Liuotinpohjaiset

Liuotinpohjaiset, meaning solvent-based in Finnish, refers to products whose binder is carried by organic solvents rather than water. In coatings, adhesives, and cleaning formulations, solvents dissolve or disperse the resin and then evaporate during drying, leaving a solid film or residue.

Typical binders include alkyds, epoxies, polyurethanes, and acrylics, dissolved in solvent systems that may contain toluene, xylene, ethyl acetate, acetone, esters, ketones, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The drying process is driven by solvent evaporation, sometimes supplemented by heat or catalysts, and may involve crosslinking reactions that enhance film hardness and chemical resistance.

Common applications are automotive refinishes, wood finishes, metal primers, industrial coatings, and certain solvent-based inks and adhesives. Compared with water-based formulations, liuotinpohjaiset often provide faster cure, stronger solvent resistance, and superior gloss or leveling, but they emit higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and require more stringent handling.

Safety and environmental considerations include flammability and inhalation hazards, the need for adequate ventilation, personal protective equipment, and compliant disposal of leftover solvents and contaminated rags. Regulations in many regions limit VOC content and impose waste management requirements for solvent-based products.

Due to environmental and health concerns, many industries are transitioning to water-based or reactive (low-VOC, powder, or high-solids) technologies where feasible, though solvent-based systems remain in use for specific performance requirements.