What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)? Properties, Uses, and Safety

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK, 2-butanone, or methyl acetone) is a colorless liquid used in many industrial facilities. Similar to acetone but harsher, MEK is a common choice for heavy-duty applications. When mishandled, it can pollute the air, increase the risk of explosion or fire, and raise the overall hazard level of your job site.

What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone?

Methyl ethyl ketone is a colorless, highly flammable, industrial solvent. It is classified as a skin/eye irritant and has powerful dissolving properties, used in a wide range of substances, including paints, lacquers, varnishes, and glues. While it is similar to acetone, it has a slower evaporation rate and a higher boiling point, as well as the following chemical properties:

What is Methyl Ethyl Ketone Used For?

Across industrial processes, MEK is used for a wide variety of applications:

• Thinner for surface coatings and inks
• Base solvent in adhesives and plastics
• Industrial cleaning and degreasing
• Curing agent in resin manufacturing
• Chemical extraction and processing

MEK as an Industrial Cleaning Agent

2-Butanone's main application is as an industrial cleaning agent due to its strong solvency. It can work as a degreaser, adhesive remover, and to separate many other coatings, such as glue, dirt, paint, and more. It is often used to prepare surfaces before new paint is applied, such as in automotive applications, aerospace assemblies, and marine uses.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone Uses in Petrochemical Plastic Manufacturing

Depending on your specifications, MEK can be used as a hardener in resins, synthetic rubbers, and solvents while producing chemicals for plastic manufacturing operations. It is also commonly used as a curing agent in fiberglass, plastics, and unsaturated polyester resin manufacturing.

MEK for Paints, Dyes, and Glues

MEK is common in many paints, paint products, paint removers, glues, and other consumer products such as dry-erase markers. It acts as a solvent in the dye, ensuring that ink and pigment are properly transferred. The sharp smell associated with these products is often due to 2-butanone.

Is Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Harmful to Humans?

While MEK is used in many industrial applications, it can be hazardous to workers, mainly when applied as a cleaner or solvent. Signs and symptoms of methyl ethyl ketone exposure include eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, and skin irritation. MEK exposure has also been linked to several long-term consequences, such as compromised reproductive abilities, cancer, and permanent damage to the nervous system and brain. To minimize exposure to methyl ethyl ketone, follow these tips:

• Only use 2-butanone in properly ventilated or outdoor areas
• Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
• Replace methyl ethyl ketone with non-hazardous industrial cleaners and solvent alternatives

Methyl ethyl ketone is also a SARA-313 reportable substance, meaning facilities using it in significant quantities must report it to the EPA. Under OSHA-mandated safety guidelines, worker exposure is limited to 200 ppm over an 8-hour workday, with a short-term limit of 300 ppm.

Choose AcraStrip Cleaners as a Safe Alternative to MEK

One way to lower risk in your facility is to substitute MEK used for industrial cleaning with an alternative, such as AcraStrip products, particularly the 600 Series cleaners. Developed in tandem with the EPA, AcraStrip is highly effective at removing cured and uncured resins, flushing substances from paint guns, stripping paints and coatings, and much more. Other beneficial characteristics of AcraStrip include:

• Biodegradable and recyclable
• Safely cleans catalyzed resin from parts and tools
• Contains no environmentally hazardous ingredients
• Non-flammable and non-hazardous

Unlike MEK, AcraStrip and Polychem products don't require special handling during shipping, specific training, or explosion-proof storage. USA-made for USA quality, AcraStrip will create a safer workplace with fewer hazards compared to facilities that use 2-butanone as an industrial cleaner.

Get Started with High-Performance MEK Solvent Replacement Cleaners Today

Contact AcraStrip today or request a product SDS to learn more about replacing MEK as an industrial cleaner in your facility. Our environmentally friendly, non-hazardous Polychem and AcraStrip offerings are safe and effective for replacing toxic industrial solvents. We'll help you navigate our inventory to find the best solution for your operation.