Developments in raw materials — Part 6: Solvents

Previous articles in this series have reviewed recent developments in certain key areas of raw materials technology. The fields covered have included colouring and protective pigments, extenders, and both non‐convertible and convertible media. This, the last part of the series, will consider some of the recent literature concerning the other main component in coatings formulations, the solvents. Solvents are volatile liquids which are primarily added to coatings in order to solubilise the resinous constituents and to control viscosity. Many other factors however, also have to be considered when selecting solvents for coating formulations, including evapouration rate, odour, flammability, toxicity and cost.