ARCONATE® Propylene Carbonate (PC) is used in isocyanate (PMDI) wood binders and adhesives, urethane coatings, elastomers, lithium batteries, cosmetics, synthetic fibers and household cleaners.
It is also used in personal care, agricultural and textile applications.
Benefits and Applications
ARCONATE PC is compatible with isocyanates and is used as a reactive diluent to reduce cost and to improve handling and processing properties in a variety of applications. A more recently discovered application for propylene carbonate is in rechargeable lithium batteries. Eighty percent of a rechargeable lithium battery is a filler, which is propylene carbonate. ARCONATE PC also has numerous applications in the textile and synthetic fiber industries which utilize its outstanding solvency and reactivity.
Properties
ARCONATE PC is a polar solvent with a high boiling point, low order of toxicity, and a broad range of applications. ARCONATE PC is stable under most conditions, is neither hygroscopic nor corrosive, and offers several benefits over many other cleanup solvents in the marketplace.
Toxicology/Regulatory
Propylene Carbonate has a low degree of acute "systemic" toxicity.
Propylene Carbonate was negative in the Ames Assay with and without metabolic activation.
ARCONATE PC is cleared in the United States for certain food contact applications and is used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), JACT 6 (1), 1987, lists applications for propylene carbonate. In clinical studies, undiluted propylene carbonate caused moderate skin irritation, whereas 10% propylene carbonate in aqueous solutions produced no skin irritation or sensitization.
Storage and Handling
ARCONATE PC is stable under normal storage conditions. Excessive exposure or spillage should be avoided as a matter of good practice.
In the presence of an acid, base metal oxide, or salt, ARCONATE PC may decompose due to decreased thermal stability. The primary thermal decomposition products are propylene oxide and carbon dioxide. In an aqueous solution, the primary decomposition products are propylene glycol and carbon dioxide. Each situation could potentially cause a buildup of pressure for closed containers, resulting in the rupturing of the container. Therefore, it is recommended that all such mixtures be thoroughly tested for shelf-life stability. In addition, protect from sources of ignition. Tanks, lines, and pumps may be cleaned with steam or water.