Carnol Polyol is a series of polypropylene carbonate polyols designed for use in polyurethane systems. These products are made from propylene oxide and carbon dioxide and are available in both bifunctional and trifunctional grades. The series includes PCE-2010E, PCE-2015E, PCE-2017E, PCE-2020E, PCE-3010E, PCE-3013E, PCE-3015E, and PCE-3017E. They are mainly used in polyurethane applications such as coatings, adhesives, and elastomers.

Carnol Polyol Product Series

The PCE-20 series consists of bifunctional polypropylene carbonate polyols. Carnol® PCE-2010E, PCE-2015E, PCE-2017E, and PCE-2020E are produced from propylene oxide and carbon dioxide and provide two functional groups for polyurethane formulation.

The PCE-30 series consists of trifunctional polypropylene carbonate polyols. Carnol® PCE-3010E, PCE-3013E, PCE-3015E, and PCE-3017E provide three functional groups and are designed for polyurethane systems where a higher functionality is required. The product literature identifies the PCE-20 grades primarily with CASE and modified MDI applications, while the PCE-30 grades are associated with slabstock foam, molded foam, and rigid foam applications.

Carbon Dioxide-Based Polyol Material

Carnol polyols are polypropylene carbonate polyols incorporating carbon dioxide into the polymer material. The product series is therefore different from conventional polyols that do not use CO₂ as part of their production route. In March 2026, Econic Technologies announced that Changhua Chemical had begun commercial-scale production of Carnol polyols in Jiangsu, China, using CO₂-based technology.

This approach provides a material platform for polyurethane formulations while incorporating captured carbon into the polyol structure. The manufacturer and technology provider describe Carnol as a polyol family intended to combine polyurethane performance with a lower-carbon material pathway.

Bifunctional and Trifunctional Grades

Functionality is an important consideration when selecting a polyol for polyurethane formulation. The PCE-20 series has a functionality of 2, while the PCE-30 series has a functionality of 3. Within each series, different grades provide different viscosity and hydroxyl-value ranges, allowing formulators to select a suitable grade according to the requirements of the polyurethane system.

The supplied product information identifies the following grades:

Applications in Polyurethane Systems

Carnol Polyol can be used as a polyol component in different polyurethane formulations. For coatings and adhesives, bifunctional grades can be incorporated into systems where the formulation requires the characteristics of a polypropylene carbonate polyol. For elastomers and other CASE applications, grade selection can be based on the desired formulation balance and processing requirements.

The trifunctional PCE-30 grades are positioned for polyurethane foam applications, including slabstock foam, molded foam, and rigid foam. This gives the Carnol range coverage across several polyurethane product categories rather than limiting it to a single application.

Grade Selection and Formulation Considerations

Choosing the appropriate Carnol grade should consider functionality, viscosity, hydroxyl value, target polyurethane system, and processing requirements. The available PCE-20 and PCE-30 grades cover different viscosity ranges, while their functionality distinguishes the two main product groups.

For a formulation intended for coatings, adhesives, elastomers, or other CASE applications, the PCE-20 series can be evaluated according to the specific formulation requirements. For foam applications, the PCE-30 series provides trifunctional options intended for slabstock, molded, and rigid polyurethane foams.

Conclusion

Carnol Polyol provides a CO₂-based polypropylene carbonate polyol platform for polyurethane applications. With bifunctional PCE-20 grades and trifunctional PCE-30 grades, the series offers options for coatings, adhesives, elastomers, modified MDI systems, and polyurethane foams. The eight-grade product range allows formulators to consider different functionality, viscosity, hydroxyl value, and application requirements when selecting a suitable polyol for their formulation.