What is MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)?
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a colorless, liquid chemical substance that is used in many industrial production processes. It is a natural solvent, making it a key component in many different chemical mixes and surface treatments. MEK is one of Alliance Chemical’s most popular liquid solvents!
It is also referred to as Butanone or 2-Butanone, and while it is a particularly effective solvent itself, MEK is soluble in alcohol and water. It is a liquid ketone with no color, and a sharp odor similar to acetone. In fact, MEK and acetone share similar chemical compounds. MEK is favored for its strength over acetone, as it boils at a higher temperature and has a slower evaporation rate. It has a boiling point of 175.4°F (79.64°C), a molar mass of 72.11 g/mol, and a molecular density of 0.8049 g/mL. While MEK is a predominantly manufactured chemical used for industrial purposes, it can also be found in trace amounts in nature.
MEK VS. Acetone
MEK or Methyl Ethyl Ketone is stronger than Acetone, because it has a slower evaporation rate and boils at a higher temperature.
These differences are why MEK can be a stronger cleaning agent than acetone.
Unlike Acetone, MEK forms an azeotrope with water, which means that methyl ethyl ketone and water mix together to form a constant boiling point that cannot be affected by distillation.
Benefits of MEK
- Highly effective solvent.
- High boiling point.
- Slow evaporation rate.
- Soluble with water.
What can MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) do for you?
The Ultimate Automotive Degreaser
From de-greasing parts, prepping mating surfaces for gaskets, to stripping paint and adhesives- it’s the best. You can even use it to shoot carbon out of lifters and oil galleries through pushrods! Cleans tools and machines like magic.
Paint, Glue And Varnishes
If you’ve ever smelled the distinct, sharp scent of a dry-erase marker, you’ve used a product of methyl ethyl ketone. MEK’s slow evaporating properties make it a useful ingredient in products like dry-erase markers. It is used as a solvent in the dye to ensure the ink flows properly. MEK is also a common ingredient in paint and paint products, like lacquer and other varnishes; as well as paint remover and glue.
Curing Agent
MEK is commonly found in the fiberglass and plastic manufacturing industry. It is used as a curing agent for unsaturated polyester resins and fiberglass plastics. MEK is what’s known as a catalyst in this process for both vinyl and polyester resins. MEK cures the resin by reacting with it to solidify it from a liquid state.
Bonding and Manufacturing
MEK is used as an effective plastic welding agent. It can dissolve many plastics, including polystyrene, and can bind plastics together. MEK works as a welding agent by dissolving the surface where it is applied and then evaporating – acting as more of a chemical welding agent. It can also be used to manufacture plastics themselves, as well as textiles, and paraffin wax.
