Eckart Introduces Isomer-Free MPA-Based PVD Products

The METALURE and SILVERSHINE P1000 aluminium pigment dispersions achieve extremely impressive reflectance in solvent-based paints and coatings. They are manufactured in a special physical vapour deposition (PVD) process. The result is ultra-thin, extremely smooth aluminium pigments which produce a unique mirror-like effect. They offer an interesting alternative to surface metallisation and galvanisation.

The METALURE and SILVERSHINE P product range from ECKART is available in various solvents, including methoxypropyl acetate (MPA). Solvents provide an ideal binder viscosity and excellent wetting of the pigments in the coating. The isomer (2-Methoxypropyl acetate, CAS no. 70657-70-4) in the solvent methoxypropyl acetate is classed as toxic to reproduction (Cat 1B, H360D – May damage the unborn child). In the USA, products containing ≥ 0.1% of the isomer must be classed the same (in Europe, the threshold for classification as toxic to reproduction is 0.3%). The MPA isomer is a by-product of the chemical synthesis of methoxypropyl acetate.

This classification poses a challenge to the paints and coatings industry, which must class and label their products in the USA as toxic to reproduction if they contain ≥ 0.1% of the isomer.

With the METALURE and SILVERSHINE P products, ECKART therefore offers customers in the paints and coatings industry excellent added value: it is currently the sole supplier that offers products that are guaranteed to contain less than 0.1% of the MPA isomer 2-Methoxypropyl acetate. Thanks to METALURE and SILVERSHINE P, the undesirable product classification can be avoided. Another advantage is that for products containing less than 0.1% of the isomer, it no longer has to be listed as a dangerous ingredient in the safety data sheet.

As a result, customers enjoy a significant competitive advantage, especially in new projects for industrial and automotive coatings as well as in other areas where extreme importance is placed on using non-toxic paints and coatings.