What Solvents Can Be Used as MEK Replacements?

What Solvents Can Be Used as MEK Replacements? 

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MEK, also known as methyl ethyl ketone, is a familiar chemical to many industries, as it is relied on for a wide range of processes, such as  

  • Manufacturing of synthetic rubbers, plastics, paraffin wax, and paints 
  • Manufacturing of gums, resins, and coatings  
  • In household products like varnishes and paint removers 
  • As a cleaning agent 
  • Dry-erase markers 

Though utilized in so many processes and products, MEK use can be dangerous, mostly for industrial workers and those who may be continuously exposed to the chemical.  

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the dangers of MEK and help you find MEK replacements that are not only safer for the environment but also for your workers’ health. 

Why You Should Look into MEK Replacements 

Some of the concerning hazards associated with exposure to MEK are listed below: 

  • Highly flammable 
  • Can cause severe eye and respiratory damage 
  • Can cause negative health effects if inhaled, such as coughing, wheezing, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision or even unconsciousness 
  • Can damage the central nervous system at high concentrations 

Are there any Solvents that Can Successfully Replace MEK? 

A common misconception is that although traditional solvents like MEK are hazardous, they are too effective to replace, but this is far from the reality. There are multiple MEK replacements that are just as effective and considerably less toxic, such as: 

  •  Acetone 
  • Dimethyl carbonate 
  • Preptone  

Acetone and Dimethyl Carbonate  

Acetone is the typical alternative that many industries use as MEK replacements, mostly because the chemicals exhibit very similar properties and behaviors as ketone solvents. Acetone is less toxic and can be utilized in most of the applications that MEK is typically used for, such as in…  

  • Paint removers 
  • Varnishes 
  • Coatings 
  • Cleaning agents 

Dimethyl carbonate is also another common example of an eco-friendly MEK replacement that is less toxic and can be used in the manufacturing of coatings, adhesives, and as a cleaning agent. 

What Is Preptone? 

Unlike acetone or dimethyl carbonate, Preptone is a specifically-formulated low VOC wipe solvent that utilizes a combination blend of high purity terpenes in an acetone base. The benefits of Preptone make it the ideal replacement for hazardous solvents like MEK and TCE: 

  • Fast evaporation, similar to TCE and MEK 
  • Strong non-polar solvency for stubborn soils and coatings 
  • Stronger performance than most ketone solvents, due to the utilization of terpenes 
  • The acetone component is VOC exempt, while the non-exempt component is low VOC 
  • No halogenated or ozone-depleting components 

Want to Try Preptone for Yourself? 

Looking to see if you are eligible to test out a sample of Preptone for industrial needs. Our staff at Ecolink is ready to answer any questions or find the best product for you! Click here to reach out to us today!  

How to Find MEK Alternatives

How to Find MEK Alternatives

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Methyl ethyl ketone, or MEK, has long been utilized by multiple industries as a cleaning agent, in the manufacturing of various materials, and in many household products.  

Though an effective solvent and widely relied on for these applications, companies are beginning to find that the chemical presents multiple several serious hazards, especially to workers with long-term exposure.  

With companies realizing the dangers of MEK, many are looking for MEK alternatives. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at eco-friendly substitutes for MEK that are not only safer for workers but also for the environment. 

Dangers of MEK 

Even though MEK gets the job done, it poses several health risks. Here are only some of the negative effects associated with exposure to this chemical: 

  • Can cause serious eye irritation and permanent damage 
  • Can cause serious respiratory irritation 
  • Can damage the central nervous system in high concentrations 
  • Can cause negative effects if inhaled, such as dizziness, coughing, wheezing, blurred vision, or even unconsciousness 
  • Repeated exposure can damage the brain  

Are there any MEK Alternatives? 

Those interested in or looking for low-toxicity solvents may not know where they can find MEK alternatives, but you are in the perfect place! 

 There are multiple options available that are just as effective if not more, such as: 

  • Acetone 
  • Preptone 
  • Dimethyl carbonate 

These products provide the effectiveness of MEK without compromising workers’ health and safety. Those looking for a specifically formulated replacement may be more interested in a product like Preptone.  

What Is Preptone? 

