water from freezing at low temperatures. Water can freeze when temperatures drop below freezing in many areas in winter, which can cause significant damage to some concrete projects. Therefore, it is necessary to use ethylene glycol as an antifreeze.

Antifreeze principle:

Ethylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O2. It is a colorless, odorless, and sweet liquid. The antifreeze effect is based on its physical and chemical properties.

1 Ethylene glycol contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) in its molecular structure, which makes it highly hydrophilic. It forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, lowering the freezing point of water when ethylene glycol is mixed with water. This is due to the fact that the hydrogen bonds between ethylene glycol and water molecules are more robust than those between water molecules, so ethylene glycol prevents water molecules from crystallizing at low temperatures.

2 Ethylene glycol contains two carbon atoms in its molecular structure, making it a larger molecule than water. It takes up the spaces between water molecules, reducing the density of water when ethylene glycol mixes with water. This makes water less likely to freeze at low temperatures since crystallization requires a tight arrangement between water molecules.

Instructions:

Using ethylene glycol as an antifreeze is simple. Add an appropriate amount of ethylene glycol to the concrete and mix evenly. Generally speaking, ethylene glycol is between 20% and 50%, and the specific concentration should be determined according to the required antifreeze temperature. When using ethylene glycol antifreeze, please pay attention to the following points:

1. Ethylene glycol is poisonous and cannot drinkdirectly. Avoid contact with skin and eyeswhen using ethylene glycol. Rinse immediately with plenty of water if inadvertent contact occurs.
2. The antifreeze effect of ethylene glycol increases as the concentration increases, but too high a concentration will affect its antifreeze effect. Generally speaking, the concentration of ethylene glycol should not exceed 60%.
3. The antifreeze effect of ethylene glycol increases as the temperature decreases, but too low a temperature will affect its antifreeze effect. Generally speaking, ethylene glycol’s antifreeze temperature should not be below -50°C.

The principle of ethylene glycol as an antifreeze is based on its physical and chemical properties. It reduces the freezing point, density, and corrosiveness of water so that low temperatures do not affect concrete. When using ethylene glycol antifreeze, please pay attention to its toxicity, concentration, and temperature to ensure its antifreeze effect and safety.