SOLVENT COMPOUNDS FOR USE AS COALESCENTS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001 ] The present disclosure relates generally to solvent compounds that may be used as a coalescent. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to VOC-exempt solvent compounds that may be used as a coalescent or as a retarding solvent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Smog is known to have negative health effects on humans and the environment. A major contributor to smog formation is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are emitted from many sources including automobile exhaust and organic solvents. VOCs are defined as "any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions". Numerous consumer products contain VOCs as an integral component of the consumer product's function or application, such as paints or chemical coating strippers. To combat the adverse effects VOCs have on air quality in North America, agencies such as

Environment and Climate Change (Canada) and the Environmental Protection Agency (United States) enforce limits on VOC content in manufacturing workplaces and consumer products. VOC emission limits in some municipalities have become even more stringent than federal standards. For example, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which regulates VOC emissions in and around Orange County, California, has found success in reducing smog levels by half since the 1980's despite population growth in the area. Such successes inspire increased awareness and provide support for SCAQMD's mission. While increased awareness and enforcing limits on VOC content has helped combat smog formation significantly, many sources of VOC emissions have not been curtailed. Replacing solvents that are known to contribute heavily to smog formation, due to high VOC content, with solvents that have zero or low VOC content are thus highly sought after. To further the health and safety of their constituents some agencies have also reviewed the toxicity of commonly used chemicals. In Canada, the use of solvents and paints alone corresponds to 15% of all VOC emissions, with 314.0 kilotonnes in 2014, making it the second largest contributor next to the oil and gas industry (734.1 kilotonnes in 2014). Since the VOC's used in paints and coatings are released into the environment, they should be as biodegradable and non-toxic as possible. Although some zero or low VOC solvents exist in the market place, their cost and limited applicability reduce their wide-spread use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention provides a compound of Formula (I):

Formula (I)

where R is CM ₂ alkyl, optionally substituted from one up to the maximum number of substituents with oxygen.

[0004] In some embodiments, the compound may be:

or may be

[0005] In some embodiments, the compound is a coalescent, such as an inert coalescent or a film forming coalescent.

[0006] In some embodiments, the compound is a retarding solvent.

[0007] In some embodiments, the compound is a substitute for an ester alcohol. [0008] In some embodiments, the compound is a reactive intermediate in the formation of an ester derivative for a plasticizer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the compound is a thickener.

[0010] In some embodiments, the compound is an inert ingredient in an insecticide, fungicide or rodenticide formulation.

[001 1 ] In some aspects, the present invention provides a kit or commercial package including a compound as described herein, together with instructions for use.

[0012] In some aspects, the present invention provides a method of forming a coating on a substrate, by applying a compound of Formula (I):

Formula (I)

where R is C _M2 alkyl, optionally substituted from one up to the maximum number of substituents with oxygen, to the substrate. In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) may be provided in admixture with a paint.

[0013] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: [0015] FIGURE 1A is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm, #4 spindle, in a PVA Flat formula;

[0016] FIGURE 1 B is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 20 rpm and 100 rpm, #4 spindle, in a PVA Flat formula;

[0017] FIGURE 1 C is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm, 20 rpm and 100 rpm, #4 spindle, in a PVA Flat formula;

[0018] FIGURE 2A is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm in a PVA Semi Gloss formula;

[0019] FIGURE 2B is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm in a PVA Semi Gloss formula;

[0020] FIGURE 2C is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm, 20 rpm and 100 rpm in a PVA Semi Gloss formula;

[0021 ] FIGURE 3 is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 20 rpm and 100 rpm in an EVA Flat formula;

[0022] FIGURE 4 is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 20 rpm and 100 rpm in a Styrene Acrylic Flat formula;

[0023] FIGURE 5 is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 20 rpm and 100 rpm in a Styrene Acrylic Semi Gloss formula;

[0024] FIGURE 6A is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm, #4 spindle, in an Acrylic Semi Gloss formula;

[0025] FIGURE 6B is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 20 rpm and 100 rpm, #4 spindle, in an Acrylic Semi Gloss formula;

[0026] FIGURE 6C is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm, 20 rpm and 100 rpm, #4 spindle, in an Acrylic Semi Gloss formula;

[0027] FIGURE 7A is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm, #5 spindle, in an Acrylic Flat formula; [0028] FIGURE 7B is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 100 rpm, #5 spindle, in an Acrylic Flat formula; and

[0029] FIGURE 7C is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 0.5 rpm, 20 rpm and 100 rpm, #5 spindle, in an Acrylic Flat formula.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure provides, in part, compounds useful as coalescents.

