Lyondell Announces EPA Action Defining TBAc Solvent as Non-VOC
HOUSTON - Lyondell Chemical Co. announced that the U.S. EPA issued a final rule excluding tertiary butyl acetate (TBAc) from the definition of a VOC. Publication of the rule in the Federal Register is anticipated in the near future. The action concludes a lengthy review process that was initiated by an industry petition submitted to the EPA by Lyondell, based on evidence of the solvent's "negligible photochemical reactivity."
Lyondell said TBAc also is a non-HAP (hazardous air pollutant) organic solvent that is expected to find widespread use in coatings, ink, adhesives, industrial cleaners, photo-resist strippers, and other formulated products. The company said the product offers broad solvency capabilities, an intermediate evaporation rate, low density and a flash point "well within accepted industry parameters."