Coalescing solvent offers performance benefits

Coalescing solvent offers performance benefits

Keywords Chemoxy,Solvents

A new low odour, cost effective coalescing solvent has been launched by Chemoxy International. A low toxicity solvent, Coasol A is said to be a high performance, low VOC potential alternative to coalescing solvents traditionally favoured by emulsion paint formulators.

Coasol A, a clear colourless liquid, is also thought to be ideal for use as a low odour, high performance solvent in other paint systems and adhesives where it can be used to replace or partially replace glycol ethers, hydrocarbon solvents and acetates.

Coasol A is a new blend of di-isobutyl esters of dibasic acids specially developed by Chemoxy for the paints and coatings industry. The new solvent claims to offer formulators a significant edge when manufacturing styrene/acrylic-based coatings popular for flooring applications, as well as vinyl acetate based products.

Coasol A, which is readily biodegradable both aerobically and anaerobically, comprises a new blend of di-isobutyl esters of adipic, glutaric and succinic acids. The new solvent differs from Chemoxy's coalescing solvent, Coasol B, because it has a higher proportion of adipic acid in the blend. With Coasol A the ratio of acids (wt/wt)35-40 per cent adipic, 45-55 per cent glutaric and 10-15 per cent succinic.

The new blend reportedly delivers a solvent with a vapour pressure at room temperature of 0.005mm Hg at 20°C which is a major benefit because it keeps the VOC potential of paints containing the solvent to extremely low levels and ensures excellent plasticisation through the film forming and drying process.

Coasol A, which is claimed to be totally miscible with most commonly used solvents, is available from Chemoxy International in either 200kg net drums or bulk delivery and is manufactured at Chemoxy's Middlesbrough plant in the UK.

Details from Chemoxy International plc, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1642 248555; Fax: +44 (0)1642 250369.