Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) is a polyether diol, and the premier polyether polyol used worldwide in the manufacture of high-performance polyurethane elastomers. Valued for its elasticity, hydrolysis resistance, and low-temperature flexibility, PTMEG provides both performance advantages and processing benefits across diverse industries. These applications include polyurethane resins, prepolymers, coatings, adhesives, cast polyurethane resins, spandex fibers, and more.
Gantrade Corporation is a leading supplier of PTMEG polyol, 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.
| PTMEG 220 | PTMEG 650 | PTMEG 1000 | PTMEG 1400 | PTMEG 1800 | PTMEG 2000 | PTMEG 3000 | |
| PU Resins | + | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | + |
| Prepolymers | + | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | ||
| Coatings | ++ | ++ | + | + | + | + | |
| Adhesives | + | ++ | + | + | |||
| Cast PURs | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | + | |
| TPUs | + | ++ | ++ | ++ | ++ | + | |
| TPEEs/TPEAs | + | ++ | + | + | ++ | ||
| Spandex Fibers | + | + | ++ | ++ |
+ Recommend, ++ Highly Recommend, Blank Can Be Used
Gantrade Corporation is a leading supplier of PTMEG, meeting needs for high performance polyurethane products worldwide.
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:
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.
| Grade | Hydroxyl Number, OH (mg KOH/g) | Molecular Weight | Color, APHA | Acid Number (mg KOH/g) | Water (%) | Melting Point (°C) |
Flash Point, OC (°C) |
Density (g/cm3) at 40°C |
Viscosity (mPa•s at 40°C) |
| 220 | 458-575 | 195-245 | Max. 40 | Max. 0.05 | Max. 0.030 | -5 | Min. 160 | 0.98 | 30-50 |
| 650 | 166-180 | 625-675 | Max. 40 | Max. 0.05 | Max. 0.020 | 11 | Min. 230 | 0.978 | 160 |
| 1000 | 107-117 | 959-1049 | Max. 50 | Max. 0.05 | Max. 0.015 | 24 | Min. 260 | 0.977 | 268 |
| 1400 | 77-84 | 1336-1457 | Max. 50 | Max. 0.05 | Max. 0.015 | 27 | Min. 260 | 0.976 | 400 |
| 1800 | 60-65 | 1726-1870 | Max. 50 | Max. 0.05 | Max. 0.015 | 27 | Min. 260 | 0.975 | 1070 |
| 2000 | 53-59 | 1901-2117 | Max. 50 | Max. 0.05 | Max. 0.015 | 27 | Min. 260 | 0.974 | 1270 |
| 3000 | 35-39 | 2877-3206 | Max. 50 | Max. 0.05 | Max. 0.015 | 30 | Min. 260 | 0.974 | 3108 |
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 evaluate PTMEG grade selection for your distinct applications.
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.
Gantrade offers the following grades of PTMEG diols*:
*The grade designations refer to the average molecular weights of the PTMEG diols.
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.
PTMEG polyols are classified as non-hazardous, stable materials with low toxicity and a high flash point when stored and handled under recommended conditions.
Store PTMEG in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, and direct sunlight. Avoid sources of ignition and prevent electrostatic discharge during transfer or handling. Containers should remain tightly closed, clearly labeled, and placed within chemical-resistant secondary containment to minimize the risk of spills or cross-contamination.
When handling PTMEG, personnel must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all applicable health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and other handling information, please contact Gantrade Corporation.
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 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.
Because of its linear chain design and unique crystallization behavior under stress, PTMEG enables TPU systems to maintain flexibility and mechanical integrity at low temperatures where many other polyols lose performance.
PTMEG 1000 and 2000 are the most common grades for general-purpose TPU applications. Lower molecular weights (650, 1000) provide easier processing and better hardness, while higher molecular weights (2000, 3000) offer superior elasticity, resilience, and low-temperature flexibility. For spandex fiber, PTMEG 1800-2000 is standard. Actual performance depends on your complete formulation, and we strongly recommend conducting application-specific testing and consulting our technical team to identify the optimal grade for your requirements.
PTMEG manufacturing uses processed tetrahydrofuran and acid-catalyzed polymerization methods. Factors such as raw-material cost volatility, plant capacity expansions, and regional demand (especially in APAC) can influence lead times, pricing, and availability of different molecular-weight grades.