We’ve been formulating replacement solvents and micro-emulsions for several years and are now very excited to announce the launch of Re-Solv™, a product line dedicated to producing end-use solvent formulations focused on environmental and workplace safety.

R?-Solv™ formulations are truly optimized for compliance and performance using bio-based materials, highly effective and biodegradable co-solvents, and a range of surfactants for certain applications.

R?-Solv™ is focused on heavy duty cleaning and degreasing, including paint stripping and graffiti removal, ink removal, mastic removal, resin clean up, restoration projects, marine clean up, concrete cleaning, and so on. With each of these applications, there is a growing need to find suitable replacements to methylene chloride, NMP, MEK, acetone, toulene, xylene, and other potentially harmful solvents that have come under regulatory scrutiny. R?-Solv™ meets this need by blending progressive materials and understanding the needs of end users.

For more information about R?-Solv™, please visit www.re-solv.com or feel free to get in touch with us…

(March 22, 2010)

Rheology modifiers and thickening agents can change the viscosity and improve properties of I&I cleaners, polymer blends, medical compression units, and personal care products. We’ve created our Sta-Thix™ line to give formulators, manufacturers, and packagers greater versatility by thickening the product, creating stability, or adding suspension benefits. The product takes on a gel-like appearance and the desired flow can be adjusted depending on the application.

Using a cross-linked acrylic acid based technology in a proprietary blend, we’ve developed Sta-Thix™ for gel based medical devices, packaging applications, and pharmaceutical compounds. The product is clear, but color can be added upon request.

Contact us to learn more…

(Feb. 26, 2010)

There are several options available for those looking at green solvents to replace traditional industrial solvents in the workplace. We thought it would be helpful to provide a brief summary highlighting a few of the essential raw materials used in some of our blends. These materials are available as stand alone products or in customized formulations.

Carbonates

-         Propylene Carbonate: Can be used to replace harsher solvents such as methylene chloride, acetone, aromatic solvents, and other highly volatile and hazardous solvents.

-         Glycerine Carbonate: Ideal for cosmetic, personal care, and medicinal applications. Excellent co-solvent for custom-tailored blends.

Dimethyl Esters (DMEs)

-         Highly effective and versatile solvent used in many coatings applications and as a component or stand alone solvent for industrial cleaning. We currently provide DMEs in customized blends for several manufacturers and formulators.

Methyl Soyate

-         Bio-based raw material that can be used on a variety of substrates This product isreadily biodegradable with excellent compatibility with other solvents in formulations or micro-emulsions containing d’Limonene, NMP, mineral spirits, and alcohols.

Tripropylene Glycol (Mono) Methyl Ether (TPM)

-         Very low volatility, low odor, completely water miscible and versatile co-solvent in coatings and cleaners. Applications in coatings and cleaners, as well as agricultural, electronic, ink, textile and adhesive products.

Ethyl Lactate

-         Lactate esters are readily biodegradable with very low toxicity and excellent solvency. Can be used to replace solvents or as co-solvent in custom blends and formulations.

(Jan. 22)

Customers often seek a balance between cleaning strength and green/safety/compliance characteristics for industrial applications. With an increasing array of choices available in the marketplace, there is no need to sacrifice on either end.  In this post, we’re highlighting a product that strikes this balance, with particular effectiveness in applications where heavy duty cleaning is necessary.

Sta-Mulse® HDC is designed specifically to remove asphalt and tar residue from parts, equipment, and trucks. This product is blended with bio-based components and features excellent solvency and functionality.

We provide HDC in ready to use pails and drums. Our customers have had success by applying the product directly on the surface of the truck, equipment, etc, followed by a water rinse.

Read more about Sta-Mulse HDC or Contact US for more information.

(Jan. 15)   

Dry-film lubricant coatings are very thin film coatings used when an ultra-low coefficient of friction is required. These coatings are highly effective and durable in low speed environments on a wide range of substrates, particularly when a non-oily, non-flammable, and essentially clean application is desired.  

We’ve worked with several companies to provide a dry film solution with ease of application in mind.

Sta-Lease™ Liquid 3 is a dry film PTFE lubricant delivering ultra-low surface tension benefits and excellent mold release properties. As Sta-Lease has a very low co-efficient of friction, ranging from  0.07 – 0.15, it can be ideal for use with leather, plastic, and elastomer belts, gaskets, packing, gears and bearings.  

This product can be used on a wide-range of materials that require a “non-migrating” lubricant deposition.  Whether applied by spraying, dipping, painting or swabbing, a thin layer of dry film lubricant is deposited via an evaporative carrier fluid.  This form of dry film lubrication is also effective on machine components, such as mechanical fasteners, as well as on conveyors, cord, twine, rope and cable.

Read more about Sta-Lease Liquid 3 or contact ST Labs for more information…

Our ‘Green Solvent’ updates will focus on current alternatives to traditional solvents available in the marketplace. There is growing recognition for the various applications and economic viability of replacement solvents, at times making them a safe and practical option for industrial end users and manufacturers. 

 January 2010

Dimethyl Esters (DMEs)

DMEs have grown in acceptance and application due to relatively positive characteristics, including low cost, high boiling point, low volatility, non-corrosive, and excellent solvency. 

DMEs are formulated into blends or used on their own in a growing range of industrial and commercial applications. For instance, DMEs are used in various coatings, including coil, container,   automotive, and wire enamel, as well as for industrial cleaning as paint strippers and components in water based compounds.  Although DMEs are only slightly soluble in water, a non-ionic surfactant addition will create miscibility with water, making DMEs an efficient choice in industrial cleaning blends.

As replacement solvents, DMEs have been used as very effective substitutes for isophorone, glycol ethers, glycol ether acetates, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP or M-Pyrol), methylene chloride based strippers, and other HAPS. So, if health and environmental compliance concerns are posed by current solvent usage, a DME blend may be the perfect solution.

For more information about DME blends or for samples, please contact ST Laboratories, Inc. In addition, our distributor, John R. Hess & Co. Inc. is a leading source for DME solutions in the Northeast region and beyond.

Specialty Formulation Update: December 5, 2009

Sta-Mulse® TPD – this product exhibits exceptional wetting and de-foaming characteristics and is useful as a wetting and dispersant agent in a variety of applications.  We designed this blend in order to provide an effective polymer dispersant for companies in the thermoplastic composite industry. A range of potential applications includes coatings, polymers, inks, paper, dust control, and cleaning formulations.

Other attributes include both anionic and nonionic properties, high flash point, and no hazardous air pollutants.

 Contact us to discuss your particular application and learn more about Sta-Mulse® TPD.