Propylene glycol ethers and propylene glycol ether acetate ‘PMA’ in coating applications

A considerable reduction of threshold limit values for ethylene glycol methyl and ethyl ethers and their acetates has been proposed by the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). Interest in propylene glycol ethers, as potential replacements for the traditional monoethylene glycol ethers is steadily growing because of toxicity, labelling and industrial hygiene reasons. Propylene glycol ethers are compared to ethylene glycol ethers. Evaporation and solubility performances are discussed. Substitution possibilities for ethylene glycol ethers are elaborated for solvent and water borne coating systems.