Antifriisit

Antifriisit is a term used to describe substances that prevent freezing. The most common application is in automotive coolants, where antifreeze is added to the water in a vehicle's radiator to lower its freezing point and raise its boiling point. This prevents the coolant from freezing in cold weather, which could cause significant damage to the engine, and also prevents it from boiling over in hot weather, maintaining optimal operating temperature.

The primary ingredient in most automotive antifreezes is ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. These glycols are miscible with water and form a solution that has a lower freezing point and a higher boiling point than pure water. The specific concentration of antifreeze in the coolant mixture determines the level of protection against freezing and boiling. For example, a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water typically provides freeze protection down to around -37 degrees Celsius (-34 degrees Fahrenheit) and boiling protection up to about 108 degrees Celsius (226 degrees Fahrenheit) with a pressurized system.

Beyond automotive use, antifreezes are also employed in various industrial and domestic applications. They can be found in heating systems, solar thermal systems, and even in some food processing applications where preventing freezing is crucial. The choice of antifreeze depends on the specific requirements of the application, including the required temperature range, material compatibility, and safety considerations. Propylene glycol is often preferred in applications where there is a risk of accidental ingestion, such as in food processing or some plumbing systems, due to its lower toxicity compared to ethylene glycol.