Acetone is a potent chemical solvent that is frequently used to clean, degrease, strip lacquers, waxes, resins and paints. For this reason, Acetone is commonly used in varied industrial applications.
In composite applications, Acetone will dissolve and remove epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester resin from tools, brushes and surfaces. Acetone will effectively remove wax and grease for surface preparation prior to bonding.
Acetone possesses strong characteristics for use in composite cleaning applications such as:
EVAPORATION: In general, Acetone will evaporate from surfaces quickly. This is important, as this characteristic enables the solvent to dry quickly, thereby avoiding pooling or damage to machinery and molds, which can be caused by prolonged exposure.
COMMON USE: Acetone is used in such household products as nail polish remover. While Acetone is defined as a hazardous solvent, it is often less toxic when compared with other stripping solvents, such as MEK.
After use in a composite manufacturer’s cleaning application, the Acetone will absorb and contain dissolved waste. Therefore, the Acetone/waste solution needs to be disposed of, which can be time consuming and expensive. To combat this time/cost equation, composite manufacturers have production options, such as recycling equipment and solvent recovery.
Due to COVID-19 demands coupled with supply chain challenges, many solvents, including Acetone, have experienced shortages and cost increases. Thus, it is incumbent upon composite manufacturers to find methods to re-generate Acetone through recycling and recovery, enabling you to reuse it and “Become your Own Solvent Supplier.™”
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At CBG Biotech, we rely on a set of customer-first core values that promote ethical and honest behavior, personal accountability, and teamwork to deliver the solutions that set customers up for success. If you have a question or would like more info, please call 800-941-9484 (and press option 3 for support) or get in touch with us online today!
Check out these other helpful resources:
- Blog Post: Composites, Acetone & Sustainable Operational Practices
Acetone is a durable solvent used in composite cleaning applications. SolvTrue lets you become your own solvent supplier by recovering your Acetone. - Case Study: Columbia University Uses Solvent Recycler to Recycle Acetone, Xylene and Ethanol in Labs
CBG partnered with the Departments of Pathology and Dermatopathology at CUMC to begin an on-site recycling program for spent xylene and ethanol used in these laboratories and returning to it use over and over again. - Video: PathTrue™ Solvent Recyclers for Laboratory Applications
CBG’s fractional solvent distillation systems recycle and reuse xylene, alcohol, acetone, xylene substitutes and formalin in histology, pathology, chemistry and research lab applications.
