Arcosolv TPNB - Tripropylene Glycol Normal Butyl Ether - is a colorless liquid with mild odor, a slow evaporation rate, and a high boiling point. Arcosolv TPNB is a non-HAP coalescent well suited for water-borne coatings. The hydrophobic nature of Arcosolv TPNB leads to its low water solubility and high organic solubility. The unique properties of Arcosolv TPNB supports its use in agricultural, coating, cleaning, ink, textile, and adhesive products.
Benefits and Applications
Coatings: Arcosolv TPNB is a non-Hap coalescent for architectural paints and industrial latexes. Its low odor makes it an attractive alternative to ester-alcohol coalescents for interior applications. Because it evaporates faster than ester-alcohols or phthalate plasticizers, paints formulated with Arcosolv TPNB show excellent hardness development, resistance to dirt pick-up, and block resistance.
Cleaners: Arcosolv TPNB is an excellent solvent for cleaning applications. Its low odor and high organic solubility makes it an attractive solvent in a variety of cleaning applications from heavy duty cleaners, to floor wax strippers and degreasers. Arcosolv TPNB will act as a coupling agent to penetrate grease and oils. Arcosolv TPNB features a high boiling point with good solvating power in cleaning applications.
Other Applications: Arcosolv TPNB can also be used in a variety of other applications such as agriculture, cosmetics, electronics, ink, textile, and adhesive products. As with any application, specific end use may require approval by the appropriate regulatory agencies.
Toxicology/Regulatory
The oral LD50 for TPNB in rats is approximately 2,800 mg/kg. Small amounts swallowed incidental to normal handling operations are not likely to cause injury; swallowing amounts larger than that may cause injury. The LD50 for skin absorption in rats is >2,000 mg/kg. A single prolonged dermal exposure is not likely to result in the material being absorbed through skin in harmful amounts. At room temperature, vapors are minimal due to physical properties; a single exposure is not likely to be hazardous. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause slight skin irritation. May cause moderate eye irritation. May cause slight corneal injury. May cause lachrymation (tears). Based on available data, repeated exposures are not anticipated to cause significant adverse effects. TPNB was negative for mutagenicity and clastogenicity in the Ames tests and mouse micronucleus studies, respectively.
Arcosolv TPNB is not included within the listed category "glycol ethers" under EPCRA §313 Toxic Release Inventory, the Clean Air Act §112 Hazardous Air Pollutants or SARA Title 111, section 313 and 40CFR372. Arcosolv TPNB meets the EPA general definition of a VOC, which states that “any volatile compound of carbon” is classified as a VOC for regulatory purposes, unless it appears on a list of compounds that have been specifically exempted (40 CFR 51.100 (s)). Arcosolv TPNB is not included in the various EPA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and Clean Water Act lists, nor is it on the California Proposition 65 lists.
Arcosolv TPNB is on the following inventories: U.S. TSCA, the European EINECS, Korean ECL, Japan ENCS, Philippines PICCS, Australian AICS, and the China IECS; it is not on the Canadian DSL.
According to the European council directive proposal 97/C99/02, from March 1997, on limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds, TPNB is classified as a non-VOC because its vapor pressure is below the 0.01kPa limit. The product also meets the non-VOC requirements of the EU Eco-label scheme because the boiling point is above 250°C
Storage and Handling
Arcosolv TPNB is hygroscopic and will absorb water if exposed to air. Store in tightly closed/properly vented containers away from moisture, heat, freezing temperature and strong oxidizing agents. Containers must be properly grounded before beginning transfer. Consider lined or stainless steel if discoloration is objectionable. Store only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat, sparks, open flame and strong oxidizing agents. Storage under nitrogen atmosphere is recommended to minimize possible formation of highly reactive peroxides. Store in properly lined steel/stainless steel to avoid slight discoloration from mild steel/copper. Aluminum (5000 series alloys - U.S. Aluminum Association Standard) showed no corrosion after 30 days contact with Arcosolv PM Acetate, Arcosolv DPM, TPM, PTB, or PM at 71°C (160°F). Some plastics/rubbers are attacked by glycol ethers/ether esters.
Arcosolv is a trademark owned or used by LyondellBasell group companies. Trademark Arcosolv is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.