1. Introduction and History of Butyl Glycol
Butyl Glycol, also known by its chemical name 2-butoxyethanol, is a widely used chemical compound with broad applications across various industries. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a mild odor and belongs to the group of glycol ethers, consisting of an alcohol and an ether. Due to its remarkable solvent properties, Butyl Glycol has become a key component in applications such as paints and cleaning products. The history of the discovery and production of this substance dates back to advancements in organic chemistry during the 20th century. In the early 20th century, chemists sought compounds that were both polar and highly soluble. Glycol ethers, due to the combination of the hydroxyl group (OH) and ether group (R-O-R'), met this need. Butyl Glycol, as one of the glycol ether derivatives, was discovered during this period. After World War II, with the expansion of industries related to paints, coatings, and detergents, the demand for Butyl Glycol as an effective solvent grew. This substance gained a special position in the industry due to its excellent solvency in both aqueous and oily formulations. Chemically, Butyl Glycol is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₁₄O₂, consisting of a butyl group attached to a glycol ether chain. This structure gives Butyl Glycol its unique properties, including high solubility in water and organic solvents. Its boiling point is around 171°C, and it is relatively stable under normal conditions. In recent years, concerns over environmental impact and safety have led to some restrictions on its use, but it still remains a crucial substance due to its high efficiency in many industries.
2. Production of Butyl Glycol
The industrial production of Butyl Glycol dates back to the 1930s when chemical companies began its commercial production. It is produced through the reaction between ethylene oxide and butanol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. The production of Butyl Glycol typically involves the reaction between ethylene oxide and n-butanol in the presence of a catalyst. This method provides a high yield of pure product. Additionally, advanced technologies have been developed to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of this process.
3. Applications of Butyl Glycol in the Paint and Resin Industry
3.1. Waterborne Paints
In waterborne paints, Butyl Glycol helps improve the dispersion of pigments and prevents instability in the paint. It is also used as a co-solvent to enhance the solubility of various materials.
3.2. Industrial Paints
In industrial paint formulations (such as automotive paints, metal coatings, and wood finishes), Butyl Glycol serves as a solvent for resins and additives. It improves paint adhesion to surfaces and increases resistance to environmental conditions.
3.3. Lacquers and Clear Coatings
In the production of lacquers and clear coatings, Butyl Glycol helps create a uniform and durable film. It also helps prevent air bubbles or surface defects from forming.
3.4. Alkyd Resins
Butyl Glycol is used as a solvent in the formulation of alkyd resins, which are employed in the production of paints and coatings.
3.5. Improving the Stability of Waterborne Resins
In waterborne resins, Butyl Glycol helps reduce surface tension and improve the stability of emulsions. This results in higher-quality resins with better performance.
3.6. Epoxy Resins
Butyl Glycol can be used as a solvent or additive in the formulation of epoxy resins, particularly for applications that require longer drying times and smooth surfaces.
Benefits for Paint and Resin Manufacturers
Improved Product Quality: Using Butyl Glycol enhances the clarity, uniformity, and adhesion of the paint layer.
Cost Reduction: Due to its high solubility, a smaller amount of material is required to achieve similar results.
Environmental Compatibility: In waterborne paints and resins, this material helps reduce VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions.
High Solubility: Butyl Glycol can dissolve a variety of organic materials and is particularly effective in both waterborne and solvent-based systems. This makes it an ideal solvent in waterborne paints and resins.
Viscosity Reduction: Butyl Glycol can reduce the viscosity of paints and resins, improving flow and ease of application.
Extended Drying Time: It is recognized as a "slow-evaporating" solvent, which allows paints more time to dry. This feature is important for creating a smooth and even surface, as it prevents cracking or defects in the paint layer.
Chemical Stability: The substance is stable under a variety of temperatures and conditions.
4. Applications of Butyl Glycol in Cleaning and Detergent Industries
Due to its unique chemical properties, Butyl Glycol is one of the key compounds used in the production of detergents and cleaning products. As a solvent and co-solvent, it plays a vital role in improving the performance and physical properties of these products. Here are some of these features:
Excellent Solubility: Butyl Glycol can dissolve a wide range of fats, oils, greases, and tough contaminants, making it highly effective in detergent formulations.
Reduced Surface Tension: It reduces the surface tension of cleaning solutions, helping the mixture penetrate better into contaminants.
Slow Evaporation Rate: Butyl Glycol is a slow-evaporating solvent, allowing detergents to stay on the surface longer and provide enhanced cleaning action.
Compatibility with Other Chemicals: This substance works well with surfactants and other solvents, improving the overall performance of detergents.
Butyl Glycol is used in various cleaning and detergent products:
4.1. Household Cleaners
Glass Cleaners: Butyl Glycol is used in glass cleaner formulations because, in addition to excellent cleaning, it leaves no residue on the surface and helps slow evaporation.
Multipurpose Cleaners: In multipurpose cleaners, this substance helps dissolve fats and tough stains, providing consistent cleanliness on different surfaces.
Floor and Tile Cleaners: Butyl Glycol effectively removes grease and tough stains from floors and tiles.
