Arcosolv PM - Propylene Glycol (Mono) Methyl Ether - is a colorless, flammable liquid with low toxicity, having a mild, pleasant odor. It is completely water soluble, miscible with a number of organic solvents, and has good solvency for a number of substances.
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Benefits and Applications
Coatings: Arcosolv PM provides good solvency for a wide variety of resins including acrylic, epoxies, alkyds, polyesters, nitrocellulose and polyurethanes. Key properties for coating reformulation also include complete water miscibility and good coupling ability.
Arcosolv PM is a good substitute for E-series solvents; particularly, EM (ethylene glycol methyl ether) and EE (ethylene glycol ethyl ether).
Cleaners: Low toxicity, surface tension reduction, and fast evaporation are some of the benefits of using ArcosolvPM in cleaning formulations. It also provides good solvency for polar and nonpolar materials.
Chemical Intermediate: Arcosolv PM can be used in combination with other glycol ethers or solvents to custom tailor properties to meet the full requirements of the formulation. Arcosolv PM has a very low content of primary alcohol, generally below 2%. The primary alcohol isomer is more reactive than the secondary alcohol isomer. Low primary alcohol content minimizes side product formation.
Electronics: Arcosolv PM is used in conjunction with other solvents in the manufacture of laminates which are used to make circuit boards. Additionally, Arcosolv PM may be used in the cleaning and removal of solder flux and masks.
Other Applications: The properties listed in the previous section also support the use of Arcosolv PM in agricultural, cosmetic, ink, textile and adhesives products.
Toxicology/Regulatory
Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for more specific information.
Arcosolv PM and all propylene glycol ethers are not included under the category glycol ethers as defined in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
Arcosolv PM is not subject to the reporting requirement of CERCLA or the reporting requirements established by SARA Title 111, section 313 and 40CFR372.
Arcosolv PM is on the U.S. TSCA list and the EEC EINECS, Canadian DSL, Australian and Japanese chemical inventories.
The toxicological properties of the E-series glycol ethers have influenced environmental regulations. In contrast, the propylene glycol ethers are NOT listed under the following regulatory sections:
(US) Clean Air Act
Section 111, Potential Human Health Hazards
Section 112, Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
(US) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, & Liability Act "Superfund"
Section 101 (14), Hazardous Substances
Section 103, Reportable Quantities Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Section 3001, Hazardous Waste Listing
(US) Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III
Section 302, Extremely Hazardous Substances
Section 313, Toxic Chemical Reporting
(US) California Safe Drinking Water & Toxic Enforcement Act (Prop 65)
Chemicals "Known to the State" to Cause Cancer or Reproductive Toxicity
(EUR) Annex I of the European Commission of Dangerous Substances Directive
Storage and Handling
General industry practice is to store Arcosolv PM 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 PM has a flash point of 89ºF. It is a flammable liquid as defined under SARA Title III, 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 Arcosolv PM for more specific information.
Product Availability
Arcosolv PM-EL (Electronic Grade) is not available from Europe.
Arcosolv is a trademark owned or used by LyondellBasell group companies. Trademark Arcosolv is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.