Technical Information

INVISTA DIBASIC ESTERS (DBEs) IN PAINT STRIPPING APPLICATIONS

INVISTA Dibasic Esters (DBEs) are
non-flammable, readily biodegradable, oxygenated solvents that are used in a wide variety of applications. Used alone or in blends with other solvents, INVISTA Dibasic Esters perform as effective paint strippers. INVISTA DBEs are non-corrosive, are not skin sensitizers and have a mild odor. The use of DBE in paint stripping formulations can offer many advantages over alternatives. DBE-based strippers are effective on a wide range of paints. On some coatings that are more difficult to strip, such as epoxies, more than one treatment with DBE-based strippers may be necessary. DBE-based strippers perform somewhat differently from methylene chloride-based strippers. While methylene chloride-based strippers show bubbling, crinkling, and lifting, DBE softens paint to a paste-like consistency. This paste can be removed with a putty knife. The softening action also minimizes damage to wood substrates compared to methylene chloride and often results in more complete removal of the coating as shown in Figure 1. For example, DBE-based strippers are used for restoration of valuable antiques because they do not raise the wood grain, as do some methylene chloride-based formulations.

DBE-based paint strippers are being used in formulations for cleaning paint spray booths, paint circulating systems, robots, spray guns and nozzles. These strippers can be formulated with a thickener, activator, or other additives and are easily prepared. In addition, DBE has been demonstrated as an effective consumer paint stripper for stripping paints from wood, metal and other surfaces, as well as being used as an effective industrial hand cleaner. DBE-LVP is ideally suited for these consumer applications as it meets the consumer products LVP-VOC exemption criteria established by CARB for consumer and institutional products as well as the federal VOC exemption criteria for consumer products per the EPA 40 CFR 59.203(f)1. Thus DBE-LVP does not contribute to the total VOC content for the consumer product.

Formulations

Although INVISTA does not provide premixed paint stripper products, several suggested starting formulations based on DBE follow. All formulations should be used only in wellventilated areas. For consumer applications, DBE-LVP is suggested in place of DBE-2 because of its lower vapor pressure.

Stripper Performance

The performance of methylene chloride-based strippers is hard to match, but the trend to move away from halogenated solvents has led formulators to look for alternative approaches. The DBE-based strippers presented in the next section generally require removal times up to twice that of methylene chloride-based strippers depending on the coating (20-30 min vs. 15 min). This is an advantage because DBE-based strippers offer highly flexible work times of more than 24 hours.

Table 1. General Purpose Strippers Component

Formulation A
INVISTA DBE-2 N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) Aromatic naphtha solvent Thickener 60% Potassium oleate in water INVISTA DBE-2 N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone Conosol C-200 Potassium oleate (50% in H2O) Methocel 311** INVISTA DBE-2 Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) Dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DPM) Ethyl-3-ethoxypropionate (EEP) Water Thickener Surfactant INVISTA DBE-2 Propylene carbonate (PC) N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) Bentonite

wt%
40 15 40 0.5-2.0 4 47 18 31 3 0.8-1.0 35 28 25 5 1 1 5 15.6 15.6 31.3 37.5

Aqueous-Based DBE-ME

Paint

Stripper,

Formulation B

Formulation C

INVISTAs DBE microemulsion (DBE-ME) is an effective aqueous-based paint stripper offering the advantages of equivalent performance with less VOC content and complete water rinsibility. These advantages coupled with the low flammability, and effective paint removal ability of DBE, make it an excellent candidate for a reduced emission paint remover. INVISTA DBE-ME, is effective in removing a wide range of paints and has been shown in the lab to be as effective as neat DBE on some paint types. Even tough coatings, such as epoxies and marine paints, were removed with DBE-ME. Co-solvent addition allows the formulation to be tailored for optimum removal of specific paints. Contact INVISTA for details regarding DBE microemulsion. Table 2. Formulations for Dip Strippers These formulations may be used hot and generally do not require thickeners or soaps.
Component wt% Formulation E INVISTA DBE-2 100 Formulation F INVISTA DBE-2 60 N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) 40 Formulation G INVISTA DBE-2 60 Ethyl-3-ethoxypropionate (EEP) 40

Formulation D

* Product of Penreco ** Product of Dow Chemical Co. Potassium oleate is included in Formulation A and B to aid water rinsing. Other surfactants, such as linear alkyl phenol ethoxylates, sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, and ethoxylated alcohols can also be used. Effective thickeners suggested for DBE-containing formulations include Dow Methocel or Ethocel 200 and Aqualon Klucel PR. Inorganic thickeners, such as bentonite or fumed silica, may also be effective. Formulations A through D are effective for the removal of latex acrylic enamel, nitrocellulose lacquer, vinyl acrylic interior, polyurethane varnish and a modified tall oil epoxy. Removal of alkyd exterior enamel, marine paints and marine varnish is fair. Military specified aircraft coating of polyurethane over epoxy primer is resistant to attack and may require multiple applications of stripper or use of activators. The suggested formulations should be used as starting points and may need to be customized for specific applications.

