Exempt Solvents for Inks and Coatings

Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

March, 2002

Exempt Solvents for Inks and Coatings

Q. Please help me understand which solvents are in fact VOC exempt in the USA. I am trying to formulate a solvent based ink which in non-VOC or at least much lower in VOC.

Could you kindly help me by listing those solvents which are VOC expempt in the USA.

Thank you.

A. The following are exempt solvents:

Acetone
Methyl acetate
Volatile methyl siloxanes
Parachlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF)
Methylene chloride

Also, a wide range of chlorofluorocarbons, which you are unlikely to use in an ink formulation.

Hope this helps.