[0031 ] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (I):

Formula (I)

where R is C1-12 alkyl, optionally substituted from one up to the maximum number of substituents with oxygen.

[0032] The compound may be:

(referred to herein as XTR5), or may be:

(referred to herein as XTR3). [0033] "Alkyl" refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain group consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing no unsaturation and including, for example, from one to ten carbon atoms, such as 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 or 12 carbon atoms, and which is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the alkyl group may be optionally substituted by one or more oxygen atoms. Unless stated otherwise specifically herein, it is understood that the substitution can occur on any carbon of the alkyl group.

[0034] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have a high boiling point, for example, a boiling point over 200 °C. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have a boiling point between about 200°C to about 400°C, or any value therebetween.

[0035] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have very low vapour pressure, for example, a vapour pressure below 0.01 Pa. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have a vapour pressure between about 0.01 Pa to about 0.06Pa, or any value therebetween.

[0036] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have a low freezing point, for example, a freezing point below -50 °C (minus 50°C). In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have a freezing point between about -50°C (minus 50°C) to about -70°C (minus 70°C), or any value therebetween.

[0037] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be hydrolytically stable, for example, as observed by placing the compounds in water and confirming their structure by ¹ H-NMR spectroscopy. By "hydrolytically stable" is meant that the compound does not exhibit substantial decomposition i.e., less than about 30% decomposition when placed in water. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may exhibit about 0% to about 30% decomposition, or any value therebetween, when placed in water.

[0038] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may break down into carbon dioxide and water. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may break down into carbon dioxide and water when exposed to air at ambient room temperature. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may break down into carbon dioxide and water when exposed to air at a temperature > -1 °C (minus 1 °C).

[0039] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have high hydrophobicity, for example, does not readily dissolve in water. Hydrophobicity may be measured using standard techniques, for example, by determining the solubility constant of the compound in water. By "high hydrophobicity" is meant a solubility constant of 99% or more. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have a hydrophobicity (i.e., solubility constant) between about 0% to about 99.9%, or any value therebetween.

[0040] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have high efficiency of coalescence, for example, in comparison to typically used coalescents, such as Texanol™ (2-methyl-, 3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylpentyl ester), Film Former IBT (2,2,4-Trimethyl-1 ,3-Pentanediol Monoisobutyrate; isobutyric acid, ester with 2,2,4-trimethyl-1 ,3-pentanediol) or Opti Film Enhancer 400, when used as a direct replacement.

[0041 ] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may not be classified as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), or as containing Saturates, Asphaltenes, Resins and Aromatics (SARA). In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be VOC-exempt. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may reduce the overall VOC of a composition in which it is present. For example, when a compound according to the present disclosure is provided in combination with a VOC-containing compound, the overall VOC of the combination may be reduced. By "about" is meant a variance (plus or minus) from a value or range of 5% or less, for example, 0.5%, 1 %, 1 .5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, etc.

[0042] By "about" is meant a variance (plus or minus) from a value or range of 5% or less, for example, 0.5%, 1 %, 1 .5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have low toxicity as determined, for example by one or more of oral LD50 on rats, biodegradability, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity and/or hepatic and renal toxicity measurements, which can be determined using standard methods. In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may contain reagents classified as non-carcinogenic. A compound according to the present disclosure may have an LD ₅ o of 5000 mg/kg or more.

[0044] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be substantially anhydrous, for example, containing less than 0.05 wt% water. In alternative embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may contain less than 500 ppm of water.

[0045] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may have a purity of, for example, at least 99.5%, for example, at least 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9%, or 100%.

[0046] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be useful as a coalescent.

[0047] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be useful as an inert coalescent for, for example, latex or acrylic paints or coatings.

[0048] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may offer superior coalescing performance in a wide variety of conditions including climate and substrates of different compositions and porosity.

