| Many processes in the industrial fabrication of metal parts, electronic circuit boards, aircraft, automotive, medical equipment and many other segments require a cleaning process before, during, or after assembly. Clean surfaces are vital prior to applying coatings and sealants or in pathways for electronic devices. Solvent cleaners have been used to clean and dry quickly without leaving residues on the surface.
Eastman MPK solvent is often selected due to good performance in cleaning, and since it has a vapor pressure below 45 mm Hg at 20°C it reduces emission into air during cleaning process. This solvent is not on the SARA list and is not listed as a Hazardous Air Pollutant. Eastman MPK solvent contains up to 10 wt.% MIBK, which is on both lists. If the formulation requires a lower level of MIBK, then Eastman MPK, UHP, which contains no more than 0.5% MIBK, can be selected.
If faster drying is needed for a cleaning process, one of two grades of Eastman Methyl Acetate solvent can be used. These solvents have an evaporation rate similar to acetone, and like acetone, they are exempt as a VOC. Eastman Methyl Acetate, High Purity contains 0.10 wt.% maximum methanol, while the industrial grade of Eastman Methyl Acetate contains 2.5 wt.% maximum methanol. Methanol is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and a HAP.
Some cleaning processes such as in paint stripping may need a longer exposure time to aid in the cleaning process. Eastman EEP solvent has been used in blends to give aid to removing old paint from surfaces prior to recoating.
Additional solvents that have been used in cleaning are Eastman Ethyl Acetate solvent and Eastman Isopropyl Alcohol.
Beyond those mentioned above, Eastman has a full range of solvents that can be evaluated in cleaning operations in a pure or blended formulation. Solvents have offered effective cleaning performance whether applied from aerosol cans, solvent dip tanks or saturated wipes to many of the cleaning needs for a wide range of industrial segments.
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