Formulations for Automotive Paint Booths Strippers

Formulation A, B or C would be a good starting blend.

Biodegradability
All of the DBE components (dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, and dimethyl adipate) are readily biodegradable. For more details, please contact INVISTA.

Graffiti Remover

DBE formulations are effective at removing graffiti from walls and buildings. Formulations C and D can be utilized along with formulations H, I and J. Graffiti soils removed by DBE include fluorescent spray paint, enamel spray paint, oil enamel paint, ink marker, felt and ballpoint pens, nail polish, lipstick and crayon. DBE-ME is also an effective graffiti remover for ink and felt-tip markers, acrylic spray paint and crayons on porous surfaces such as brick and on hard surfaces such as railcars. As with aqueous-based paint strippers, the DBE microemulsion formulated with DBE-LVP offers the advantages of DBE with reduced VOC content and water rinsibility.

DBE is compatible with many elastomers, including ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), silicone and DuPont Dow Elastomers Kalrez. Ask for our separate technical sheet on the compatibility of DBE for common elastomers and plastics.

Compatibility with Elastomers

General Information

3. Formulations for Graffiti Removal

Table 3. Formulations for Graffiti Removal Component
Formulation H INVISTA DBE-3 Aromatic naphtha solvent N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) Potassium oleate Thickener

wt%
40 40 15 4 0.05-2

DBE and its fractions are not included on the list of Hazardous Wastes under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or on the List of Hazardous Substances under the U.S. Clean Water Act (CWA). They are also not included on the U.S. CERCLA/SARA Hazardous Substances and their Reportable Quantities list. Nor are they included on the list of chemicals required for reporting under SARA section 313, Toxic Release Inventory emissions reporting.

For More Information

Formulation I* INVISTA DBE 50 N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) 40 Cycloparaffinic solvent 15 Tripropylene glycol methyl ether (TPM) 10 Potassium oleate 4 Thickener 1 Formulation J DBE microemulsion concentrate Blend with water and/or Co-solvent As desired

For more information on INVISTA Dibasic Esters and their use in paint stripping applications, call (800) 231-0998.

* Recommended for use on exterior surfaces

Figure 1.

For Samples and Information:

INVISTA Specialty Intermediates (800) 231-0998 World Wide Web address: www.intermediates.invista.com
This Product Data Sheet contains selected information about a specific INVISTA product, or group of products, and particular uses of the same. It relates only to the identified product and any identified uses, and is based on information available as of the date hereof. Additional information may be needed to evaluate other uses of the product, including use of the product in combination with any materials or in any processes other than those specifically referenced. Information provided herein with respect to any hazards that may be associated with the product is not meant to suggest that use of the product in a given application will necessarily result in any exposure or risk to workers or the general public. THIS PRODUCT DATA SHEET DOES NOT CONTAIN A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR GUARANTY WITH REGARD TO, A PRODUCT'S CHARACTERISTICS, USES, QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR THE SUITABILITY, SAFETY, EFFICACY, HAZARDS OR HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE PRODUCT, WHETHER USED SINGULARLY OR IN COMBINATION WITH ANY OTHER PRODUCT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THE RELEVANT LAW AND REGULATIONS. Purchasers and users of the product are responsible for determining that the product is suitable for the intended use and that their workers and the general public are advised of any risks resulting from such use. Nothing contained in this Product Data Sheet shall be construed to modify any of the commercial terms pursuant to which the product was sold by INVISTA including, but not limited to, terms and conditions addressing each party's respective rights and obligations with regard to warranties, remedies and indemnification. If purchasers and users believe or have reason to believe that the Product Data Sheet or other information provided to them by INVISTA is inaccurate or in any way insufficient for any purpose, they should immediately notify INVISTA of the same, and of the basis for their belief (for example, studies, data, reports of incidents, etc.) so that INVISTA can determine whether modification or supplementation of the Product Data Sheet, or other measures, are appropriate. Failure of purchasers and users to timely provide such notice shall be deemed a waiver by purchasers and users of any and all claims, demands or causes of action, including causes of action based on an alleged failure to warn, for personal injury or damage to the environment or property arising from or attributable to the use of product. This disclaimer shall be effective to the extent allowed by law. Should any provision be deemed to be ineffective or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed from the disclaimer and the remaining provisions shall continue to have full force and effect. The INVISTA logo, INVISTA, DBE and DBE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of INVISTA. Copyright 2006 INVISTA All rights reserved.