Ethylene oxide is a toxic substance that was previously used to make biocides. Ethylene oxide is flammable and explosive, so it is not easy to transport over long distances. It is widely used in washing, pharmaceutical, printing and dyeing industries. In chemical-related industries, it can be used as a starting agent for cleaning agents. American chemist Lloyd Hall patented the ethylene oxide sterilization method for preserving spices in 1938, a method that is still used today.

Applications

Medical

Ethylene oxide has a bactericidal effect, does not corrode metals, has no residual odor, and can kill bacteria (and its endospores), mold and fungi, so it can be used to sterilize some items that cannot withstand high temperature sterilization and gas bactericides for materials. Ethylene oxide is widely used to disinfect medical supplies such as bandages, sutures, and surgical instruments.

Food Storage

Fumigants for ethylene oxide are often used in the preservation of grains and foods.

Chemical Synthesis

Ethylene oxide is mainly used in the manufacture of ethylene glycol (raw material for polyester fiber), synthetic detergents, nonionic surfactants, antifreeze agents, emulsifiers and ethylene glycol products, as well as in the production of plasticizers, lubricants, rubber and plastics, etc. It is widely used in washing and dyeing, electronics, medicine, pesticides, textiles, papermaking, automobiles, oil exploration and refining and many other fields.