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Trial Number 1

Trial Purpose:

Identify alternative safe MEK in removing ink from screens

Date Run:

01/09/2002

Experiment Procedure:

Can anyone identify a potential alternative cleaning solvent for MEK in the following application:
A facility is trying to eliminate the use of MEK in cleaning, but has hit a snag in their screen cleaning (screen printing). The inks they use are MEK-based and cannot be changed currently due to their government customer specs. The MEK is wiped on an 8x8 screen. So far, they tried ethyl acetate, but it dissolved the PVA in the screen. Now they are trying acetone, but the employees complain of smell and health hazards. Any suggestions on a solvent that is safe and could quickly remove an MEK-based ink without hurting PVA-based materials?

Trial Results:

Company Name Product Name Classification Substrate
Brulin Corporation Compliance Caustic Plastic
Chrisal USA, Inc. Super CMF 240 Alkaline Aqueous Plastic
Envirosolutions, Inc. Bio T Max Semi-Aqueous Plastic
MacDermid ND 17 Alkaline Aqueous Plastic
Mirachem Corporation Mirachem 500 Alkaline Aqueous Plastic
Oakite Products Inproclean 4000 T Organic Plastic

Success Rating:

Technology Transfer.

Conclusion:

In addition to the above listed products the lab will send copies of three trials performed for a similar client request.

SCL # 98-682-01-2

SCL #  98-682-02-4

SCL #  98-682-03-4

Cleaning projects vary from case-to-case.  To obtain more detailed information about any of the listed products, please contact the lab at (978)934-3133.

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