PTMEG: Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol

Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) is the premier polyether polyol used worldwide in the manufacture of high-performance polyurethane elastomers. Known for its many performance attributes and processing advantages, PTMEG is used in a variety of applications across multiple industries. These applications include polyurethane resins, prepolymers, coatings, adhesives, cast polyurethane resins, spandex fibers, and more.

Gantrade Corporation is a leading supplier of PTMEG, with strategic supply for global distribution to Europe, Asia, and North America. For decades, Gantrade has been the supplier of choice to the world’s most technically demanding manufacturers, consistently meeting their needs for high performance polyurethane products.

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Gantrade Corporation is a leading supplier of PTMEG, meeting needs for high performance polyurethane products worldwide.

PTMEG Attributes in Polyurethane Elastomers

Processors know PTMEG as a high-performance polyol capable of formulating polyurethane elastomers in several positive directions. PTMEG will enhance polyurethane elastomer performance with regard to flexibility, dynamic properties, hydrolytic stability, and abrasion resistance.

PTMEG-based polyurethanes exhibit the following attributes:

• Superior resistance to hydrolytic cleavage
• Excellent flexibility and property retention at low temperatures
• High resiliency and rebound properties
• Excellent mechanical and dynamic properties, as well as low hysteresis
• Outstanding impingement abrasion resistance
• Good processing characteristics

PTMEG Specifications

Gantrade offers a robust selection of PTMEG polyols available in a broad range of molecular weights. While the workhorse grades of PTMEG are the 1000, 1800 and 2000 molecular weight diols, the PTMEG 220 and 650 grades are also notable.  Formulators find the 220 and 650 grades easier to handle as liquids at room temperature, and they exhibit lower viscosities. PTMEG 3000 is a grade of interest as well, especially when formulators are seeking enhanced resiliency and rebound, as well as abrasion properties.

Physical Forms of PTMEG Grades

The different grades of PTMEG are available in a variety of physical forms, which in turn affect their processing attributes. PTMEG  650, for example, has a softening point of 11°C (52°F) and can be a liquid at room temperature. PTMEG 1000, along with the other offerings in higher molecular weight grades, appears in the form of low-melting waxy white solids, with softening points starting at about 24°C (75°F). Processors must heat higher molecular weight grades in order to liquefy and discharge them from drums or ISO Tanks.

It’s important to note that drums are rolled when re-melted, to avoid segregation of the various molecular weight fractions that make up PTMEG. Gantrade can supply the viscosity temperature profiles for each of the grades of PTMEG diols as you evaluatePTMEG grade selection for your distinct applications. 

Viscosity and Temperature

The chart below shows the relationship between the viscosity of various grades of PTMEG and the temperature.

The following chart compares the hydrolysis resistance of a PTMEG 2000/MDI/BDO based elastomer versus polyester systems based on 1,6-hexanediol adipate and 1,4- butanediol adipates under extreme conditions of superheated steam.

Available Grades of PTMEG (by Molecular Weight)

Gantrade offers the following grades of PTMEG diols*:

• PTMEG 220
• PTMEG 650
• PTMEG 1000
• PTMEG 1400
• PTMEG 1800
• PTMEG 2000
• PTMEG 3000

*The grade designations refer to the average molecular weights of the PTMEG diols.

PTMEG Packaging           

Gantrade is a premier global supplier of PTMEG, offering PTMEG in 200 kg (441 lb.) factory-sealed iron drums and 20 MT (44,080 lb.) bulk heated ISO tanks. Our minimum order size is one drum. Sample sizes are available in 1 kg and 20 kg containers to assist you in optimizing your PTMEG selection.

Safety and Handling                                                  

PTMEG polyols are non-hazardous, stable products with a low order of toxicity. These polyols are stable under proper storage and handling conditions and possesses a high flashpoint. Always prevent electrostatic discharge and ensure adequate ventilation in work and storage areas when handling PTMEG.

Gantrade Corporation encourages its customers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the health, safety, environmental, and regulatory information of our products before handling and disposal. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and other handling information, please contact us using the contact form on www.gantrade.com. 

Gantrade: Your Partner for High-Performance Polyurethane Polyols

To explore which PTMEG polyol is best suited for your unique needs, partner with the expert team at Gantrade. Our technical specialists, armed with a wealth of technical and expertise from our decades of experience working with chemicals like PTMEG, can guide you to the best solutions for your applications. Formulators worldwide trust Gantrade for high-performance products that meet their demanding specifications. Contact Gantrade today to navigate our wide portfolio of products to achieve your high-performance polyurethane requirements.