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Terathane® PTMEG (Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol), also known as Poly(tetramethylene glycol) or PolyTHF, is a high-performance polyether polyol synthesized from tetrahydrofuran (THF).
It is characterized by its flexible, crystalline structure and is widely utilized in the production of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), elastomers, spandex fibers, and various other specialty polymers.
Chemical Identity and Synonyms
CAS Number: 25190-06-1
Molecular Formula: (C₄H₈O)ₙ
Synonyms: Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol, PolyTHF, PTMEG 1000, PTMEG 2000, PTMEG 250, PTMEG 1400, Terathane 1000, Terathane 2900, PTMG
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White, waxy solid at room temperature
Density: Approximately 0.982 g/cm³ at 30°C
Melting Point: 23–28°C
Hydroxyl Number: Varies based on molecular weight
Viscosity: Depends on molecular weight; higher molecular weights exhibit higher viscosities
Solubility: Soluble in polar solvents; insoluble in non-polar solvents
Synthesis
PTMEG is synthesized through the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1,4-butanediol, utilizing an acid catalyst.
The polymerization process involves the ring-opening of THF monomers, leading to the formation of linear polyether chains terminated with hydroxyl groups.
The resulting polymer's molecular weight can be controlled by adjusting the polymerization conditions, such as temperature, catalyst concentration, and monomer feed ratio.
Molecular Weight Variants
PTMEG is commercially available in a range of molecular weights, typically between 250 and 3000 g/mol. Common grades include:
PTMEG 1000: Approximate molecular weight of 1000 g/mol
PTMEG 2000: Approximate molecular weight of 2000 g/mol
PTMEG 2900: Approximate molecular weight of 2900 g/mol
PTMEG 650: Approximate molecular weight of 650 g/mol
These variants are tailored to meet specific application requirements, influencing properties such as flexibility, hardness, and processing characteristics.
Applications
PTMEG's unique properties make it suitable for a wide array of applications:
Polyurethane Elastomers: Used in the production of high-performance thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) and cast elastomers.
Spandex Fibers: Serves as a key component in the manufacture of elastic fibers like spandex.
Artificial Leather: Employed in the production of synthetic leather materials.
Coatings and Adhesives: Utilized in the formulation of coatings and adhesives requiring flexibility and durability.
Polyether Amides: Incorporated into polyether amide resins for specialized applications.
Polyesters: Reacted with diacids or their derivatives to produce polyesters with enhanced properties.
Safety and Handling
PTMEG is classified as an acute oral toxicity category 4 substance and a specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) category 3 substance.
It may cause respiratory irritation and drowsiness or dizziness upon exposure.
Appropriate safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation, should be implemented during handling.
Environmental Considerations
PTMEG is biodegradable and exhibits low toxicity to aquatic organisms.
However, like all chemicals, it should be handled responsibly to minimize environmental impact.
Proper waste disposal and adherence to environmental regulations are essential.
Regulatory Status
PTMEG is listed under various chemical inventories worldwide, including:
TSCA: Listed
EINECS: Listed
AICS: Listed
DSL/NDSL: Listed
Manufacturers and users should ensure compliance with local regulations regarding its use and disposal.
Conclusion
Terathane® PTMEG is a versatile polyether polyol with a broad range of applications in the polymer industry.
Its customizable molecular weight and hydroxyl functionality allow for the tailoring of material properties to meet specific performance criteria.
Ongoing research and development continue to expand its applications and improve its environmental footprint.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TERATHANE PTMEG
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
