Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Heavy Aromatics C9+ is a high-boiling, clear-to-pale-yellow liquid composed predominantly of aromatic hydrocarbons with carbon numbers of 9 and above (trimethylbenzenes, indene, naphthalene). It functions as a high-solvency, slow-evaporating solvent. Its primary use is as a diluent and flow-control agent in baking enamels, industrial maintenance paints, and as a carrier solvent for agricultural emulsifiable concentrates (EC).
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Standard C9 (Fast Tail) | Heavy C9+ (Slow Tail) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distillation Range (IBP-FBP) | 145 – 195 | 170 – 215 | °C |
| Total Aromatic Content | ≥ 98 | ≥ 99 | % |
| Kauri-Butanol (KB) Value | 90 – 100 | 95 – 105 | – |
| Flash Point | 45 – 55 | 55 – 65 | °C |
| Naphthalene Content | < 10 | 15 – 25 | % |
| Density at 15°C | 0.890 – 0.910 | 0.910 – 0.930 | g/cm³ |
3. Features & Benefits
Superior Solvency Power: The high KB value dissolves a wide range of resins including alkyds, epoxies, acrylics, and polyurethanes, outperforming white spirit.
Controlled Evaporation Rate: Its slow tail prevents solvent popping and blushing during high-temperature baking cycles, ensuring a brilliant gloss finish.
Excellent Leveling Agent: Reduces surface tension to help coatings flow out smoothly, eliminating brush marks and orange-peel effects.
Enhanced Film Formation: Allows a complete cross-linking reaction in resin systems, producing a tougher, more chemically resistant coating.
Economic Blending Component: A cost-effective way to boost the aromaticity and solvency of white spirit or paraffinic solvent blends.
4. Industrial Applications
Industrial Paints & Coatings: A key thinner in coil coatings, can coatings, and machinery enamels.
Marine & Protective Coatings: Imparts good wetting and penetration on rusty, manually cleaned steel surfaces.
Agrochemicals: A high-flash carrier solvent for dissolving active ingredients in pesticide and herbicide EC formulations.
Foundry Chemicals: Used as a solvent in cold-box resin binders for sand cores.
5. Safety & Handling
MSDS: This product is a flammable, aromatic liquid. Its vapors are harmful. A complete MSDS is provided by Arnico.
Storage Conditions: Store away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Use only with adequate ventilation. Ground and bond containers during transfer.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): An organic vapor respirator, nitrile gloves, and chemical splash goggles must be worn to prevent inhalation and skin absorption.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
Arnico provides a detailed COA with each C9+ shipment, including a full ASTM D86 distillation curve, KB value, and a Gas Chromatography (GC) report of the aromatic distribution.
