Ruetasolv® DI & NOVARES® LS 500 Offer an Improved Alternative to Benzyl Alcohol

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Are you experiencing supply challenges with the current benzyl alcohol (BZA) market? Companies all over the world are currently facing a shortage in the BZA market. Due to tightening environmental regulations, one major producer in China was forced to halt all production of benzyl alcohol.

While they recently resumed production, only limited quantities of benzyl alcohol are available at more than double the price in normal international market conditions.

The shortage has placed significant pressures on compounders who regularly use BZA in coatings or other applications. In response, many companies are moving away from using benzyl alcohol and looking for alternatives. One such alternative is a combination of Ruetasolv® DI and NOVARES® LS 500.

How They Compare

Benzyl alcohol is often used in coating systems where it acts as a viscosity-reducing agent. It’s also well suited to dissolving hydrophobic amines in water-based systems. But it can have an unpleasant smell and is heavily regulated in Europe.

Ruetasolv DI, however, has no odor and color. A low viscous (7cps -12 cps at 77°F), high boiling (554°F – 572°F) permanent plasticizer, Ruetasolv DI is compatible with a large variety of binders.

Due to its aromatic structure, Ruetasolv can improve surface wetting and hydrophobicity. As a highly weather-resistant substance, it also can withstand exposure to high/low temperatures, chemical stress, and extreme dry or wet conditions.

The Dynamic Duo

NOVARES LS 500 is a phenol-modified liquid hydrocarbon resin that can be used to incorporate polarity. Together, Ruetasolv DI and LS 500 offer a higher performing alternative to benzyl alcohol.

These substances feature similar properties without the disadvantages of benzyl alcohol. This combination provides greater acceleration of epoxy curing than BZA and improves leaching.

Wide Range of Application Uses

Ruetasolv DI is ideal for use with urethane, epoxy, poly aspartic and other raw materials. In cast urethanes and foams, it can be used for viscosity control, as a plasticizer and sometimes for hydrophobicity. For epoxy systems, it offers enhanced flexibility and hydrophobicity.

For more information or to request technical data sheets or pricing, contact a material expert at H.M. Royal today!

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