PTMEG Instruction:

Polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) is a waxy, white solid that melts to a clear, colorless, viscous liquid near room temperature. PTMEG is produced by the catalyzed polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF). The chief uses of PTMEG are in the production of spandex (polyurethane) fibers, polyurethane elastomers, and copolyester-ether elastomers.

The most widely used method of manufacturing 24979-97-3 is based on mixing tetrahydrofuran (THF). During this reaction, the primary polymerization products formed are poly(tetramethylene ether) chains with sulfate ester groups. The sulfates are then hydrolyzed with water and the acid is removed. In the water extraction step, all water-soluble short polyether chains are also removed and the molecular weight distribution becomes narrower.

Newer PTMEG facilities use variations of the acetic anhydride process. In this type of process, the THF ring is opened by a strong acid catalyst and then reacted with acetic anhydride to form 24979-97-3 diacetate, which is then converted to polyether glycol via alcoholysis.

Polyurethanes are produced mainly from polyols and diisocyanates, where the polyol portion (in this case, PTMEG) forms the soft segment and the diisocyanate provides the hard segment. 24979-97-3 is used for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and cast urethane elastomers, and in urethane adhesives, sealants, and surface coatings. Products made from PTMEG- based urethane elastomers include automotive and aviation hoses and gaskets, forklift tires and wheels, roller skate wheels, industrial belts, tank and pipe liners, mining and oil production pump liners, shoes (e.g., athletic shoes), apparel such as leather coats, and medical prostheses, catheters, and other medical devices. The advantages of PTMEG-based urethanes are resistance to hydrolysis and fungus, flexibility at low temperatures, low heat buildup, high resiliency, low viscosity, and very low noise characteristics.