DBE: an environmental friendly solvent
DBE: an environmental friendly solvent
Keywords: DuPont, Solvents, Environmentally friendly
With DBE (Dibasic Esters), DuPont believes that it can offer an alternative to chlorinated and other regulated solvents. DBE and its fractions have low environmental impact according to the German Water Endangering Classification(WGK = 1). They are clear, colourless liquids that are biodegradable. Other properties claimed are high solvency power and good miscibility with other solvents, high boiling and flash points and mild odour. DBE is classified as"non hazardous" to all EU criteria which allows easier handling.
DBE is said to be used in a broad variety of applications, as a solvent for coatings, cleaning formulations and paint strippers. It can also function as building block or intermediate, for example in polyester resins, polyurethane foams and plasticizers.
DBE is produced from dibasic acids manufactured at DuPont's adipic acid plants. The primary refined mixed ester product is designated DBE. It can be fractionated into three other mixtures of two components and the three single esters.
DBE and its fractions are stated to be readily soluble in alcohols, ketones,ethers and most hydrocarbons, but are only slightly soluble in water and higher paraffinic hydrocarbons.
If improvements of environmental protection, safety at the work place and product properties are desired, DBE is thought to be a good alternative to traditional solvents. The high flashpoint of 103°C and extensive toxicity testing claims a high level of safety and security when working with DBE. The high solvency power claimed of DBE can offer improve dissolution properties at lower solvent concentrations. When substituting DBE for an undesired solvent that is not satisfactory, a formulated blend of DBE, with one or more other solvents is often successful.
Formulators who look for alternatives can get support from DuPont with a Solvent- Formulation-Program. This computer program has a database of 180 solvents and uses the "Hansen Parameters" to calculate the three solubility parameters parameters of solvents, solvent blends and resins. This tool allows theoretical formulation work to tailor a request for practical functionality testing.
Further details are available from Du Pont (UK) Ltd, Wedgwood Way, Stevenage,Herts SG1 4QN, UK.
