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Ink reducer (Ethanol)
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Ink reducer (Ethanol) is a volatile, colorless liquid used to adjust the viscosity, flow, and drying time of printing inks. Composed primarily of high-purity ethanol (ethyl alcohol), it acts as a solvent or diluent in various ink systems—particularly in flexographic, gravure, and screen printing. This reducer enhances printability by improving ink transfer, leveling, and penetration into substrates. Ink reducers based on ethanol are fast-drying and widely compatible with alcohol-soluble and water-alcohol hybrid inks used in packaging, label printing, and paper conversion industries.
Description
Ink Reducer (Ethanol)
Primary UsesÂ
- Printing Industry
- Viscosity Reduction: Ethanol reduces ink viscosity for improved flow during application, ensuring clean, consistent print output and better ink transfer on high-speed presses.
- Drying Accelerator: Due to its high volatility, ethanol speeds up drying on absorbent substrates such as paper, paperboard, and cardboard, helping prevent smudging or offsetting.
- Ink Formulation Solvent: Serves as a primary or co-solvent in ink formulations for flexographic, gravure, and screen printing, especially in water-alcohol or solvent-based systems.
- Cleaning & Maintenance: Used as a cleaning agent for ink trays, rollers, and screens to dissolve residual inks and prevent clogging or staining of equipment.
- Adhesion Promoter: Enhances ink penetration and adhesion on porous or semi-porous substrates like kraft paper, tissue, and coated board.
- Packaging & Label Printing
- Film & Foil Printing: Ethanol-based reducers help adjust ink properties for fine print definition on flexible substrates like BOPP, PET, and foil laminates.
- Food Packaging Compliance: Frequently used in low-odor, food-safe printing ink systems due to ethanol’s lower toxicity and minimal residue.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Textile & Fabric Printing
- Used to reduce viscosity in textile inks or pigment dispersions for fabric printing applications like banners, flags, and non-woven materials.
- Craft, Art & DIY Applications
- Applied in artist-grade and industrial printing inks for linocut, block printing, and hand-pulled screen printing.
- Used by DIY users to thin alcohol-based inks and for cleaning printing equipment at small scale.
- Electronics Printing
- In niche conductive ink systems, ethanol may serve as a vehicle for silver or carbon-based inks in printed electronics and RFID applications.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
- Common/Trade Name: Ink Reducer (Ethanol)
- CAS Number: 64-17-5
- HS Code: 2207.10.00 (Undenatured ethyl alcohol for industrial use)
- Synonyms: Ethyl alcohol; alcohol solvent; ethanol thinner
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless; mild alcoholic odor
- Boiling Point: ~78.5 °C
- Flash Point: 12–13 °C (closed cup)
- Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
- Evaporation Rate: Fast
- Purity: Typically ≥95% ethanol (industrial or denatured depending on grade)
- Viscosity: Low; suitable for thinning ink systems directly
- VOC Content: High; classified as a volatile organic compound
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification
- Flammable Liquid – Category 2
- Eye Irritation – Category 2A
- Specific Target Organ Toxicity (single exposure) – Category 3
Toxicity
- Low acute toxicity; ingestion in large amounts is harmful
- Vapor may cause dizziness or irritation with prolonged exposure
Exposure Limits
- OSHA PEL (TWA): 1000 ppm (1900 mg/mÂł)
- NIOSH REL: 1000 ppm (1900 mg/mÂł)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated, flammable-safe area
- Keep away from ignition sources and direct sunlight
Container Type
- Metal or plastic drums with flame arrestor caps; small-scale containers must be sealed and labeled properly
Shelf Life
- Indefinite under sealed, dry, and stable storage conditions
Handling Precautions
- Ground and bond containers during transfer
- Avoid open flames, sparks, and static discharge
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA & Food-Contact Approvals: Ethanol is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for food-packaging inks in regulated concentrations
- REACH Registration: Fully compliant
- VOC Regulations: Subject to VOC limits in printing and coating applications in various regions
- Transportation: Classified as Dangerous Goods under UN1170 (Ethanol)
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low at typical use concentrations
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
- Ozone Depletion Potential: None
- Disposal: Must be handled as hazardous waste in bulk quantities; small amounts may be evaporated or diluted under local regulations
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required
- Safety goggles
- Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile)
- Flame-resistant lab coat or apron
- Respiratory protection in poorly ventilated areas
Handling Guidelines
- Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof electrical equipment
- Ensure proper air circulation during use
- Do not smoke or eat near handling areas
Storage Measures
- Use approved flammable-liquid containers
- Label all containers clearly and store in fire-rated cabinets
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if breathing difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek medical attention immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Highly flammable; vapors form explosive mixtures with air
- Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
- Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
- Explosion Risk: Prevent vapor accumulation; keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames
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