Product Introduction
n-Butyl Acetate (CAS 123-86-4), also known as NBAC, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a pleasant fruity odor (similar to bananas). It is produced through the esterification of n-butanol and acetic acid. In the world of industrial solvents, n-butyl acetate is considered the “gold standard” medium-boiling solvent. It strikes a perfect balance: it evaporates slowly enough to allow for excellent leveling and flow in coatings, yet fast enough to ensure efficient drying times. It is virtually indispensable in the formulation of high-quality nitrocellulose lacquers, polyurethane coatings, and various synthetic resins.
Product Selling Points
1. Exceptional Leveling & Flow
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Advantage: Medium evaporation rate allows the coating film to remain open long enough for air bubbles to escape and for the surface to level out perfectly.
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Benefit: High-Gloss Finish: Effectively prevents surface defects like “orange peel” or “blushing” (moisture-induced cloudiness), ensuring a professional, mirror-like finish in automotive and furniture paints.
2. Powerful Resin Solvency
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Advantage: Exhibits high solubility for nitrocellulose, cellulose ethers, vinyl resins, and acrylic resins.
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Benefit: Versatile Formulation: Acts as a reliable carrier for complex coating systems, ensuring a stable, clear, and uniform solution for high-performance applications.
3. Low Water Solubility & High Purity
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Advantage: Very low affinity for water and low hygroscopicity.
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Benefit: Stable Performance: Minimizes the risk of moisture absorption during application, which is critical for maintaining the integrity and adhesion of polyurethane and wood coatings.
Applications
Automotive & Industrial Coatings
Primary solvent for topcoats and primers, providing the necessary flow properties for a smooth, durable finish.
Wood Furniture Lacquers
Essential in nitrocellulose (NC) and polyurethane (PU) wood finishes to prevent clouding and improve gloss.
Printing Inks
Used in specialty gravure and screen printing inks where a controlled drying speed is required to maintain print quality.
Leather Finishing
Applied in the treatment of premium leather goods to ensure a uniform distribution of dyes and protective resins.
Packaging & Storage
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Packaging: 200kg UN-certified steel drums; ISO tanks.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated fireproof warehouse. Crucial: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Use explosion-proof equipment. Ground all containers during transfer. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination.
Synonyms
NBAC; n-Butyl ethanoate; Acetic acid butyl ester; Butyl acetate.
Matching Materials
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n-Butanol (CAS 71-36-3) —— Raw material for Butyl Acetate synthesis
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Acetic Acid (CAS 64-19-7) —— Key reactant for NBAC production
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Nitrocellulose (CAS 9004-70-0) —— Primary resin base often dissolved in NBAC
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Ethyl Acetate (CAS 141-78-6) —— Often used in blends to speed up initial drying
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Xylene (CAS 1330-20-7) —— Common aromatic diluent used in solvent-based paint systems
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Isocyanate Hardener (Various) —— Reactive component in PU coatings where NBAC is the solvent
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Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) (CAS 78-93-3) —— Blended with NBAC to adjust solvency and drying time
FAQ
Q: Why is n-Butyl Acetate called a “standard” solvent in the paint industry?
A: Because its evaporation rate is considered the benchmark (value of 1.0 in some systems) against which other solvents are measured. It provides the most reliable balance between drying speed and film quality.
Q: Does n-Butyl Acetate mix with water?
A: Its solubility in water is very low (about 0.7% at 20°C). This makes it excellent for moisture-sensitive coatings like polyurethanes.
Q: Is it safe for food packaging applications?
A: While it is an industrial solvent, it is widely used in packaging inks due to its pleasant odor and relatively low toxicity, provided it is fully evaporated from the final substrate.
Q: How do you prevent “blushing” in humid weather?
A: Using n-Butyl Acetate is actually a primary way to prevent blushing. Because it evaporates at a moderate rate, it doesn’t cool the surface as rapidly as ethyl acetate, preventing moisture from condensing on the drying film.
Q: What is the shelf life?
A: Typically 12-24 months if stored in original, unopened steel drums in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