4.2. Industrial and Professional Products
Heavy-duty Industrial Cleaners: For cleaning machinery, industrial equipment, and stubborn stains, Butyl Glycol is used as a strong solvent to dissolve greases and heavy oils.
Automotive Cleaners: In automotive cleaners, such as engine and rim cleaners, it helps remove oil stains and heavy contaminants.
4.3. Dry Cleaning and Stain Remover Products Butyl Glycol, due to its high solubility, is used in the formulation of powerful stain removers and dry cleaning products to remove oil and grease stains.
Benefits of Using Butyl Glycol in Cleaning Products:
Enhanced Efficiency: It allows cleaning products to more effectively remove fats and tough stains.
Reduced Need for Harmful Chemicals: Due to its strong cleaning power, Butyl Glycol can reduce the need for harsher chemicals (like alkalis).
Improved Product Stability: It helps stabilize detergent formulations and prevents the separation or settling of ingredients.
5. Applications of Butyl Glycol in Adhesive and Sealant Production
Butyl Glycol is an important additive in the adhesive and sealant industry, playing a critical role in improving the performance and quality of these products due to its unique chemical and physical properties. Here are the applications and benefits of Butyl Glycol in adhesive and sealant production:
Features of Butyl Glycol for Use in Adhesives and Sealants:
Excellent Solubility: Butyl Glycol acts as an effective solvent, helping to dissolve base materials (such as resins and polymers) to create a uniform mixture.
Viscosity Control: It plays a role in controlling the viscosity of adhesives and sealants, enabling the creation of formulations that are easy to apply.
Slow Evaporation: As a slow-evaporating solvent, Butyl Glycol provides more time for the setting and shaping of adhesives and sealants.
Improved Adhesion: With Butyl Glycol, adhesives and sealants exhibit enhanced adhesion to various surfaces.
Increased Resistance to Environmental Conditions: It helps the final products remain stable under temperature fluctuations, humidity, and various environmental conditions.
Applications of Butyl Glycol in Adhesive and Sealant Production:
5.1. Industrial Adhesives
Water-based Adhesives: In water-based adhesives, Butyl Glycol is used as a co-solvent to help dissolve acrylic resins and other polymers. These adhesives are widely used in packaging, wood, and paper industries.
5.2. Construction Adhesives
In adhesives used for ceramics, tiles, and stones, Butyl Glycol helps improve adhesion and open time (working time).
5.3. Sealants
Butyl Glycol is used in silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane-based sealants.
5.4. Construction Sealants
For sealing windows, doors, and construction joints, this substance provides elasticity and resistance to cracking.
5.5. Industrial Sealants
In sealants for the automotive, electronics, and plumbing industries, Butyl Glycol helps improve stability and performance.
5.6. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)
In the production of pressure-sensitive adhesives (such as tapes, labels, and protective films), Butyl Glycol helps create a uniform layer and stable adhesion.
Benefits of Using Butyl Glycol in Adhesives and Sealants:
Enhanced Final Product Quality: The use of Butyl Glycol results in products with better adhesion, higher uniformity, and greater resistance to environmental conditions.
Ease of Application: Adhesives and sealants containing Butyl Glycol are easier to apply to various surfaces due to reduced viscosity and appropriate evaporation times.
Compatibility with Various Formulations: Butyl Glycol is compatible with a wide range of polymers and resins, enabling the creation of diverse formulations.
6. Applications of Butyl Glycol in the Cosmetics and Personal Care Industries
Due to its unique chemical and physical properties, butyl glycol has diverse applications in the cosmetics and personal care industries. It is used as a solvent, diluent, and stabilizer in the formulation of cosmetic and personal care products. Below are details of the applications and features of this substance in the production of cosmetic and personal care products:
High Solubility: Butyl glycol has the ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds, helping to evenly distribute active ingredients in products.
Moisturizing: It can retain moisture, giving the skin a soft and smooth feeling.
Increased Stability: Butyl glycol helps stabilize complex formulations, preventing phase separation or material sedimentation.
Viscosity Reduction: This substance can adjust the viscosity of formulations, making products easier to apply.
Increased Penetration: Butyl glycol aids the better penetration of active ingredients (like vitamins and extracts) into the deeper layers of the skin.
Butyl glycol is used in the production of various cosmetics and personal care products, including:
6.1. Skin Care Products:
Creams and Lotions: Butyl glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity regulator, helping creams to have a smooth and uniform texture.
Serums: In facial serums, this substance helps enhance the penetration of nutrients (such as Vitamin C or Niacinamide) into the skin.
Anti-aging Products: Butyl glycol increases the effectiveness of anti-aging products by stabilizing the active ingredients.
6.2. Makeup Products:
Lipsticks and Eyeliners: This substance helps create a softer texture, making these products easier to apply on the skin.
Foundations and Creams: Butyl glycol helps even out the texture of the product and prevents the formation of lines or patches on the skin.
6.3. Hair Care Products:
Shampoos and Conditioners: Butyl glycol helps dissolve active ingredients and softeners, creating products with a uniform texture.
