Applications of Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether in Paints, Inks, and Cleaners

Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (DPGDME, CAS 111109-77-4) is a high-performance, low-odor solvent widely used in industrial formulations. Known for its excellent solvency power, controlled evaporation rate, and compatibility with a wide range of resins and additives, it plays a critical role in the production of paints, inks, and cleaning formulations.

As a professional Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether supplier in China, we understand what industrial users care about most — stable purity, consistent supply, and high formulation efficiency. Below, we’ll explore the key properties and major applications of DPGDME and explain why it’s becoming an essential ingredient in many modern industries.

I. What is Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (DPGDME)?

Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether, often abbreviated as DPGDME or DPDME, is a glycol ether with the chemical formula C8H18O3. It is a colorless, low-viscosity, and low-odor liquid that provides excellent solvency for both polar and non-polar substances. Its moderate evaporation rate and low toxicity make it a preferred alternative to traditional glycol ethers.

• Chemical name:Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
• CAS Number:111109-77-4 / 111109 77 4
• Purezza:≥99.0% (available as Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether 99.0)
• Altri nomi:DPGDME, DPDME
• Aspetto:Liquido trasparente incolore

II. Key Properties of DPGDME Solvent

DPGDME stands out due to its balanced solvency and environmental performance, making it suitable for diverse applications.

Main characteristics:

• High solvency for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds.
• Low surface tension for better wetting and penetration.
• Low volatility, ensuring slower drying when needed.
• Excellent compatibility with water and organic solvents.
• Low toxicity and low odor — safer for both operators and end users.

III. Applications in Paints and Coatings

In the paint and coating industry, Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether plays several essential roles as a coalescent agent, flow modifier, and co-solvent. Its balanced evaporation rate and excellent compatibility with polymers make it suitable for both waterborne and solvent-based formulations.

1. Improved Film Formation

DPGDME assists in the coalescence of polymer particles, enabling smooth and uniform film formation after water evaporation. This is particularly beneficial in acrylic emulsion paints, latex coatings, and PU-based systems, where DPGDME helps improve adhesion and mechanical strength.

2. Enhanced Pigment Dispersion

Due to its strong solvency, DPGDME promotes better pigment wetting and dispersion, ensuring consistent color development and preventing issues such as pigment floating or flocculation. The result is brighter, more stable, and uniform color in finished coatings.

3. Controlled Drying and Leveling

DPGDME has a moderate evaporation rate, which allows coatings to dry evenly without brush marks or cracks. It enhances flow and leveling, especially in high-gloss and industrial coatings where surface smoothness is critical.

4. Lower VOC and Odor

Compared with conventional glycol ethers, DPGDME emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and has a much lower odor. This makes it ideal for eco-friendly coatings that need to comply with environmental standards like REACH and RoHS.

In summary, DPGDME helps coating formulators achieve:

• Smoother surface finish
• Improved open time and leveling
• Better color uniformity
• Lower VOC emissions

IV. Applications in Printing Inks

Printing inks require solvents that balance drying speed, pigment dispersion, and print quality. DPGDME meets these needs effectively, providing precise control over ink flow and film formation on various substrates.

1. Excellent Solvency for Resins

DPGDME can dissolve a wide range of resins such as acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane, forming stable ink bases. It ensures smooth printing performance and prevents clogging in gravure, flexographic, and inkjet systems.

2. Improved Color Performance

By enhancing pigment wetting, DPGDME produces deeper and more vivid colors. It also improves gloss and ink transfer during high-speed printing, helping achieve sharper and more consistent images.

3. Controlled Drying for Print Stability

DPGDME’s balanced evaporation rate allows for rapid yet controlled drying, reducing defects like “blocking” or smudging. It also enhances adhesion between the ink and substrate, whether on paper, film, or plastic.

4. Low Odor and Safe Handling

Unlike some fast-evaporating solvents, DPGDME produces minimal odor and lower toxicity, improving operator comfort and safety in printing environments.

DPGDME is widely used in:

• Solvent-based and waterborne ink formulations
• Industrial packaging and label printing
• Plastic film and flexible packaging applications

V. Applications in Cleaning and Degreasing Formulations

Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether solvent is also a powerful ingredient in cleaning chemicals due to its excellent solvency for oils, greases, resins, and flux residues. Its low surface tension enables deep penetration and efficient removal of contaminants.

1. Industrial Cleaning

DPGDME is widely used in metal degreasers, precision cleaning solutions, and electronic component cleaning. It dissolves tough industrial residues like lubricants, inks, and polymer films without damaging sensitive materials.

2. Paint and Resin Removal

In paint stripping formulations, DPGDME acts as a mild, effective alternative to strong solvents such as methylene chloride. It softens and dissolves coatings for easy removal, while remaining safer for both users and the environment.

3. Household and Institutional Cleaners

Thanks to its low odor and low toxicity, DPGDME is often used in multi-purpose household cleaners, glass cleaners, and hard-surface cleaners. It provides excellent cleaning results without streaking or residue.

4. Compatibility and Safety

DPGDME is compatible with surfactants, alcohols, and other glycol ethers. It can be used in both aqueous and solvent-based formulations, making it highly versatile. Its low flammability and biodegradability further enhance its appeal in sustainable product development.

VI. Why Choose Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether 99.0 from Us

As a professional China Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether manufacturer and supplier, we provide high-purity DPGDME (≥99.0%) designed to meet industrial-grade performance and consistency requirements.

Our strengths include:

• Reliable quality control ensuring consistent purity and stability.
• Bulk supply with flexible packaging options (drums, IBC tanks, bulk shipments).
• Competitive prices for Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether 99.0.
• Technical support for formulation optimization.
• On-time global delivery.

Whether you’re formulating coatings, inks, or cleaners, we can help you select the right solvent grade and supply stable, high-performance materials for long-term production needs.

VII. Conclusione

Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether (DPGDME) is a multifunctional and environmentally friendly solvent that delivers excellent performance across paints, inks, and cleaning formulations. With its strong solvency, moderate evaporation rate, and low odor, DPGDME helps manufacturers achieve smoother coatings, brighter inks, and more efficient cleaning systems — all while meeting modern environmental and safety standards.

As a professional China Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether supplier, we are committed to providing high-purity DPGDME (≥99.0%) and technical support to help customers optimize their formulations and production processes. Whether you need a reliable solvent for industrial coatings, printing applications, or precision cleaning, our DPGDME offers the right balance of performance, safety, and sustainability.

Choose a trusted partner for your next formulation — contact us today to learn more about our Dipropylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether CAS 111109-77-4 and request a quotation or sample for your specific industrial needs.