In terms of MEK replacements, Preptone is the ideal option as a cleaning agent. Preptone is a quick-evaporating wipe solvent that incorporates high purity terpenes combined with acetone, creating a solvent with an even stronger performance than ketone solvents like TCE and MEK.  

The list of benefits of Preptone is as follows: 

  • Strong non-polar solvency, ideal for stubborn soils and sealants 
  • Clean evaporation 
  • Broad spectrum solvency due to the polar solvency of acetone being synergistic with the terpene component 
  • Ideal for pre-paint cleaning and preparation 
  • No halogenated or ozone-depleting substances  
  • The acetone component is VOC exempt, while the non-exempt component has a very low VOC content.  
  • Compatible with all metals and some plastics 

Interested in Preptone and Other Eco-friendly MEK Alternatives? 

If you are interested in Preptone or chemicals with low toxicity to replace hazardous solvents like MEK, you are in the right place! You can reach out to our staff at Ecolink and see if you are eligible to try a sample of Preptone for your industrial/business needs by clicking here.  

What Are Some Eco-Friendly MEK Replacements?

What Are Some Eco-Friendly MEK Replacements?  

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MEK, also known as methyl ethyl ketone, is a controversial chemical that remains in the mainstream of various industries. The ketone industrial solvent is considered effective and is commonly used in the manufacturing of plastics, in paint removers, and as a cleaning agent. 

 Though MEK has been one of the most reliable cleaning solvents for many companies, many are starting to question the health risks associated with the chemical and if there are any safer replacements for it. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the hazards associated with exposure to this chemical, and where you can find safer, eco-friendly MEK replacements. 

The Hazards of MEK  

MEK is now considerably infamous for its toxicity, as many studies have exposed its potential to cause damage to workers’ health:  

  • Highly flammable 
  • Can harm the central nervous system at high concentrations 
  • Serious eye and respiratory irritants 
  • Can cause serious health effects when inhaled, such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision, or unconsciousness 
  • Studies indicate it can contaminate and potentially damage soil ecosystems 

Is There Any Effective MEK Replacement? 

Luckily, for companies searching to create a safer workplace and ensure the safety of their employees’ health, there are multiple options and several MEK replacements available that are significantly less toxic. Two such options are acetone or Preptone.  

Acetone is a common MEK replacement due to its efficiency, low toxicity, and inexpensiveness. But those searching for a specifically formulated effective cleaning agent may be more interested in a product like Preptone.  

What Is Preptone? 

Preptone is a fast-evaporating wipe solvent consisting of a blend of high-purity d-limonene in an acetone base. The terpene-containing solvent performs much more effectively than ketone solvents like MEK and TCE.  

The list of benefits of using Preptone over MEK is enough to convince many to make the switch: 

  • Strong solvency with flawless evaporation 
  • Non-polar solvency, making it efficient to remove stubborn soils 
  • Ideal for pre-paint cleaning and preparation 
  • The acetone component is VOC-exempt, low VOC in the non-exempt component 
  • No halogenated or ozone-depleting substances  
  • Compatible with all metals and some plastics 

With a product like Preptone available, companies can choose to preserve workers’ health and well-being without compromising quality. 

Interested in Trying Preptone? 

If you are looking to see if you are eligible to try a sample of Preptone or have any questions regarding products for your industrial needs, reach out to our staff at Ecolink today! 

Eco-Friendly Substitute for Toluene

Eco-Friendly Substitute for Toluene

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Toluene is a hydrocarbon solvent utilized by various industries for different applications, mostly in paint thinners, permanent markers, various glues, oil refining, and the production of paints.  

Though toluene has been occasionally recommended as an eco-friendlier and safer replacement for benzene, it is linked to multiple health and environmental risks, such as: 

  • Serious respiratory irritant 
  • May cause thyroid cancer 
  • Skin and eye irritants 
  • Can damage nerves, kidneys, and liver 
  • Can damage the female reproductive system or cause pregnancy loss 
  • Toxic to aquatic life  
  • Associated with smog production (evidence shows it may be a significant contribution to smog)  
  • Can cause membrane damage in plants 

Are There Any Eco-friendly Substitutes for Toluene?  

