Antifreeze & Coolant may be a common term, especially in the automotive industry, but do we really know what goes into this solution? Or why we need it?
This solution acts as a temperature regulator, most notably used to keep internal combustion engines (ICE) from overheating or freezing.[1] Antifreeze, or similar solutions, can additionally be found in deicing mixtures or air-conditioning and heating systems, where it likewise functions as a temperature moderator.[2] Antifreeze is typically a water-glycol mix. Older formulations were based on ethylene glycol while newer products use non-toxic propylene glycol.
Why Do We Need Antifreeze & Coolant?
Antifreeze represents an essential component of all internal combustion engines, and checking antifreeze levels should be a part of regular vehicle or engine maintenance. As it circulates throughout the engine, antifreeze maintains regular internal temperatures by functioning as a heat exchange fluid, carrying excess heat from the engine to be dissipated through the radiator.[3]
During warmer weather, antifreeze prevents engines from reaching dangerously high temperatures that could lead to warping, seizing, and ultimately, a complete breakdown. Engines naturally release heat throughout radiators, hoses, and rubber and plastic components, and additional temperature changes put pressure on this system. Using antifreeze in the radiator prevents freezing at low temperatures, which would be damaging to the engine block and prevent the vehicle from running.
How Does Antifreeze & Coolant Work?
Antifreeze is typically used at a 50-50 or 70-30 glycol-water mixture. The use of glycol as a component both raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of water, thereby extending the usable temperature range of the solution. While water by itself is an excellent heat exchange medium, the limited temperature window between the 0 °C (32 °F) freezing point and 100 °C (212 °F) boiling point prevents it from being used as a single component.[4]
The antifreeze solution ensures your car starts smoothly even on the coldest mornings by significantly lowering the freezing point. When liquids become colder, their molecules slow down and bind together. Antifreeze works by blocking the molecules in water from binding together and freezing.[5] This solution can therefore remain liquid at even sub-zero temperatures, with antifreeze lowering the freezing point to as low as -55° C.[6]
In hot weather, water will boil at 100°C, leading to overheating and potential engine damage. Antifreeze & coolant raises the boiling point of liquid to as high as 113°C, keeping the engine cool, so it can still run efficiently.
Antifreeze additionally contains additives that lubricate the water pump and other engine components and protect from corrosion.[7] As antifreeze and coolant, circulates throughout the engine, it regulates temperature, as well as prevents metal corrosion and reduces engine wear and tear.
How is Antifreeze & Coolant Made?
Depending on the specific antifreeze solution, either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol comprise the base of antifreeze; they mix with water to form this core solution.[8] These two ingredients alone are not enough, however, with the essential properties of antifreeze coming from other important chemicals and additives.
What Chemicals Are Used in Antifreeze & Coolant?
Essential chemicals in antifreeze include IvanGuard® T (tolyltriazole), sebacic acid, adipic acid, and dyes.
When used in antifreeze, IvanGuard® T is a corrosion inhibitor that protects engines and parts of your car.[9] Engines are made of various metals, susceptible to corrosion, and IvanGuard® T forms a protective barrier film on the surface of yellow metal (copper and its alloys) surfaces to prevent corrosion and prolong engine life. IvanGuard® T also chelates copper ions, preventing galvanic pitting corrosion of other metals.
Sebacic acid adds another layer of protection for ferrous metals and engines when present in antifreeze. Like IvanGuard® T, it prevents corrosion and extends engine life. Made from castor oil, sebacic acid is derived from a renewable resource. Adipic acid has several well-known uses and when present in an antifreeze solution, it also helps prevent the corrosion of ferrous metal.[10]
Dyes in antifreeze solutions play a crucial role in leak detection. Their bright colors, often green, yellow, or orange, allow for easier visual identification of leaks in the engine system.[11]
What Other Additives Are Used in Antifreeze & Coolant?
Just as engines come in many different forms, so do antifreeze formulas. These varying solutions depend on additional additives that offer additional benefits. Other possible additives in antifreeze solutions include:[12]
Borates: Commonly used pH buffers
Phosphates: A less common additive but one that offers fast-acting corrosion protection, although concerns exist about potential sludge formation.
Silicates: Additives that also work to limit corrosion in some engines, but can be abrasive to metal and lead to scale formation, especially when used in conjunction with hard water.
Nitrites: Additives found in coolants only for older engines. They protect iron engines from corrosion, yet will have an adverse effect on aluminum engines.
Although antifreeze formulas and types can vary, all antifreeze solutions play a vital role in protecting a vehicle’s engine during operation. Benefits include preventing freezing, corrosion, and overheating, with antifreeze & coolant maximizing engine performance and longevity.
For these reasons, it’s essential to develop the optimal antifreeze solution for your engine or other system needs. Our team at Van Horn Metz is here to help you choose the best chemicals and ingredients for your antifreeze formula. Connect with one of our sales representatives today to learn more about our specialty chemical products.
[1] https://www.tomkadleckia.com/what-is-antifreeze.html
[2]https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/ethylene-glycol/#:~:text=Uses%20%26%20Benefits&text=Ethylene%20glycol%20has%20a%20variety,ballpoint%20pens%20and%20other%20inks.
[3] https://chem-group.com/antifreeze-the-ultimate-guide/
[4] https://chem-group.com/antifreeze-the-ultimate-guide/
[5] http://thescienceexplorer.com/nature/science-behind-antifreeze
[6] https://auto.howstuffworks.com/cooling-system3.htm
[7] https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-ksa/what-does-engine-coolant-do/
[8] https://chem-group.com/antifreeze-the-ultimate-guide/
[9] https://www.irowater.com/comparison-of-tolyltriazole-and-benzotriazole/
[10] https://www.mysciencework.com/patent/show/hybrid-supplemental-coolant-additive-EP1170347A2
[11] https://www.fluidlife.com/blog-coolant-color-conundrum/
[12] https://gmb.net/blog/common-coolant-additives-explained/
Leave a Reply