Common Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Uses
What is MEK?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone, commonly known as MEK and 2-Butanone, is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor. It is a ketone, which means it has a carbonyl group in its molecular structure. MEK is soluble in water and many other organic solvents and is widely used in various industries due to its chemical properties.
MEK is primarily used as a solvent and in manufacturing plastics, synthetic rubber, paraffin wax, paints, inks, glues, and other chemical products. MEK is considered by some to be dangerous or hazardous. It's been known to cause irritation to the skin, eyes, throat, and nose, as well as its flammable qualities.
Vertec BioSolvents produces a
Methyl Ethyl Ketone alternative for industrial use due to its unique properties and wide range of applications across various industries. Our MEK alternative is a highly effective solvent with a fast evaporation rate, making it ideal for cleaning agents, adhesives, and coatings.
Why Should I Use a MEK Alternative?
Although MEK has many industrial applications, it is also a hazardous substance that can cause health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation. It is also flammable and explosive, which poses a risk to workers and the environment. Additionally, MEK is derived from petroleum, which makes it non-renewable and contributes to the carbon footprint. Therefore, looking for safer and eco-friendly alternatives to MEK is essential.
While MEK is not under a national ban, it is banned in Southern California, as well as in some states that have strict VOC laws. Bearing this in mind, MEK alternatives make it possible to market and sell to consumers across the nation or even internationally.
What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone Used for?
MEK has numerous industrial applications due to its solvent properties and low boiling point. Here are some of the most common uses for MEK:
Cleaning Agent
MEK is commonly used as a solvent to dissolve and remove various substances such as oils, greases, and waxes. It also cleans and degreases metal surfaces before painting or coating.
Petrochemical Plastics
MEK produces various petrochemical-based plastics such as PVC, acrylics, and polystyrene. It acts as a solvent, which helps dissolve the polymer and facilitate production.
Curing Agents
MEK is used as a curing agent in producing coatings, adhesives, and sealants. It helps to cross-link the molecules and increase the strength and durability of the final product. Companies producing curing agents require high quality MEK solvents to enhance the quality of their products as well.
Paints, Dyes, and Glue
MEK is commonly used as a solvent in producing paints, dyes, and glue. It helps to dissolve the pigments and resins, which makes the products easier to apply and improves their quality.
Top Uses for MEK
- Industrial cleaning - MEK is a highly effective cleaning agent used to clean machinery, equipment, and tools in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. It is also used to clean printing presses and electronic components.
- Adhesive production - MEK is used as a solvent in producing adhesives and sealants used in the construction, automotive, and packaging industries. It helps to improve the adhesion and bonding strength of the products.
- Paint and coatings - MEK is used as a solvent in producing paints and coatings for various automotive, marine, and industrial applications. It helps to dissolve the resins and pigments and improves the viscosity and flow properties of the products.
- PVC production - MEK is used in the production of PVC, which is used in various applications, including construction, automotive, and medical devices. It acts as a solvent that helps dissolve the PVC resin and other additives and facilitates production.
Vertec BioSolvents MEK alternative products and Environmental sustainability
One major environmental concern with MEK is its high volatility. MEK can easily evaporate into the air and contribute to the formation of smog and ground-level ozone, which can harm human health and damage the environment. In addition, MEK can also contaminate soil and water if it is not properly handled or disposed of, leading to harmful effects on aquatic life and other organisms.
This is where Vertec BioSolvents delivers on its environmental sustainability commitment with its bio-based replacement for volatile MEK products with VertecBio™ ELSOL® KTR1. There are no ozone-depleting chemicals (ODCs), environmentally hazardous ingredients, or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in the product line. Investing in research and development, Vertec BioSolvents possess exceptional performance as an effective solvent for paint, coatings and ink formulations.
VertecBio™ ELSOL® KTR1, a bio-based MEK Alternative (methyl ethyl ketone) features greater cleaning power, reduced solvent usage for improvements, and a higher return on investment.
Stronger cleaning power, reduced solvent usage for improvements, and savings across the board - these are just a few of the benefits of VertecBio™ ELSOL® KTR1, a bio-based MEK Alternative (methyl ethyl ketone).
Vertec BioSolvents Inc. provides environmentally friendly, high-performing bio-based solvent alternatives for both industrial and agricultural markets. We place a very heavy emphasis on using technology to achieve sustainability, so that we can create bio-based solvents that are capable of outperforming their petrochemical counterparts.
Proudly made in the USA, Vertec BioSolvents places a heavy emphasis on technology and sustainability. We produce superior performance through sustainable technologies. Visit our website or
call 630-960-0600 for more information, or to
request a sample of VertecBio™ ELSOL® KTR1.
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