Specialty Chemical Development & Distribution
Dimethyl Esters (also known as Dibasic Esters and DMEs) are readily biodegradable solvents used in a wide variety of industrial and specialty applications. Consisting of both purified and mixed grades of adipic, glutaric and succinic dimethyl esters, they are clear, colorless liquids offering a unique combination of high solvency power, low volatility, low cost and high flash point. Commercial acceptance and use of dimethyl esters ... [Continue Reading]
Our current list of surplus materials is now available. Surplus materials become available when the intended end-user is unable to take receipt of the original ordered quantity. We will be updating this list regularly and will accept all offers on the materials listed. We do not list prices for these materials on our website. Our current list includes natural thickening agents, emulsifiers, industrial grade corn syrup, coconut derived esters, ... [Continue Reading]
Air Products supplies a full line of Tomadol® ethoxylates, Tomamine® ether amines and Nonidet® nonionic surfactants to the industrial & institutional (I & I) cleaning, car wash and mining industries. Their line, based on unique surfactant technology, includes a range of products to meet the most demanding applications, environmental regulations, and those requiring a balance of cost and performance. Air Products has 40 years ... [Continue Reading]
Fighting Tar & Residue with Bio-Based Solutions: Removing asphalt and tar residue from heavy duty paving equipment and haul vehicles is a challenge. Applicators must be sure to constantly clean and remove residue and deposits in order to maintain and preserve expensive equipment. For many companies, the most effective solution has been to use diesel fuel as a solvent to extract the material. This poses several environmental and safety ... [Continue Reading]
As we’ve highlighted in previous posts, nonlyphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are under increasing pressure from domestic and international regulatory bodies. The regulatory emphasis stems from the negative environmental and eco-toxicity characteristics of this non-ionic surfactant. Specifically, NPEs have been found to be persistent in the aquatic environment, moderately bioaccumulative, and extremely toxic to aquatic organisms. As a result, NPEs ... [Continue Reading]
DeFOREST Enterprises Inc. offers a diversified and comprehensive line of surfactants and specialties for a variety of end use applications. They develop a multifunctional range of products, including surfactants, hydrotopes, corrosion inhibitors, metal working lubricants, emulsifiers and gelling agents (Click here to view the full DeFOREST product catalog). DeFOREST is also a leader in developing greener surfactants and contributing to the ... [Continue Reading]
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) values are important indicators when considering which surfactant will provide optimal performance benefits for your formulation. But what is CMC and why is it important for formulators? When a certain amount of surfactant is added to water, the molecules will begin to form micelles. Micelles consist of agglomerates of surfactant molecules inside the liquid and facilitate washing by storing hydrophic ... [Continue Reading]
DMSO is used as a polar aprotic solvent in several applications, including electronics (photoresist stripping and cleaning), polyurethane coating formulations, fiber manufacturing and as a general purpose clean-up solvent. Due to lower toxicity concerns and minimal regulatory constraints, DMSO has been found to be an effective alternative to other polar solvents such as dimethyl acetamide (DMA), dimethyl formamide (DMF), and N-methyl ... [Continue Reading]
The EPA released a revised version of the Standards for Safer Cleaning Products in April 2011. Formulators adhering to DfE standards or seeking to pursue DfE certification in the future may benefit from an overview of the revisions. Specific updates include: Ingredient Communication: addressing ingredient disclosure requirements - Section 3.8 Performance Criteria for all Products: detailing testing requirements to show product effectiveness ... [Continue Reading]
As a specialty chemical distributor of Stepan products for over 30 years, we are excited to promote their versatile surfactant offerings and add to our growing list of safer and more compliant alternatives for the consumer and industrial sectors. Two relatively new Stepan products of note - and with greener attributes and Cleangredients approval - are Bio-Soft® GSB-9 and Stepan Mild® L3. Bio-Soft® GSB-9 is described as “a proprietary ... [Continue Reading]
