Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Full introduction of methyl ethyl ketone MEK and its applications

Methyl ethyl ketone is a very efficient solvent, which is also known as butanol and its abbreviated name is MEK.

This very widely used solvent is produced in our country and is known as the best substitute for acetone, which is mainly used in the paint and resin industry and is widely used as a paint thinner.

Since MEK has a lower evaporation rate than acetone, it has more cleaning power and its volatility is lower, which is why it is used instead of acetone.

This product is in the form of a colorless liquid with a pungent smell and has the ability to burn and ignite; It also has a low viscosity and is often combined with solvents such as alcohol, acetone, toluene, acetates, etc.

Application of MEK in dyeing

With the increase in population, significant progress is observed in various industries, and this causes the demand for raw materials in these industries to increase.

Butanol is one of these raw materials that is in high demand for its purchase and sale in the paint and coating industry; Because it acts as a degreaser on metal surfaces and has caused the production of rust colors.

Also, it is a suitable thinner for paints and resins with its fast and appropriate evaporation rate and very high solubility power; Because it helps a lot to speed up the painting process and on the other hand, it increases the durability and longevity of the coatings.

Most polyurethane, polyester and acrylic resins are based on MEK because it has a low boiling point and creates a uniform coating with its filling properties.

Production of cleaning materials

Due to its high evaporation rate and high corrosive power, this product is used in the production of various paint cleaners, including thinners, which can easily remove old paint coatings. It has also been used in the manufacture and production of nail polish remover, all kinds of magic and markers, and degreaser.

Rubber Manufacturing

 Methyl ethyl ketone has been used in the automotive industry, including tire manufacturing, and due to its ability to dissolve with most organic solvents, it has increased the mechanical strength of tires, and it has also been used in making brake oil and degreasing car parts.

petrochemical

MEK is used as a solvent in the production of petrochemical plastics; It can also be used as a catalyst in baking fiberglass plastic.

welding

This chemical solvent can be used in the welding industry, which connects many polyester plastics to each other, and it is also used to produce paraffin wax.

Antifreeze

 In the production of antifreeze, the use of this product is abundantly observed; Because the property of cleaning and non-evaporation of its solubility with other materials has made the obtained antifreeze to have a very high quality.

Glue making

This solvent alone does not create adhesive strength; But when it is combined with polystyrene materials, it melts them and this creates a strong connection; For this reason, it can be used in the adhesive industry.

 MEK-based adhesives have good adhesion to surfaces, and are also used as sealants with their filling properties.