[0049] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be useful as a retarding solvent in, for example, coil coatings and high-bake enamel, oil field, floor polish, and/or wood preservatives formulations. By "retarding solvent" is meant a solvent capable of slowing down the drying time of a film to, for example, enhance film appearance and coverage.

[0050] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be useful as a substitute for an ester alcohol when used, for example, to coalesce a film, enhance thickening efficiency and/or act as a retarding solvent for use in coil coatings and/or high-bake enamels.

[0051 ] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be useful as a reactive intermediate in the formation of ester derivatives for a plasticizer. [0052] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be useful as a film forming coalescent in a variety of coatings.

[0053] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may improve the gloss of a paint and/or coating.

[0054] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may improve the integrity and/or durability of a paint and/or coating.

[0055] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may improve the scrub resistance of a paint and/or coating.

[0056] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may improve the ability of a paint and/or coating to form a durable film at less than -1 °C (minus 1 °C).

[0057] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be useful to: create a film of high integrity; improve the overall performance

characteristics of a paint or coating; allow film coalescence at low temperatures (for example, about 5°C; enhance colour development of a film; improve gloss of a film; improve washability of a film; improve scrub resistance of a film; increase the thermal torsional and tensile strength of a film; resist mud cracking of a film; and/or provide superior adhesion properties of a film.

[0058] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may enhance the thickening efficiency of various associative thickeners, such as Bentonite, HEC (Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose) or HEUR (Hydrophobe-modified Ethoxylated Urethane), and thereby improve the practical viscosity of a paint or coating.

[0059] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be widely useful as a general industrial primer, intermediate and/or topcoat, as automotive refinish and/or OEM, wood primer and/or topcoats, marine, can and/or coil, printing ink (for example, lithographic and/or letterpress) and/or oil field chemical (such as drilling mud, frothing agent, ore flotation) formulae. [0060] In some embodiments, a compound according to the present disclosure may be used as an inert ingredient, which is permitted for non-food use contact, in the formulation of an insecticides, a fungicide and/or a rodenticide.

[0061 ] A compound according to the present disclosure may be prepared as described herein, or using techniques based on, or similar to, those known in the art, such as those referenced in U.S. Patent Nos. US5986125, US4181676, US3657310, US3642858, or US3632828.

EXAMPLE 1

[0062] Synthesis of bisd -butoxypropan-2-νΓ) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5)

dimethyl carbonate 1 -butoxypropan-2-ol bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate

TreviSol

Detailed Reaction Scheme

Catalyst = ^ONa

Ether bi-product formation

[0063] The alcohol 1 -butoxypropan-2-ol, CAS # 5131 -66-8 (1 .0 L) was put in a 2 L round bottom flask. The flask was then charged with sodium methanolate (~1 .5 g) and hexanes (~350 mL). Dimethyl carbonate (270 mL) is then added. Boiling stones (3-10) are added to prevent bumping during the reaction. A Dean Stark apparatus is attached to the round bottom flask, and 15 mL of distilled water was added to the trap, the rest of the trap volume was filled with hexanes. A condenser is attached to the top of the Dean Stark apparatus. The reaction was then heated gently until the distillate temperature is 53(±3) °C. As the distillate condenses into the Dean Stark trap the methanol formed from the transesterification reaction separates to the bottom of the trap. The trap was refreshed when the bottom layer of the Dean stark trap was approximately half full. The reaction was monitored by taking ¹ H-NMR of the reaction mixture and is continued until the dimethyl carbonate was completely consumed and less than 5% of the unsymmetric organic carbonate intermediate was observed, the hexanes are then distilled off. The reaction was then cooled and filtered through a 1 -3 cm layer of diatomaceous earth and transferred to another 2 L round bottom flask. The crude material is then distilled under vacuum (currently do not know the pressure) and when the distillate reaches 130 °C, it was collected and analyzed for purity. The typical yield was 450 ml_ of the desired product.

[0064] The physical/chemical properties of bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) were determined to be as follows:

Partial Coefficient {Range] 0.7 - 2,0

VOC fs/U 0

• Texanol Solubility: Soluble

• Water Solubility: Not Soluble • Odor: Pleasant Odor

• Clarity: Clear

• Evaporation Rate: Slow and Close to Texanol

[0065] Bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) was used as a direct replacement for other typical coalescents, such as, Texanol™, as follows.

