The surface finishing industry has long relied on harsh chemicals in the finishing process. But with the arrival of fluorinated hydrocarbon solvents, water-based coatings, and biodegradable etchants, manufacturers are turning to more sustainable surface finishing chemistries. Let’s take a closer look at these innovative and effective products.
Improving Worker Safety and Environmental Impact
Mounting evidence of the health and environmental hazards that many traditional solvents present has resulted in stricter regulatory oversight and prompted companies to search for alternatives to harsh degreasing agents such as methylene chloride and n-propyl bromide.
Methylene chloride (MeCl) is a known carcinogen linked to respiratory issues and nervous system damage. Multiple countries restrict its use or ban it outright. N-propyl bromide is a neurotoxin that can put workers’ health at risk if they are exposed to its vapors. Generally, chlorinated solvents contribute to ozone depletion and groundwater contamination, harming the environment and increasing wastewater treatment costs.
Fluorinated Hydrocarbon Solvents
Fluorinated hydrocarbon solvents have increased in popularity as chlorinated solvents fall out of favor. Fluorinated hydrocarbon solvents are non-toxic, low-volatility solutions that pose significantly fewer health and environmental risks compared to chlorinated solvents.
But just because they are gentler on human health and the environment doesn’t mean these chemistries aren’t effective. Compared to their harsher alternatives, fluorinated hydrocarbon solvents are highly effective at removing grease, oils, and residues without compromising worker health or the environment.
What’s more, fluorinated hydrocarbon solvents are often compatible with a company’s current vapor degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning systems, so you won’t experience any downtime by making the switch. These solvents may be ideal for many aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical device manufacturers.
Water-Based Coatings
Perhaps the future of sustainable surface finishing lies with the emerging alternative of water-based coatings. Most traditional solvent-based coatings contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs contribute to air pollution and expose workers to hazards. Water-based coatings have significantly lower VOC emissions than traditional solvents do, reducing environmental pollution and improving air quality. They are safer to use and pose less fire and toxicity risks.
Water-based coatings do not sacrifice performance to achieve greater safety and sustainability. They deliver excellent corrosion and wear resistance, offering durability without the harmful chemicals. It’s no wonder that the automotive/transportation, aerospace, and heavy equipment industries are embracing these chemistries for their protective coating needs.
Biodegradable Etchants
Traditional etchants rely on hazardous acids and heavy metals to get the job done. But recently, innovative products with biodegradable active ingredients are revolutionizing plating and anodizing.
Biodegradable etchants are free of chromium, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, all toxic chemicals that post multiple threats to worker and environmental safety. Biodegradable etchants have lower inhalation risks than traditional acid-based etchants and are safer to handle. They also minimize wastewater contamination, cutting down on your wastewater treatment costs.
These next-generation etchants are being widely adopted by manufacturers in the electronics, aerospace, and precision manufacturing industries. Manufacturers find that these chemistries perform well, protect their employees, and make it is easier and cheaper to treat wastewater.
Make the Switch to More Sustainable Surface Finishing
At Seacole, we carry several different sustainable solvents to fit your cleaning needs. One is 403NC, a versatile blended solvent that is formulated to clean electrical equipment. It contains no chlorinated or fluorinated solvents. It is also an effective degreaser for the auto, bus, truck, RV, and marine industries.
Another more sustainable alternative is 140HF Parts Cleaning Solvent removes grease and oil from automotive parts. It does not contain chlorinated or fluorinated solvents, evaporates quickly, and leaves no residue behind.
Our experienced technical sales team can help you find more sustainable surface finishing chemistries for your process. Reach out to a member of our team today for expert support.
