A TECHNICAL MEMO FROM THE QUAKER OATS COMPANY ON
Q0@ TETRAHYDROFURFURYL ALCOHOL (THFA) AS A SOLVENT One of the important uses of QO THFA is as a solvent. A unique combination of properties makes this solvent outstanding. Note particularly: com plete miscibility with water, high boiling point, and low viscosity. Its high flash point, low toxicity and
water-white color are additional assets to be con sidered in the development of new coatings. The table below lists various resins and their solu bility in tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.
Solubility of Thermoplastic Resins In Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol (at r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e )
Resin Type*
Solvent THFA
Cellulose nitrate Ethylcellulose Cellulose acetate Cellulose acetate butyrate Vinyl butyral Vinyl acetate Vinyl acetate-chloride Vinyl chloride Vinyl-vinylidene chloride Nylon Polyethylene Methyl methacrylate Styrene
VS VS VS VS VS VS VS 1 SH I 1 1, SH VS
S — Soluble from 1 g. to 10 g. per 100 g. solvent VS = Soluble 10 g. or more per 100 g. solvent
I = Less than 1% dissolves within 6 days H = Temperature of 70-75" C ; time one hour
Data from The Quaker Oats Company *List of specific products tested available on request
As A Cleaner. Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol's solvent action on a wide variety of substances is utilized in various cleaning operations. For example, it is used in cleaners for nylon mesh of sport shoes, in formu lations to remove lipstick stains and in the textile industry to remove gear grease from cloth. It is also useful in removing rosin solder flux and in cleaning brushes used to apply wetting agents. In Coatings. Along with its high boiling point, mis cibility with oils like linseed and soya, and compati bility with various pigments, THFA is useful in the
paint industry as a solvent for lacquers, enamels, stain-filler and other coating compositions. These Features of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol make it unusual as a solvent: Flash point (Tag. open cup) °F 183 Freezing point, °C —80 Boiling point, (760 mm) °C 178 No I.C.C. precautionary label Check into tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol by writing for a copy of our Bulletin 206. A sample will be sent when requested on your letterhead.
The Quaker Oats Company The
CHEMICALS
DIVISION
Quaker O^fs
(pmpany
337Z The Merchandise Mart, Chicago 5 4 , Illinois Room 537Z, 120 Wall St., New York 5, Ν. Υ. Room 437Z, 48 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. Portland 1 4 , Oregon
108 A
INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
In Europe: Quaker Oats-Graanproducten N. V., Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Quaker Oats (France) S. Α., 3, Rue Pillet-Will, Paris IX, France; A / 5 " O t a " , Copenhagen, S. Denmark In Australia: Swift & Company, Ltd., Sydney In Japan: F. Kanematsu & Company, Ltd., Tokyo
