Uses for Glycol Ethers

Alcohols, ketones, acetates, and hydrocarbons are used as the principal solvents in printing inks while the glycol ethers are used as tailing solvents to control evaporation rates [14]. The glycol ethers PM and DPM are effective in gravure and flexographic inks while the two acetates PMA and DPMA are useful in silk screen inks. 

Glycol ethers like DPM, DM, and EPh are used in floor polish formulations. The coalescing action of the glycol ethers allow the latex emulsion to dry into a smooth continuous film. The resultant film has high gloss, resistance to detergents, good adhesion and is mar resistance. 

Cosmetic and personal care products use glycol ethers as solvents and coupling aids. Dipropylene glycol methyl ether is often used in combination with propylene glycol in cosmetics. Ethylene glycol phenyl ether at a 1.0% level acts as a preservative in personal care products. 

Other applications that utilize glycol ethers include adhesives, leather dyes, jet fuel anti-icing additive, rosin soldering flux solvent, mineral oil dewaxing, safety glass manufacture, and as chemical intermediates in the production of ester-type chemicals. 

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