Physical Properties

Texanol XTR5

Polymer Solid % 23.7 23.7

Texanol or XTR Solid 7.5 7.5 Polymer

%

Specific Gravity g/cm3 1 .25 1 .25

Weight Solid % 51 .91 51 .91

Volume Solid % ~ 40.91 40.91 VOC (Without Water) g/L 95.0 45.0

Test Results

Paint Properties Texanol XTR5

Viscosity 90 KU 90 KU

Fineness of Grind 40 - 45 40 - 45 micron micron

Hide at 5.0 mils The same The same

Touch Dry @ 20 °C 45 minutes 45 minutes

Gloss @ 60 Degree -15 ~ 15

Flexibility The same The same

Physical Properties

Texanol XTR5

Polymer Solid % 21.6 21.6

Texanol ot XTR on Solid 9.0 9.0

Polymer %

Specific Gravity g/cm3 1.32 1.32

Weight Solid % 54.6 54.6

Volume Solid % 41.1 41.1

VOC (Without Water) g/L 54.6 1.5

Test Results

Coating Properties Texanol XTR5

Viscosity 95 KU 95 KU

Fineness of Grind 45-50 45-50 micron micron

Hide at 5.0 mils The same The same

Touch Dry @ 20 °C 35 minutes 35 minutes

Gloss @ 60 Degree -20 -20

Flexibility The same The same

Physical Properties

Texanol XTR5

Polymer Solid % 18.0 18.0

Texanol or XTR on Solid 1 1 .1 1 1 .1

Polymer %

Specific Gravity g/cm3 1 .33 1 .33

Weight Solid % 54.5 54.5

Volume Solid % 41 .0 41 .0 /ΠΓ MAfit nnt VUatarl n/l u .

Test Results

Coating Properties Texanol XTR5

Viscosity 95 KU 95 KU

Fineness of Grind 45 - 50 45 - 50 micron micron

Hide at 5.0 mils The same The same

Touch Dry @ 20 °C 30 minutes 30 minutes

Gloss @ 60 Degree ~ 15 ~ 15

Flexibility The same The same

[0066] The results indicated that XTR5 performed the same as the tested coalescent, in terms of dry time, gloss, brush roll application and film integrity.

EXAMPLE 2

[0067] Synthesis of bisd -prop oxypropan-2-νΓ) carbonate (XTR3)

[0068] XTR3 was prepared as set forth in Example 1 , herein, except 1 - propoxypropan-2-ol, CAS# 1569-01 -3, was used in place of 1 -butoxypropan-2-ol.

EXAMPLE 3

[0069] Results of bisd -butoxypropan-2-νΓ) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) tests

[0070] Bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as follows. Water was added to a container and the additives were added. The container was placed under a high speed disperser and mixed under slow speed. Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose was added slowly and allowed to mix for 10 minutes increasing speed as needed. The pigments were then added, slowly increasing speed and water as needed. After the pigments were added, the speed was increased to about 2800 rpms. After 10 to 15 minutes the speed was reduced to about 1000 rpms. The latex was added slowly into the vortex. The rest of the water and other additives (depending on the formulation) were then added and allowed to mix for 5 minutes.

[0071 ] The testing was conducted as follows. A 3 wet mil drawdown was made on a opacity chart. Dry time was done by putting the opacity chart under a Gardco Ultracycle RHT 5022 dry time tester and letting it run until the coating was dry.The optical properties were done using the same opacity chart after 24 hours dry time. The L* a* b* were read using a X-rite RM200QC. The gloss was measured using aETB-0833 glossmeter.

[0072] In some tests, bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) was substituted for propylene glycol to evaluate its effectiveness in replacing propylene glycol to create a lower VOC and lower toxicity material. The results indicated that replacement of bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) for propylene glycol resulted in far lower or zero (0) VOC materials. Parameters such as dry time, gloss, solids %, and opacity, which are important in measuring the qualities of a coating, were not adversely affected.

