What is Low Aromatic White Spirit?
Low aromatic white spirit (LAWS) is a member of a large family of solvents known as white spirit or paint thinner in general.
White spirit solvents are hydrocarbon compounds produced by the cutting of kerosene. White spirit is used as solvents or diluents in thinners for paints and varnishes.
White spirits are divided into four categories based on the percentage of aromatic compounds:
- type0 (high aromatic)
- type1 (hydrodesulfurization)
- type2 (low aromatic )
- type3 ( odorless)
Other common names for Low Aromatic White Spirit:
Solvent 402, LAWS, MTO (Mineral Turpentine Oil) hydrocarbon.
Low Aromatic White spirit Combination
White spirit is a combination of aliphatic, aromatic and alicyclic C7 to C12 hydrocarbons.
Low aromatic white spirit (LAWS) has about 20% of aromatic substances, therefore it has less odor and is used more in industry.
This solvent with a clear color and a recognizable odor is insoluble in water. It has a stable chemical composition and does not cause corrosion.
The most use of solvent 402 is in cleaning solvents, painting color, wood preservatives, polishes and varnishes, printing inks, and rubber.
Low Aromatic White Spirit Grades
We mainly classify low aromatic white spirit or solvent 402 in two grades A and B.
Grad A: this grade is highly applied in painting buildings, draining, printing, etc.
This grade has a density between 0.875 to 0.885, the minimum of the flash point is 38° C and It is not smelly.
Must read: Advantages of low aromatic white spirit grade A
Grade B: most applied in resin industries, lacquers, aerosols, varnishes, alcohol, etc.
The density is more than grade A (0.88 to 0.89),the minimum of the flash point is 44° C.
Must read: Advantages of low aromatic white spirit grade B
The Advantage of Using Low Aromatic White Spirit
- A small percentage of sulfur(should not exceed 0.1%)
- Odorless
- cost effective
- Environmental compatibility
- The best alternative to thinner
- Fast drying and increasing the color volume
Applications of Low Aromatic White Spirit
Low Aromatic White Spirit has many uses in industry, such as:
. Thinner paint and varnish
. Insecticide and Pesticide
. Polish for shoes
. Resin industries
. Rail polish
. Cleaning any metal working.
. Coloring ink
. Rubber
. Floor, furniture
. Chemical industry
. Dry cleaning
It is also commonly used in household applications for cleaning colored brushes after work, as well as a spark plug for charcoal stoves, to remove residual glue on non-porous surfaces, and so on.
As you know, low aromatic white spirit is the main ingredient in making base paints, coatings and is used as a diluent.
The main purpose of low aromatic white spirit as a diluent is to reduce the viscosity of the color and to create a slower evaporation rate.
Hence, the colors that are thinned with a low aromatic white spirit,creates a smoother surface and dries faster.
Low Aromatic White Spirit Packaging and Storage
This solvent is sold in bulk and in barrels.
- Metal barrels 170 ± 5 kg
- ISO tank
- flexi tank.
Store LAWS (MTO) in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight, heat and other flammable sources.
Closed containers used to store this product.
Safety Tips in Using Solvent 402(LAWS)
The vapor of this substance can cause a cough, irritation and pneumonia, drowsiness and dizziness are other effects. Low eye irritation is also one of the effects of vapor exposure of this compound.
In contact with the skin, it can irritate the skin and enter the body through swallowing or airways.