6.4. Styling Products:
This substance helps increase the stability of formulations for styling products like hair gels or sprays.
6.5. Cleansing Products:
Facial and Body Cleansers: Butyl glycol helps evenly distribute surfactants and makes the products gentler.
Micellar Water: In micellar cleansers, this substance acts as a solvent and assists in better makeup and impurity removal.
6.6. Perfumes and Deodorants:
Perfumes: Butyl glycol helps stabilize aromatic compounds, improving the longevity of scents on the skin or clothes.
Deodorants: This substance helps evenly distribute active deodorant ingredients.
Some of the benefits of using butyl glycol in the cosmetics and personal care industries include:
Improved Product Texture: It creates products that are soft, uniform, and easier to use.
Enhanced Effectiveness of Active Ingredients: It helps nutrients and active substances penetrate and work more effectively on the skin.
Compatibility with Various Formulations: It is compatible with both aqueous and oily compounds, making it useful in a wide range of products.
Increased Stability and Longevity of Products: It prevents the separation of formulation components or product spoilage.
7. Safety and Environmental Considerations of Butyl Glycol Usage
The use of butyl glycol in various industries requires adherence to safety and environmental guidelines due to its chemical properties. While it is highly useful and effective, improper or careless use can have adverse effects on humans and the environment. Below are the safety and environmental considerations associated with butyl glycol:
Safety Considerations:
Skin and Eye Contact: Direct contact with butyl glycol may cause irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin. Eye contact can result in burning or irritation.
Inhalation of Vapors: Breathing in butyl glycol vapors can irritate the respiratory system, cause dizziness, headaches, and, in some cases, nausea.
Ingestion or Absorption Through Skin: Accidental ingestion of butyl glycol can lead to digestive issues or poisoning. Absorbing large amounts through the skin may harm the kidneys and liver.
Preventive Measures:
Use gloves and safety glasses when handling the substance.
Wash skin or eyes immediately if exposed to large amounts.
Ensure proper ventilation in the workplace.
Wear protective masks to prevent inhalation of vapors where necessary.
Store the substance in resistant containers, away from children's reach.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin absorption.
Butyl glycol is flammable, so it should be kept away from heat or open flames. Spark-resistant equipment should be used in industrial environments.
Environmental Considerations:
Water Pollution: If butyl glycol enters water sources, it can negatively impact water quality and be toxic to aquatic life, potentially disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
Soil Pollution: Leaking butyl glycol into the soil can lead to the absorption of chemicals into the land and reduce soil quality.
Biodegradability: Butyl glycol biodegrades naturally in the environment, but this process is slow. Thus, its accumulation in the environment can lead to long-term issues.
Waste Management: Waste containing butyl glycol should be disposed of in accordance with local and international regulations.
Preventive Measures:
Prevent direct discharge of the substance or solutions containing it into surface waters or sewage.
Treat industrial wastewater before disposal.
Use safe systems for transportation and storage.
Quickly collect and clean up any potential spills with suitable absorbents.
Employ proper disposal methods and recycle when possible.
Control industrial processes to minimize the release of this substance into the environment. Recycling this substance from wastewater for reuse in production processes is recommended when possible.
8. Occupational Exposure Limits (TLV):
In industrial settings, the concentration of butyl glycol vapors should not exceed the threshold limits set by international bodies like OSHA or ACGIH.
TLV (Threshold Limit Value) by ACGIH:
TLV-TWA (Time-Weighted Average): 20 ppm or 97 mg/m³ (based on 8-hour exposure, 40 hours a week)
Maximum Recommended Concentration by OSHA:
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): 50 ppm or 240 mg/m³ (maximum concentration workers can be exposed to)
Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 30 ppm (for 15-minute exposure periods)
Butyl glycol is a versatile and useful substance in various industries. However, its use requires adherence to safety and environmental considerations. By implementing preventive measures, monitoring its environmental release, and using safe technologies, we can maximize its benefits while minimizing negative effects.
9. Global Consumption of Butyl Glycol
Global production of butyl glycol is estimated to range from 200,000 to 500,000 tons per year. This chemical is widely used in various industries, particularly in the production of paints and coatings. In the United States, butyl glycol is recognized as a high-volume chemical, with over 100 million pounds produced annually.
10. Major Producers of Butyl Glycol
Global production of butyl glycol is estimated to range between 300,000 and 500,000 tons per year. Major producers include:
BASF
Eastman
LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
Dow Chemical
The Metron brand in France is also a well-known producer of butyl glycol.
China: China holds a significant share of butyl glycol production, accounting for nearly 60% of Asia's production.
These producers meet global market demand by leveraging advanced technologies and large-scale production capacities.
11. Butyl Glycol Supply in Iran
Various trading companies in Iran provide both rial and foreign currency options for the supply of this essential material. Petrotech Ersa Company is ready to offer rial and foreign currency services for obtaining this widely used substance. For detailed analysis and further information about this product, you can visit the product section of the Petro Tejarat Irsa Ersa website and access more details through the alphabetical search option.