Thankfully, there are various options available that can effectively replace toluene and ensure a safer workspace and less harm to the environment.  

Here are some of the greener alternatives on the market: 

  • Ethyl lactate 
  • TMO (2,2,5,5-tetramethyloxolane) 
  • Safe Strip 

What Is Ethyl Lactate? 

Ethyl lactate is a green solvent derived from lactic acid that has effectively replaced hazardous solvents like toluene and xylene. Due to its effectiveness in cleaning, it is mostly used as a cleaner and degreaser for various metals to remove greases and oils.  

The chemical is also utilized in the polyurethane industry and can dissolve various polyurethane resins. The solvent also possesses many desirable qualities, making it a greener and safer option for companies: 

  • Biodegradable 
  • Noncarcinogenic 
  • Noncorrosive 
  • Contains no ozone-depleting substances 

What Is TMO? 

TMO is an ether solvent that effectively replaces most hydrocarbon solvents, namely toluene. TMO is becoming an increasingly popular option for those searching for a substitute for toluene due to its highly desirable properties as a solvent: 

  • Non-polar 
  • Low boiling point 
  • Performance comparable to hydrocarbon solvents 
  • Relatively inexpensive  
  • Can be used in adhesive production  
  • Better solubility than toluene 

What Is Safe Strip? 

Safe Strip is an eco-friendly paint and resin solvent that also effectively replaces hazardous solvents like toluene, benzene, and methylene chloride. The solvent also possessed very desirable properties for those searching for an eco-friendly paint stripper: 

  • Biodegradable 
  • Recyclable 
  • Low VOC emissions 
  • Strong performance, comparable to methylene chloride 
  • No ozone-depleting components 

With these highly effective options available, companies must no longer depend on a solvent that harms the environment and endangers workers using them.  

Looking for Safer Substitutes for Toluene? 

At Ecolink, we offer many environmentally preferred options for various industrial applications. Please reach out to our expert staff to find the best product for your business needs or with any questions regarding our products.  

How to Avoid Using Benzene & Choose Greener Alternatives

How to Avoid Using Benzene & Choose Greener Alternatives

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Benzene is a hydrocarbon industrial solvent used in various industries, such as in the production of rubbers, lubricants, plastics, synthetic fibers, resins, and dyes. The chemical is also present in various paint products such as paint thinners, paint removers, and varnish removers. Though a widely used solvent in the U.S., companies, and industries are beginning to avoid using benzene and using replacements due to the multiple health and environmental risks associated with it: 

  • Carcinogenic (causing leukemia and various blood disorders/cancers) 
  • Highly flammable 
  • Potential to damage the immune system by altering antibody levels 
  • Can cause anemia (by causing the bone marrow to produce fewer blood cells) 
  • Potential reproductive toxin 
  • Air pollutant (can react with volatile chemicals in the air to produce smog, which can trickle into the rain and contaminate soil and water) 
  • Water contaminant 
  • Can damage the eyes, skin, or respiratory system with contact or inhalation 

Many companies relied on benzene as a solvent because of its versatility, reliability, and effectiveness. But the pros no longer outweigh the cons when efficient, eco-friendly, and worker-friendly alternatives are now widely available.  

What Are Some Options That Will Enable Companies to Avoid Using Benzene? 

There are options that work just as effectively as industrial solvents and ensure a significantly safer workspace and less contribution to environmental damage: 

  • Acetone 
  • Ethanol  
  • 2-propanol 
  • Methanol 

When looking specifically at an eco-friendly solvent like acetone, utilizing it over products containing benzene provides multiple benefits: 

  • Highly effective industrial solvent 
  • Low toxicity 
  • Similar versatility in applications (degreasing, cleaning, paint thinning, paint removing, plastic production, and rubber production) 
  • Inexpensive 
  • Not an air pollutant 
  • VOC exempt 
  • Water soluble 
  • Non-carcinogenic 
  • Fewer restrictions than hazardous solvents like benzene 

Looking for Greener Alternatives? 

If you are searching for an eco-friendly alternative to benzene, then you are in the right place. At Ecolink, we offer various environmentally preferred options for various industrial applications. Please reach out to us to find the best product for your business needs or with any questions regarding our products!