Eastman Solvents & Polymers for Aerosols in Chemical Coatings

Aerosols are packaged in a sealed container and provide convenience and ease of application for the user. Solventborne aerosols consist primarily of propellant (generally a blend of propane and isobutane); a blend of fast-, medium-, and slow-evaporating solvents; and coatings solids (resins, additives, and pigments).

Unlike most mass-based VOC emission standards for coating applications, aerosols in the U.S. are regulated by air quality standards based on reactivity principles. This approach entails the substitution of lower reactive solvents for higher reactive solvents to reduce the amount of ozone formed at ground level when using aerosols. Presently, both the Air Resources Board—California (ARB-CA) and the EPA (Federal National Rule) have established reactivity-based emission standards for VOCs used in aerosol coatings products.

Regulation relating to aerosol coatings regulatory documents
National volatile organic compound emission standards for aerosol coatings

Eastman solvents and specialty polymers for formulating aerosol

Eastman has a broad portfolio of low-MIR (maximum incremental reactivity) ester solvents to aid formulators in meeting the designated MIR limits for various aerosol coating categories. While enabling compliance, our ester solvents provide the required evaporation rate/activity/cost profile needed for the aerosol coatings market. One ester, methyl acetate—high purity, has an extremely low MIR value that gives formulators even greater latitude in designing aerosol coatings to meet performance/regulatory requirements.

In addition, Eastman offers specialty polymers such as CAB and adhesion promoters for formulating aerosol products as well. Contact Eastman for more information on products for aerosol coatings.

Additional performance products

• Cellulose esters–For improved sprayability, viscosity control, color control in multi-pigment systems, and more, Eastman cellulose esters are versatile problem solvers.

• Adhesion promoters–Eastman adhesion promoters are effective in improving paint adhesion to difficult substrates like polypropylene, polyethylene, and other plastics.

• Solvents–To aid in successful paint application and film formation while balancing VOC and compliance targets, Eastman has a market-leading broad portfolio of solvents.