What Is N-Butanol?

What is N-Butanol?

N-Butanol, also known as 1 butanol, or butyl alcohol, is an alcohol produced by petrochemical processes or fermentation of sugars derived from corn.

Applications of N-Butanol in the Manufacturing Industry

  • It is used in plastics, polymers, lubricants, brake fluids, and  synthetic rubber.
  • It can be used as a source of fuel.
  • As an environmentally friendly and powerful solvent for cleaning and polishing products.
  • N-Butanol is present in numerous beverages and food and it is used as an artificial food flavoring in the USA.

Applications of N-Butanol on the Cosmetic and Laboratory Industry

  • Humectant for cellulose nitrate
  • Used in the cosmetic industry as well in products such as shampoo, shaving products and soaps.
  • As a chemical intermediate to create other vital compounds such as Glycol Ether, Acrylate Esters, Amino Resins, Acetates, and Animes.

One interesting fact about N-Butanol is that it is almost insoluble in water, but soluble in almost all other organic solvents.

Benefits of N-Butanol

  • Can be used in gasoline engines without modification.
  • High energy content.
  • Low vapor pressure and low evaporation rate.
  • Used as an intermediate to create other chemicals.
  • Fewer emissions than regular fuel.

N-Butanol as a Source of Fuel

Did you know that N-Butanol is a better alternative to fuel rather than Ethanol? N-Butanol offers higher energy, it is more compatible with the gasoline structure, it does not absorb water from ambient air, and it is not corrosive.

Interested in using N-Butanol? Please call (800) 563-1305 or send an email to products@ecolink.com.

Propylene Glycol Vs Ethylene Glycol

Propylene Glocol Vs Ethylene Glycol

Both products are two chemical compounds used as some low temperature heat transfer fluids. Both of them possess low vapor pressure, also they contain high boiling points and the ability to lower the freeze point of water. However, there are industries that like more a particular glycol than the other one.

What is propylene glycol?

It is a colorless, tasteless and odorless liquid that its main function is to absorb water. This product is safe for use in cosmetics with qualifications. Some of the industries that mostly used Propylene Glycol are: Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food industries. An interesting fact about this particular product is that it can be used to create artificial smoke or fog used in firefighting or theatrical productions.

Other uses of Propylene Glycol:

  • Commonly used to de-ice aircraft
  • Main ingredient of e-liquid bottles for vaping
  • Used in various edible items (ice cream, soda, liquid sweeteners and more)
  • Used as a humectant for skin
  • Used as a solvent for pharmaceutical formulations
  • Used in veterinary medicine

What is ethylene glycol?

It is a colorless, and odorless liquid that has a sweet taste. It can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations.  This chemical is commonly used in many industrial and commercial applications. Some of the benefits of using Ethylene Glycol is that helps keeping the car’s engine from freezing in the winter and acts as a coolant to reduce overheating in the summer. This product appears in many common household items such as a laundry detergent, dishwasher, cosmetics and paint.

Other uses of ethylene glycol:

  • As a solvent for paint
  • As a solvent for plastic
  • As an ink for stamp pads
  • As a solution for photographic developing
  • As a hydraulic brake fluid
  • Used as a dehydration agent in natural gas pipelines

Can I mix propylene glycol with ethylene glycol?

Yes, they can be mixed. They would not cause any harm to the cooling system, but it does slightly weaken the heat transfer.

Similarities of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol:

Both glycols can typically be expected to last twelve years longer. Both produce acids in the present of air.

Main differences between propylene glycol and ethylene glycol:

Between the two ethylene glycol is a better heat transfer fluid than propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is less toxic and is considered when toxicity is a concern. Ethylene glycol solutions are normally preferred over Propylene Glycol because of their more desirable physical properties particularly at lower temperature. However, in certain applications involving possible contact of the coolant with foods or beverages, it is recommended to use propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol solutions are normally considered as pumpable down to freezing points commonly encountered under ambient conditions. Propylene glycol solutions become considerably more viscous at low temperatures.

In summary both products (Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol) have pros and cons for their use.

Methyl Soyate as a Petroleum and Chlorinated-Based Solvent

Petroleum-Based Solvents

Petroleum-based solvents are products derived from crude oil while chlorinated-based solvents are derived from chlorine.  A few examples of such products include mineral spirits, stoddard solvent, petroleum naphtha, trichloroethane, trichlorethylene, benzene, and xylene.  The main concerns centered around these solvents revolve around their environmental and health impacts. Both petroleum-based and chlorinated-based products are highly flammable and are also toxic if inhaled.  Due to the reuse of the product being a hazard, all product must be disposed of which is cost-inefficient and impacts the environment negatively. Chlorinated solvents especially contaminate used oil which results in costly disposal of the solvent and the contaminated oil.  Since both of the products evaporate quickly, more product will need to used which results in wasted product.

Why switch to Methyl Soyate?

Methyl Soyate, or soy methyl ester, is produced from reacting soybean oil and methanol.  Due to it being derived from a renewable oil, Methyl Soyate is also renewable and completely biodegradable.  Methyl Soyate is also low in toxicity for both handling purposes and within the environment. The product is also low in VOC compare to other products within paints, coatings, and cleaning solvents.  Methyl Soyate is a non-ozone depleting chemical with low flammability compared to chlorinated and petroleum products. Methyl Soyate is also compatible with other organic solvents which allows for less contamination to occur.  Methyl Soyate is also low-cost due to its availability compared to biodiesels. The product has the ability to replace:

–       Mineral Spirits,

–       Methylene Chloride,

–       Trichloroethylene,

–       Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK),

–       Toluene, and

–       d-Limonene.

These other chemicals are found in wide range of products from paint strippers, cleaners, adhesives, degreasers, and carrier solvents for coatings and adhesives.

