Name: 1,3-Propanediol (PDO)
Brand: Coatingsink
SKU: 1-3-propanediol-pdo
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What advantages does 1,3-propanediol offer in waterborne polyurethane dispersions?

Accepted Answer

PDO is a linear alpha,omega-diol with both hydroxyl groups primary, giving high reactivity toward isocyanate at standard WPU synthesis temperatures (60-80 degC). PDO-based polyesters show lower crystallinity and better room-temperature flexibility than ethylene glycol equivalents due to the odd-carbon chain disrupting crystalline packing. Bio-based PDO from corn-dextrose fermentation enables formulators to claim renewable content in exterior architectural and industrial maintenance coatings targeting LEED v4 or EPD certifications.

Question 2

How is PDO used in polyester polyols for 2K PU wood coatings?

Accepted Answer

PDO at 20-30 mol% of the diol blend with adipic acid or epsilon-caprolactone yields hydroxyl-functional polyesters (OH value 56-112 mgKOH/g) with good compatibility with aliphatic HDI trimer curing agents. The resulting films exhibit elongation at break 30-80% and pencil hardness H-2H, meeting EN 12720 requirements for furniture coatings. PDO also enhances compatibility of the polyol with waterborne HDI dispersions, reducing co-solvent need.

Question 3

Is bio-based 1,3-propanediol available and does it meet industrial quality requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bio-based PDO via corn-dextrose fermentation is available at >=99.5% purity with identical performance to petrochemical PDO. The bio-based route achieves ~95% renewable carbon content (ASTM D6866). Technical spec is identical: colorless liquid, boiling point 214 degC, OH value ~1477 mgKOH/g, water <=0.05%. Formulators in EU and North America increasingly specify bio-based PDO to reduce Scope 3 carbon footprint of PU resin systems.

Purity	>=99.5%
Appearance	colorless liquid
Color (APHA)	<=10
Boiling Point	214 degC (760 mmHg)
Functionality	2 (primary OH)
Water Content	<=0.05%
Hydroxyl Value	~1477 mgKOH/g
Molecular Weight	76.09 g/mol
Density (25 degC)	1.053 g/cm3

1,3-Propanediol (PDO)

Specifications

FAQ

Interested in 1,3-Propanediol (PDO)?