News | September 28, 2000

Eastman launches n-Butyl Propionate HAPs-free solvent

Eastman Chemical Co. today introduced Eastman n-Butyl propionate, a solvent classified as a non-hazardous air pollutant (non-HAPs) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The solvent was developed to help the coatings industry meet the rigorous environmental compliance guidelines for many solventborne coatings formulations.

"Our customers have an ongoing need for additional solvents that will allow them to formulate compliant coatings to meet increasingly stringent nvironmental regulations," said Carla Toth, Eastman business manager for solvents for coatings.

Eastman n-Butyl propionate is compatible with a wide range of resin systems. "It's a good all-purpose solvent for a variety of applications including, general metal coatings, furniture lacquers, high-solids thermoset and ambient-cure enamels," said Toth.

A urethane-grade solvent, Eastman lists n-Butyl propionate as having the following key performance attributes:

  • good solvent activity
  • slow evaporation rate
  • mild odor
  • high electrical resistance

    Developed for multi-resin use, the product can be considered a viable replacement for HAPs solvents such as xylene with little reformulation concerns. Toth said that the solvent should perform equally well as a retarder and letdown solvent due to its slow evaporation and good solvent activity. Additionally, its low water solubility and high electrical resistance make it an ideal solvent for electrostatically applied coatings.

    Toth said that Eastman n-Butyl propionate benefits several areas in the coatings supply chain. Both the coating manufacturer and finisher can benefit from the product's slow evaporation. "Its slow evaporation allows for good flow and leveling but does not prevent the quick sanding or polishing of a typical lacquer."

    "Eastman maintains a leading role in the development of environmentally-friendly solvents through continued investment in its non-HAPs line of solvents," said Toth. The development of Eastman n-Butyl propionate provides formulators another alternative to meet current and anticipated environmental regulations relative to HAPs and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

    The product is manufactured at the company's Kingsport, Tenn. facility and is available worldwide to Eastman's direct customers and through its distributor network.

    Eastman offers a variety of products for coatings applications, including chlorinated polyolefins, cellulose acetate butyrates and propionates, oxygenated solvents and its proprietary Texanol ester alcohol.

    Headquartered in Kingsport, TN, Eastman manufactures and markets plastics, chemicals and fibers. Eastman employs approximately 15,000 people in more than 30 countries and had 1999 sales of $4.59 billion.

    Edited by Mark Drukenbrod
    Managing Editor, Paint and Coatings Online