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Methyl ethyl ketone

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Julia Borysowska
Commercial department

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    Methyl ethyl ketone

    MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) - industrial solvent for paints, varnishes and cleaning

    MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), also known as ethyl methyl ketone, is a high-quality industrial solvent used in many production processes. It is particularly valued in the paints and varnishes industry for its dissolution efficiency, rapid evaporation and good compatibility with numerous resins, binders and process and formulation additives. As a result, MEK helps achieve the right viscosity, improves application parameters and promotes even drying of coatings.

    MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) - industrial applications

    MEK is used wherever process speed, high dissolution efficiency and parameter stability are important. It is most commonly used as a process solvent, a component of solvent mixtures or a cleaning agent under controlled industrial conditions.

    Manufacture of paints, varnishes and protective coatings (MEK)
    • facilitates application and target viscosity,
    • accelerates drying through rapid evaporation,
    • supports coating uniformity and process repeatability.
    MEK as a remover for printing inks

    In printing and marking processes, MEK is sometimes used as an ingredient in formulations for removing dried inks and difficult soiling from work surfaces. In practice, it helps to maintain the cleanliness of components in contact with ink/ink, resulting in stable print quality and fewer service downtimes.

    MEK for cleaning and degreasing in technical applications

    MEK can be used as a cleaner and degreaser in industrial environments (e.g. in surface preparation prior to painting or gluing), provided that proper health and safety procedures, ventilation and the selection of chemically resistant materials are followed. The choice of method and concentration should be based on the process technology and the safety data sheet (SDS).

    MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) - key process benefits
    • High dissolution efficiency - facilitates the preparation of mixtures and formulations.
    • Rapid pairing - reduces drying times and promotes line efficiency.
    • Compatibility - often works well with various ingredients in industrial formulations.
    • Repeatability - stable parameters facilitate quality control in long series.
    Health, safety and safe use of MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)

    The product is intended for professional use only, in controlled environments and in compliance with health and safety regulations. MEK is a volatile solvent - in practice this means that it is necessary to work in well-ventilated areas and to use personal protective equipment according to a risk assessment. It is recommended to use the current safety data sheets (SDS), adhering to the storage of flammable substances and implementing procedures to deal with spillages or exposures.

    Storage of MEK and shelf life of the product

    To preserve the chemical properties of MEK, it must be stored:

    • w hermetically sealed packages, The system is designed to reduce evaporation and air ingress,
    • w room temperature, in a dry and ventilated place,
    • away from fire sources, high temperatures and direct light,
    • in accordance with the rules for flammable substances and the requirements of the chemical warehouse.

    Period of validity is 12 months (under proper storage conditions).

     

    Chemical formulaC4 H8 O
    SynonymsButanone, 2-butanone, ethyl methyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methylacetone, methylpropanone,
    Density0.7999 g/cm³
    EC/EINECS number201-159-0
    CAS number78-93-3

    Why cooperate with Ima Polska?

    Frequently asked questions

    MEK (CAS 78-93-3) is an industrial solvent valued for its rapid evaporation and dissolution efficiency. It is mainly used in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, coatings and as a remover for printing inks.

    MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) also occurs commercially as: butanone, 2-butanone, ethyl methyl ketone, methylacetone and methylpropanone. CAS number: 78-93-3, EC/EINECS number: 201-159-0. All these names refer to the same chemical compound with formula C₄H₈O.

    MEK is classified as category 3 drug precursor within the European Union. In intra-Community trade (within PL and EU), the purchase does not require a special licence or registration by the end-buyer, provided the end-buyer is legally established. Only an End-User Declaration is required at the time of the transaction. IMA Polska supports customers in completing these simple formalities.

    12 months under correct storage conditions.

    Although both are ketones, MEK has a lower vapour pressure (slower evaporation) and a higher boiling point (79.6°C) than acetone. This makes it more effective in processes that require longer open time („flow”) of the paint film, preventing skinning or dulling effects. It is also a stronger solvent for specific synthetic resins, including polyurethanes, epoxies and vinyls.

    Methyl ethyl ketone is a dangerous commodity.

    • UN number: 1193
    • Hazard class: 3 (Flammable liquids)
    • Packing group: II

    All deliveries carried out by IMA Polska are carried out using certified ADR transport. The drivers are appropriately authorised and the vehicles are properly marked.

    We offer primary methyl ethyl ketone with a purity of min. 99,7%.

    Tanker trucks (24t) or DPPL/IBC containers (1000L).

    Up-to-date safety data sheets and product specifications are made available by our staff on request.

    MEK has a higher ability to dissolve resins and binders, evaporates faster and is preferred in paint formulations. Isopropanol is milder and more commonly used for cleaning and disinfection.

    Yes. The MEK is a key component of the European procedure total contamination ethyl alcohol. According to Regulation (EC) No 3199/93 EU common procedure requires: 1L IPA + 1L MEK + 1g Bitrex per hectolitre of alcohol 100% vol. - alcohol so denatured is completely exempt from excise duty.

    In Poland, MEK also occurs in partial contamination according to the Regulations of the Minister of Finance:

    • Production of thinners, solvents, glass liquids: mixture of 3000 ml IPA + 1000 ml MEK + 1g denatonium benzoate per 1 hl
    • Biocidal products (gels/creams up to 500 ml): 1000 ml of MEK per 1 hl

    IMA Polska offers both MEK as a raw material (CAS 78-93-3) and alcohol denaturing services at the tax warehouse.