Bio-solvent . fully biodegradable plant-based product . The solvents petrochemicals due to the shortage of fossil fuels and concerns about reducing the ozone layer due to the excessive use of petrochemical – based solvents.
They have the same cleaning properties as common solvents, however they are low toxicity, biodegradable, odorless and do not contain volatile organic compounds. It is obtained through fermentation, esterification or enzymatic processes. It is a less toxic and safer solvent, and involve lower consumption. These include oils such as rapeseed and soy .
Summary
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- 1 Types
- 2 Bioethanol
- 3 Bio-solvents to clean fuel
- 1 Castor oil
- 2 Ethyl lactate
- 4 Sources
Types
There are numerous types of bio-solvents. Depending on their properties, their applications will differ greatly, always providing numerous advantages over conventional solvents. Biorefineries are responsible for the production of bio-solvents in large quantities, which allows their commercialization at competitive prices.
Bioethanol
It is an alcohol of plant origin, it is obtained through the fermentation of sugars or starch found in different plant products such as rape, soy, beet , corn … It can be obtained from agricultural remains such as cereal straw , cereal or rice husks , and even from the residues obtained in the forest clearings, thus assuming a recovery of the residues.
Bio-solvents to clean fuel
It was used in California in 1998, where it saved 40% of marine life in the areas that received this treatment. It has been possible to develop a liquid bio-solvent capable of cleaning the fuel spilled in various catastrophes, such as that of the Prestige. This bio-solvent dissolves the fuel that permeates the rocks, allowing it to be recovered and reused as fuel.
Castor oil
It is used as a solvent, managing to remove all the enamel residues, even the most resistant ones, providing the nails with hydration and softness. In this way it manages to replace the common nail polish removers, made of acetone, which are usually so harmful and damaging to the nails. The active substance in this solvent is castor oil .
It allows to soften the cuticles, at the same time that nourishes and protects the nails, providing them with a protective veil. The use of these bio-solvents has spread to the field of cosmetics, where the efficacy and comfort they provide stand out.
Ethyl lactate
Ethyl lactate is a colorless liquid, miscible in water, alcohol , diethyl oxide and hydrocarbons , it also has a very characteristic sweet odor. It is used as a solvent for Paraloid ( acrylic resin ).
It allows very homogeneous protection layers to be obtained, offering very good results on both metal and glass. Substitute for xylene and toluene , due to its lower toxicity and danger.