BASF Launches Glycol Coolants for Liquid-Cooled Data Centers

BASF has launched its GLYTHERMIN® heat-transfer fluid platform for liquid-cooled data centers, targeting the growing thermal-management requirements of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-computing infrastructure. Announced on October 8, 2026, the portfolio is designed to support reliable cooling performance and protect cooling systems as server power densities continue to rise.

The qualification is intended to help data-center developers evaluate coolant options for high-density AI infrastructure. (BASF announcement)

AI Growth Increases Demand for Advanced Cooling

The expansion of AI workloads is placing greater demands on data-center thermal management. High-performance processors and graphics processing units (GPUs) generate substantial heat, with some AI server racks exceeding 150 kilowatts of thermal load.

Traditional air-cooling systems can struggle to manage these concentrated loads efficiently. Direct liquid cooling (DLC) offers an alternative by transferring heat away from processors through circulating coolant, reducing reliance on air as the primary means of removing heat from high-density computing equipment. (BASF)

GLYTHERMIN Targets Primary and Direct Liquid Cooling Loops

BASF’s GLYTHERMIN DC and GLYTHERMIN PG product families are designed for complementary roles in liquid-cooled data-center systems.

In a typical direct liquid-cooling configuration, cold plates are attached to processors and GPUs. These plates transfer heat into the circulating coolant, which then carries it to a coolant distribution unit (CDU). The CDU manages parameters such as flow rate, temperature and pressure to support system operation.

The GLYTHERMIN portfolio is formulated using propylene glycol chemistry and corrosion-inhibitor technology. According to BASF, the formulations are designed to help protect cooling infrastructure against corrosion, ageing and deposit formation while supporting extended fluid service life and minimizing inhibitor consumption. (BASF)

NVIDIA Qualification Strengthens the Product’s Position

The qualification of GLYTHERMIN DC PG 25 as an NVIDIA DSX Ready Coolant is a central part of the launch. The product meets the applicable NVIDIA PG25 fluid requirements for secondary-loop, single-phase cold-plate cooling.

For data-center operators and infrastructure developers, coolant qualification can help narrow product selection when evaluating fluids for specific cooling architectures. However, compatibility still needs to be assessed against the full system design, including materials, operating temperatures, flow requirements and equipment specifications.

The qualification should also be understood within its stated scope: it relates to the specified PG25 cooling application rather than automatically establishing suitability for every liquid-cooling system. (BASF)

Supply Reliability and Global Production

BASF is also highlighting supply security as part of its data-center cooling strategy. The company says its backward integration across the value chain and its global production footprint support consistent product quality and reliable supply.

This is an important consideration as data-center construction expands and operators seek dependable supplies of specialty fluids for new installations, maintenance and future capacity upgrades. BASF’s integrated production network is intended to support customers across international markets.

The company is also involved in industry collaboration and standardization through organizations including the Open Compute Project, ASTM International and a standards committee in China. These activities support broader efforts to develop and align technical approaches to liquid cooling. (BASF)

What the Launch Means for Data-Center Operators

The launch reflects the growing role of specialty chemicals in digital infrastructure. As AI computing increases rack-level power density, coolant selection is becoming an important part of system design, alongside heat exchangers, pumps, distribution units and facility-level heat rejection.

For operators, key considerations include thermal performance, corrosion protection, material compatibility, fluid maintenance requirements and supply continuity. Qualification against a relevant technical specification can help inform procurement, but performance should be assessed within the intended cooling architecture and operating conditions.

BASF’s GLYTHERMIN platform positions the company to serve this developing market with glycol-based heat-transfer fluids designed for modern liquid-cooled data centers.

Sources:

https://www.basf.com/global/en/media/news-releases/2026/10/p-26-162