Non-VOC Solvents
ESTISOL® Esters as Non-VOC Solvents
Introduction
The increasing focus on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance has driven industries to seek alternatives to traditional volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
ESTISOL® esters, derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, have emerged as a viable class of non-VOC solvents. Their low volatility, biodegradability, and compatibility with a variety of formulations make them attractive for use in industrial applications, including cleaning agents, corrosion inhibitors, and polishes.
The advantages of ESTISOL® esters, their role in formulated chemical products, and regulatory considerations surrounding VOC classification is described below.
Properties and Advantages of ESTISOL® Esters
ESTISOL® esters are synthesized through the esterification of fatty acids with alcohol. Their key properties include:
- Low Volatility ⇒
Most ESTISOL® esters have low vapor pressures, classifying them as non-VOC solvents under various regulatory frameworks.
- Environmental compatibility ⇒
Primarily derived from natural sources, they are readily biodegradable and show low eco-toxicity.
- High Boiling Points ⇒
Many ESTISOL® esters exhibit boiling points above 250°C.
- Solvent Efficiency ⇒
ESTISOL® esters are highly polar solvents and provide excellent solvency for oils, greases, and various organic residues, making them effective in industrial cleaning and degreasing formulations.
- Reduced Workplace Hazards ⇒
Many ESTISOL® esters have low volatility due to their low vapor pressure < 0.01 kPa/20°C, which minimizes inhalation exposure, improving workplace safety compared to conventional VOC solvents.
Applications in Formulated Chemical Products
Industrial Cleaning Agents:
ESTISOL® non-VOC solvents are commonly used in cleaning formulations due to their ability to dissolve hydrocarbons, grease, and wax residues.
Their non-VOC status ensures compliance with environmental regulations, making them suitable for:
- Degreasers:
Used in machinery and automotive applications.
- Metal Surface Cleaners:
Efficiently remove oils and cut fluids without contributing to air pollution.
Corrosion Inhibitors:
In metalworking and maintenance industries, ESTISOL® non-VOC solvents serve as solvent for corrosion inhibitor additives.
Their solvency power and compatibility with other additives allows for tailor-made solutions for specific industrial needs.
Polishes and Coatings:
ESTISOL® non-VOC solvents contribute to the formulation of polishes for wood, leather, and automotive applications as alternative to hydrocarbon solvents.
Their non-VOC status aligns with stringent environmental standards in coatings and finishing products.
Compliance and Future Perspectives
Given their favorable regulatory status, ESTISOL® esters are poised to play a significant role in the transition toward sustainable solvents.
As global regulations continue to tighten VOC limits, the demand for non-VOC alternatives like ESTISOL® esters will likely increase.
Future research aims to enhance their performance characteristics, such as oxidative stability and compatibility with various substrates, to expand their industrial applications.
ESTISOL® esters offer a compelling alternative to traditional VOC solvents in industrial cleaning agents, corrosion inhibitors, and polishes. Their low volatility, environmental compatibility, and regulatory compliance make them an ideal choice for industries striving to reduce their environmental footprint.
As regulations evolve, the adoption of fatty acid esters is expected to grow, supporting both sustainability and workplace safety initiatives.
Regulatory Considerations and VOC Classification
VOC classification varies across different regulatory frameworks. The table below summarizes the criteria used in the EU, the coatings industry in Europe, and Canada.
|
Region/Industry |
Non-VOC Solvent Definition |
|
European Union (EU) |
Vapor pressure < 0.01 kPa at 20°C |
|
European Coatings Industry |
Initial boiling point > 250°C |
|
Canada |
CARB Criteria: (A) has a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20°C, as determined by CARB Method 310; or (B) is a chemical “compound” with more than 12 carbon atoms, or a chemical “mixture” comprised solely of “compounds” with more than 12 carbon atoms, as verified by formulation data, and the vapor pressure and boiling point are unknown; or (C) is a chemical “compound” with a boiling point greater than 216°C, as determined by CARB Method 310; or
ECCC Criteria: (A) has a vapor pressure of less than 0.013 kPa when measured at 20°C; (B) has a boiling point that is greater than 216°C; or (C) contains more than 12 carbon atoms per molecule. |
VOC content in selected ESTISOL® solvents according to VOC definitions:
|
ESTISOL® grade |
VOC according to European Union (EU) criteria |
VOC according to European Coatings Industry criteria |
VOC according to Canada CARB criteria |
VOC according to Canada ECCC criteria |
|
ESTISOL 190 |
No |
50% VOC |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 199 |
25% VOC |
25% VOV |
25% VOC |
25% VOC |
|
ESTISOL 210 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 240 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 242 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 260 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 295 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 297 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 300 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 305 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 312 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 315 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ESTISOL 390 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
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