Methyl Soyate Applications

Methyl Soyate is found in several cleaning solvents and products ranging from consumer use to industrial use.  One of the most beneficial uses for Methyl Soyate is for its use in the removal and recovery of spilled crude oil.  The EPA also designated Methyl Soyate as a “Full Green Circle” safer chemical ingredient which awards biobased manufacturers a Safer Choice label if they use methyl soyate.  The range of products methyl soyate can be found within are listed below:

  • car/truck wash
  • All purpose cleaning
  • Degreasers
  • Graffiti removal
  • Heavy duty cleaning
  • Industrial cleaning
  • Ink cleaning
  • Solvent replacements
  • Resin remover
  • Paint strippers
  • Hand cleaners

For more information regarding Methyl Soyate or more benefits for switching to this alternative solvent, please email info@ecolink.com, or call us at (800) 563-1305.

Why is it beneficial to use Isopar M for industrial applications?

Benefits of Isopar M for Industrial Applications

Isopar M (CAS Number: 64742-47-8) is a product created from petroleum-based raw materials such as crude oil. This particular product possesses several advantages over conventional solvents such as kerosene and white spirit. One of the most beneficial components that Isopar M contains is that it is odorless, which can facilitate the workers when they are going to use this particular product. Also, Isopar M fluids possess the advantage of a flash point of more than 60 degrees Celcius meaning they do not qualify as dangerous goods under DG Transport regulations.

Most frequent uses of Isopar M:

Isopar M can work as a forming fluid in metalworking. Also, Isopar M is used as a cleaner and household polisher and as a liquid vaporizer. However, this product is not sold directly to the public, but it can be found as an ingredient in some consumer products.

Why is it safer for workers?

As mentioned before, Isopar M is virtually odorless which makes it more pleasant and comfortable to work with. Also, this product provides temporary protection against corrosion during forming operations without damaging parts. 

Why is it excellent for clients to use Isopar M? 

This product has excellent control of the forming process for the consumer’s product. Isopar M also provides exceptional comfort and protection for people who are continuously exposed to the product. One of the best features of Isopar M is that it has a low viscosity which is better for companies to work with because allows their formulas to become more mixable and have a smooth liquid. This product has low toxicity and is non-carcinogen. Also, it has lower risk exposure than other conventional products. This, mostly because one of the features is that Isopar M has low electrical conductivity and a low freezing point. It has a high chemical stability which makes it crucial to the essential industries when it comes to managing the product. Also, when it comes to using the product as a cleaner for manufacturing machines, it works excellent because it can make drastic improvements to the pieces of machinery. The most important feature of this product is that is completely reusable and easy to recover which is good for the environment.

The Importance of Acetone in Lacquer Thinner

Acetone is a key ingredient in most lacquer thinners including Ecolink’s Lacquer Thinner #11, Lacquer Thinner #48, and Lacquer Thinner #51.

Acetone is an important component in every type of lacquer thinner product, because as a solvent acetone is a very strong and effective cleaning agent.

Common Applications

Acetone is useful to prep surfaces prior to painting with both lacquer-based and oil paints. Acetone is often incorporated into paints and paint thinners as a volatile compound.

Quality lacquer thinners require power solvents with fast evaporation rates. Fast drying solvents are a necessity in products like Lacquer Thinner #11, Lacquer Thinner #48, and Lacquer Thinner #51, so that no residue or streaks are left behind when lacquer thinner is used to remove paint or adhesive.

Lacquer Thinner is a common product in paints and adhesives; acetone is also a common product in paints and adhesives. This source of mutual use is why acetone is a required product of any lacquer thinner.

Acetone is the ingredient that makes lacquer thinner a strong cleaning agent, fast evaporating, and adds to lacquer thinners’ solubility in water.

In some situations lacquer thinner and acetone can be used interchangeably, but it is helpful to remember that it is difficult to find lacquer thinner without acetone for a good reason.

Acetone or Lacquer Thinner?

It is often better to use lacquer thinner in place of acetone, because acetone on its own has a much faster evaporation rate than lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinner has other ingredients besides acetone–i.e. Lacquer Thinner #11 includes Toluene, Acetone, and Methanol.

Lacquer Thinner and acetone have different uses on their own, but if a strong cleaning agent to remove lacquer-based paints, residue, and adhesives is needed lacquer thinner is your best bet.

For these purposes there is often no reason to choose between acetone and lacquer thinner, because acetone is the ingredient in lacquer thinner that makes it the only necessary chemical for the job.

Different Types of Lacquer Thinner

Most lacquer thinners include acetone, but they are not all made with the same ingredients.

Ecolink’s Lacquer thinner #11 is comprised of Toluene, Methanol, and Acetone, as stated above. Conversely, Ecolink’s Lacquer Thinner #48 is made of MEK, Methanol, Toluene, and Glycol EB or 2-Butoxyethanol, while Lacquer Thinner #51 includes Methanol, Toluene, and Glycol EB.

It is simple to see that Lacquer Thinner is typically similar in structure, but the differing components offer different results. Acetone is a key ingredient in each type of lacquer thinner sold by Ecolink, because acetone helps to make lacquer thinner the strong and fast drying product that consumers and companies desire.

Safety and Handling

Acetone’s presence in lacquer thinner results in higher toxicity and flammability. All Ecolink lacquer thinners have highly flammable liquids and vapors.

  • Only use lacquer thinner in a well-ventilated area.
  • May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways.
  • Harmful upon inhalation.
  • Causes dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Use proper protective equipment when using lacquer thinner.
  • Read the SDS provided with your lacquer thinners before making use of the product.

Shop Acetone and Lacquer Thinners Here or call (800)-563-1305 for help!