Solvents in adhesive formulations appear as clear, often colorless liquids with characteristic odors. Key features include controlled evaporation rates, compatibility with base polymers, and ability to influence initial tack properties. Solvents are essential in applications requiring penetration into porous substrates or precise viscosity control, making them valuable in construction adhesives, contact cements, and specialty bonding applications where flow characteristics must be carefully managed.
Industry trends reflect growing preference for low-VOC and exempt solvents due to regulatory considerations, water-miscible co-solvents which reduce environmental impact, and green solvents that are derived from bio-based sources.. Solvent types include aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, and alcohols, each offering distinct solvency and evaporation profiles.
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Ethylal by Lambiotte & Cie is diethoxymethane (DEM). It has a high solvent power and is a surface tension reducer. It is an ideal replacement for MEK. Ethylal is produced from a minimum of 80% agricultural ethyl alcohol.
Glycerol Formal by Lambiotte & Cie is a glycerin. It has high solvent power and fully miscible with water. Suitable for use in adhesives. Glycerol Formal is produced from 80 % vegetal glycerin.
Ethyl PROXITOL by Shell Chemicals is a colorless, hygroscopic solvent with volatility, viscosity and solvent power similar to those of ethylene oxide-based
glycol ether. It has a shelf life of 12 months.
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