1. Product Overview
Polypropylene glycol (PPG; polyoxypropylene glycol; CAS 25322-69-4) is a polyether polyol produced by ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide — a clear, slightly oily, low-odor liquid supplied in a wide range of molecular-weight grades (typically PPG 200 to PPG 4000). It is one of the most versatile industrial polyols: the backbone building block of polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants; a powerful antifoam and defoaming agent; a low-pour-point lubricant base for hydraulic fluids and rubber processing; and a solvent/plasticizer for oils, waxes and resins. Because its grades are FDA-listed as food contact substances (MW 1,200–3,000) and as a fragrance ingredient (IFRA), it also serves food processing, cosmetics and personal care formulations. Low volatility, chemical stability and a mild toxicological profile make PPG an easy, dependable workhorse additive across industries.
Core value propositions:
● Polyurethane Backbone (Core Application): the standard polyether polyol for PU foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants;
● Effective Antifoam & Defoamer: reliable foam control in fermentation, food processing, paints and industrial processes;
● Wide Grade Range (200–4,000): tune viscosity, water solubility, pour point and reactivity to your process;
2. Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Polypropylene glycol (poly(oxypropylene)) diol; alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)) |
Synonyms | PPG; polyoxypropylene glycol; propylene oxide homopolymer; polyoxypropylene |
CAS No. | 25322-69-4 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 500-039-8 |
Molecular Formula | H[OCH(CH₃)CH₂]ₙOH |
3. Chemistry & Structure
Polypropylene glycol is a polyether polyol with the repeating structure H[OCH(CH₃)CH₂]ₙOH, obtained by ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide (methyloxirane) onto an initiator such as propylene glycol. Each repeating unit carries a pendant methyl group, which makes PPG less hydrophilic than its ethylene-oxide cousin PEG: water solubility is high at low molecular weight but falls steeply as chain length grows while solubility in most organic solvents is excellent. The same branched, flexible backbone gives PPG its very low pour points low volatility and inherent lubricity. The material is chemically quite stable, noncorrosive and does not crystallize.
4. Key Features & Benefits
● Versatile polyether polyol: backbone for PU foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants.
● Wide grade range: tailor viscosity, hydrophilicity, pour point and reactivity.
● Powerful antifoaming action: effective foam control in processing and formulation.
● Excellent lubricity: rubber lubricants, hydraulic fluids and metalworking applications.
● Low volatility and low pour point: reliable low-temperature performance.
● Mild toxicological profile: poorly absorbed through skin, low volatility; IFRA-listed fragrance ingredient.
5. Main Applications
5.1 Polyurethane Industry (Core Application)
● Flexible and rigid PU foams: the standard backbone polyol in foam formulations.
● High-performance PU elastomers: soft-segment flexibility in CASE systems.
● PU coatings, adhesives and sealants: chain flexibility and durability.
● Mold release agents: non-stick behavior in plastics processing.
5.2 Antifoaming & Defoaming
● Antifoam agents for fermentation, food processing and industrial processes.
● Paint and coating formulations: foam control during production and application.
● Wastewater treatment and papermaking: process defoaming.
5.3 Lubricants & Hydraulic Fluids
● Rubber lubricants and mold release: anti-sticking and slip in rubber processing.
● Hydraulic fluids: low pour point for cold-environment operation.
● Metalworking and textile lubricants: boundary lubrication and low residue.
5.4 Solvents, Plasticizers & Paints
● Solvent for vegetable oils, waxes and resins.
● Plasticizer and softening agent in polymer and coating systems.
● Paint formulations: leveling, wetting and foam control additive.
5.5 Food, Cosmetic & Applications
● FDA food contact grades : food processing and packaging materials.
● Fragrance ingredient: listed on the IFRA transparency list.
● Cosmetics and personal care: humectant, carrier and emollient base.
6. Packaging, Storage
Packaging (customizable):
● 200 kg steel/plastic drums; 1,000 kg IBC totes; ISO tanks; small packs on request;
● Clear viscous liquid — keep containers sealed to avoid contamination.
Storage:
● Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep containers tightly closed;
● Avoid prolonged high temperature and direct sunlight;
● Keep away from strong oxidizing agents.
7. Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?
● Factory-direct supply: own production and sourcing capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested (hydroxyl value, water content, viscosity, color), COA with every shipment.
● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, SDS, application advice); small trial orders accepted.
8. FAQ
Q1: What is polypropylene glycol (PPG) used for?
PPG is a multi-purpose polyether polyol. Its largest use is as the backbone polyol of polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives and sealants. It is also a widely used antifoam/defoaming agent, a low-pour-point lubricant base for hydraulic fluids and rubber processing, a solvent for vegetable oils, waxes and resins, and a plasticizer/softening agent. FDA-listed food contact grades (MW 1,200–3,000) and IFRA-listed fragrance grades extend its use into food processing, cosmetics and personal care.
Q2: What do the grade numbers (PPG 400, 1000, 2000, 4000) mean?
The number is the nominal molecular weight of the grade. Higher-number grades have longer polymer chains, which raises viscosity (≈ 100 mPa·s for PPG 400 to ≈ 450 mPa·s for PPG 2000 at 20 °C) and pour point (≈ -49 °C for PPG 400 to ≈ -26 °C for PPG 4000), while reducing water solubility (PPG 400: > 10 g/L; PPG 2000: ≈ 0.25 g/L). Low grades are more water-compatible and fluid; high grades give more viscosity, lubricity and hydrophobicity. Your supplier can recommend the right grade for your process.
Q3: What is the difference between PPG and PEG?
Both are polyether polyols, but they are built from different monomers: PPG is the polymer of propylene oxide (methyloxirane), with a pendant methyl group on every repeat unit, while PEG (polyethylene glycol) is the polymer of ethylene oxide. The methyl side group makes PPG less hydrophilic — water solubility drops sharply with molecular weight, whereas PEG stays water soluble at all molecular weights — and gives PPG stronger antifoaming and lubricating character. This is why PPG is preferred for defoaming, hydraulic fluids and PU foam soft segments.