Tert Butyl Acetate (TBAC) Usage

TBAC is a fast evaporating solvent (2.8times faster than n-BuAc) with very low water solubility (0.3%), a flash pointof 40 °F, and a strong, camphor-like odor.12 Although the odor is not asobjectionable as PCBTF or as strong as n-BuAc, it will probably preclude mostinterior architectural uses. Its low flash point will also keep it out offormulations that have a 100 °F flash point requirement. Finally, its low watersolubility and fast evaporation rate will severely limit its use in mostwaterborne paints, especially architectural latex paints.

TBAC will be used predominantly in solventborne industrialcoatings, especially in the following applications: automotive refinishcoatings; industrial maintenance topcoats; air-dry OEM coatings; wood lacquersand quick-dry enamels; thinners; paint gun cleanup and hand wipe degreasing.

Its use in baking enamels will be somewhat limited by itsfast evaporation rate, which may cause solvent popping if the formulation doesnot contain enough of a good tail solvent. In general, we recommend a minimumof 30% slow solvent to complement TBAC in coatings that will be subjected toabove-ambient cure temperatures.