Arcosolv PMA - (Mono) Propylene Glycol (Mono) Methyl Ether Acetate - is a colorless, combustible liquid with low toxicity. It has a characteristic ester odor and is soluble in water to the extent of 18% at 20°C. It has excellent solvency for a variety of substances including acrylic, nitrocellulose and urethane coating resins. Arcosolv PMA is a substitute for certain ethylene glycol (E-series) ether acetates, particularly EEA and EMA.
Benefits and Applications
Coatings: Arcosolv PMA is extensively used in many decorative and protective coating formulations.
Arcosolv PMA has a similar evaporation rate and solvency compared to EEA in an acrylic-epoxy baking enamel formulation. It is also found to give better gloss and image distinction.
Cleaners: Arcosolv propylene glycol ethers are generally recommended over their acetates because acetates are subject to hydrolysis in very alkaline water-based cleaners.
However, for solvent-based cleaning, including metal degreasing and specialized equipment cleansing Arcosolv PMA alone and in conjunction with other solvents is being evaluated as a replacement for many chlorinated solvents. The direction of current regulations is to eliminate the use of many chlorinated solvents in this application.
Arcosolv PMA shows very broad solvency. Its solvency characteristics generally match those of chlorinated solvents more closely than do glycol ethers and alcohols.
Electronics: Another area where Arcosolv PMA has replaced EEA is in photoresist formulations used in semiconductor processing. In these processes, it is used in the positive photoresist formulation.
Arcosolv PMA may also be used in solvent systems for cleaning and degreasing circuit boards and removing solder flux.
Other Applications: The properties listed in the previous section also support the use of Arcosolv PMA in agricultural, cosmetic, ink, textile and adhesive products.
Toxicology/Regulatory
Data from pharmacokinetic studies suggest that PMA has the same toxicological activity as its parent glycol ether, PM. Based on results from inhalation studies with PM testing exposures as high as 3000 ppm, there is no clear evidence of embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, or teratogenicity in laboratory animals with commercially available PMA.
In contrast, laboratory inhalation studies with EEA have shown birth defects, increased fetal death, and delayed fetal development in offspring of female animals exposed during pregnancy. An apparent no effect level for EEA was less than 400 ppm.
Repeated inhalation exposures to PMA showed increased liver weights with no histopathological changes and irritation of the nasal mucosa in rats exposed to 3000 ppm. No clear toxic effects were seen at 300 or 1000 ppm in this study. Concentration related irritation of the nasal mucosa was also seen in mice exposed to these levels, presumably due to the acetate moiety.
Arcosolv PMA has a low degree of acute toxicity. It is a moderate eye irritant. As a matter of safe practice, ingestion and prolonged skin contact should be avoided.
Regulatory Status:
Refer to the Material Safety Data sheet for more specific information.
Arcosolv PMA and all propylene glycol ethers are not included under the category glycol ethers as defined in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
Arcosolv PMA is not subject to the reporting requirement of CERCLA or the reporting requirements established by SARA Title 111, section 313 and 40CFR372.
Arcosolv PMA is on the U.S. TSCA list and is included in the EEC's EINECS, Canadian DSIL, Australian and Japanese chemical inventories.
Storage and Handling
General industry practice is to store Arcosolv PMA in carbon steel vessels. Avoid contact with air when storing for long periods of time.
Store only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat, sparks, open flame or strong oxidizing agents. Use only non-sparking tools. Ground containers before beginning transfer. Electrical equipment should conform to national electric code.
Handle empty containers carefully. Flammable combustible residue remains after emptying. Store in properly lined steel or stainless steel to avoid slight discoloration from mild steel. Glycol ethers should never be stored or handled in copper or copper alloys. This product may absorb water if exposed to air.
Arcosolv PMA has a flash point of 116°F. It is a flammable liquid as defined under SARA Title 111, section 311/312 hazard category but is not subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title 111, section 313.
Undue exposure or spillage should be strictly avoided as a matter of good practice. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for more specific information.
Arcosolv is a trademark owned or used by LyondellBasell group companies. Trademark Arcosolv is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.