Methyl Ethyl Ketone

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Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK - Urethane & Synthesis Grade)

“The powerful, fast-evaporating solvent: the industry standard for dissolving high-performance coatings and inks.” Arnico’s Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is the high-solvency, fast-evaporating ketone that is the gold-standard solvent for the most demanding coating and adhesive applications. With the power to dissolve a vast range of resins, from polyurethanes to epoxies and vinyls, and a balanced evaporation rate that creates a flawless film, it is the essential thinner for automotive paints, industrial coatings, and high-speed printing inks. Our urethane-grade MEK, with its minimal water content, ensures a perfect, bubble-free cure in moisture-sensitive systems.

Description More

1. Product Introduction & Main Application

Arnico’s Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a clear, colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a sharp acetone-like odor, recognized as an industrial ketone with very high solvency power. This powerful solvent is the gold standard for dissolving vinyl, nitrocellulose, epoxy, and polyurethane resins, and is widely used in the formulation of paints, adhesives, and printing inks, and also as a powerful cleaner and degreaser in the electronics and metalworking industries.

2. Technical Specifications

Technical Parameter	Urethane / Industrial Grade	Pharma / Synthesis Grade	Unit
Purity	≥ 99.5	≥ 99.9	%
Water	≤ 0.1	≤ 0.05	%
Acidity (as Acetic Acid)	≤ 0.005	≤ 0.003	%
Color (APHA)	≤ 10	≤ 5	Pt-Co
Boiling Point	79.6 ± 0.5	79.6 ± 0.5	°C
Density (20°C)	0.804 – 0.806	0.805 – 0.806	g/cm³
Evaporation Residue	≤ 0.005	≤ 0.002	%

3. Features & Benefits

Exceptionally High Solvency Power: Provides the complete and rapid dissolution of high molecular weight resins and polymers with a low resulting viscosity.
Ideal & Balanced Evaporation Rate: A medium evaporation speed prevents premature drying during spraying while creating a smooth, even film.
Specialty Urethane Grade: Minimal water and acidity eliminate detrimental side reactions with isocyanates.
Unrivaled Degreaser: The standard industrial solvent for the precision cleaning of metal and electronic parts from oil and grease.

4. Industrial Applications

Paint & Coatings Industry: The primary solvent in polyurethane, epoxy, and nitrocellulose paints.
Adhesive Industry: The formulation of neoprene and PU-based adhesives.
Printing Industry: A flexographic and gravure ink solvent on plastic substrates.
Electronics & Metalworking: Precision parts washing and metal surface degreasing.

5. Safety & Handling

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): This liquid is highly flammable (Flash Point ≈ -4°C) and an irritant. Its vapors are heavier than air and explosive. Prolonged inhalation causes neurological damage. The Arnico MSDS is mandatory.
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed steel or carbon steel containers, in a cool, dry environment, away from sparks, heat, direct sunlight, and oxidizers. Explosion-proof equipment and earthing are mandatory.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A full-face respirator with an AX filter, Viton gloves, and anti-static clothing are required.

6. Quality Assurance & COA

Arnico MEK shipments are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with a precise GC analysis, water content, and acidity measurement

Technical documents for the product Methyl Ethyl Ketone including the Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and Certificate of Analysis (COA), are available to customers upon request.

To receive these documents and further information, please contact our technical or sales department, or reach out to us via email.