[0073] In the various tests, the following abbreviations were used:

[0074] TEX: Texanol™

[0075] PG: Propylene Glycol

[0076] GLY: GlykoSol (Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate), XBC4)

[0077] TREV, TER or TRV: TreviSol (bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate)

[0078] OP: Optifilm™ 400, and

[0079] FF: Film Former IBT.

EXAMPLE 4

[0080] PVA Flat Formula

[0081 ] Table 1 shows materials and combinations tested in a PVA flat formula. [0082] Table 1 - PVA Flat Latex Formula

[0083] The results for the viscosities (PVA flat) are shown in Table 2.

[0084] Table 2

[0085] The results for different parameters (PVA flat) are shown in Table 3.

[0086] Table 3

[0087] Figures 1A-C show differences in viscosity, depending on the components. The tests were performed on a Brookfield viscometer and demonstrate that different components have different effects in thickness or viscosity within a formula.

EXAMPLE 5

[0088] PVA Semi Gloss Formula [0089] Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as set out in Example 3. Table 4 shows materials and combinations tested in a PVA semi gloss formula.

[0090] Table 4

[0091 ] The results for the viscosities (PVA Semi Gloss) are shown in Table 5. [0092] Table 5

[0093] The results for different parameters (PVA Semi Gloss) are shown in Table 6.

[0094] Table 6

[0095] Figures 2A-C show differences in viscosity, depending on the components. The tests were performed on a Brookfield viscometer and demonstrate that different components have different effects in thickness or viscosity within a formula.

EXAMPLE 6

[0096] EVA Flat Formula

[0097] Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as set out in Example 3. Table 7 shows materials and combinations tested in an EVA flat formula. [0098] Table 7

[0099] The results for the viscosities (EVA flat) are shown in Table 8.

[00100] Table 8.

[00101 ] The results for different parameters (EVA flat) are shown in Table 9.

[00102] Table 9

[00103] Figure 3 shows shows the viscosity results in graphical form.

EXAMPLE 7

[00104] EVA Semi Gloss Formula

[00105] Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as set out in Example 3. Table 10 shows materials and combinations tested in EVA semi gloss formula. [00106] Table 10

FORMULATION

-GLOSS

[00107] The results for the viscosities (EVA semi gloss) are shown in Table 11.

[00108] Table 11

[00109] The results for different parameters (EVA semi gloss) are shown in Table 12.

[001 10] Table 12

EXAMPLE 8

[001 1 1 ] Styrene Acrylic Flat Formula

[001 12] Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as set out in Example 3. Table 13 shows materials and combinations tested in a styrene acrylic flat formula.

[001 13] Table 13

FORMULATION STRYENE ACRYLIC FLAT

[001 14] The results for different parameters (styrene acrylic flat) are shown in Table 14.

[001 15] Table 14

[001 16] Figure 4 shows the viscosity results (styrene acrylic flat) in graphical form.

EXAMPLE 9

[001 17] Styrene Acrylic Semi Gloss Formula

[001 18] Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as set out in Example 3. Table 15 shows materials and combinations tested in a styrene acrylic semi gloss formula. [00119] Table 15

FORMULATION STRYENE ACRYLIC SEMI-GLOSS

The results for different parameters (styrene acrylic semi gloss) are shown in

[00121 ] Table 16

[00122] Figure 5 shows the viscosity results (styrene acrylic semi gloss) in graphical form.

EXAMPLE 10

[00123] Acrylic Semi Gloss Formula

[00124] Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as set out in Example 3. Table 17 shows materials and combinations tested in acrylic semi gloss formula.

[00125] Table 17

FORMULATION ACRYLIC SEMI-GLOSS

[00126] The results for the viscosities (acrylic semi gloss) are shown in Table 18.

[00127] Table 18

[00128] The results for different parameters (acrylic semi gloss) are shown in Table

[00129] Table 19

[00130] Figures 6A-C show the viscosity results (acrylic semi gloss) in graphical form, where TEX is Texanol™, PG is Propylene Glycol, GLY is GlykoSol, OP is Optifilm™ 400, and FF is Film Former IBT.

EXAMPLE 11

[00131 ] Acrylic Flat Formula

[00132] Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) was tested in a number of water-based flat paints, as set out in Example 3.

[00133] The results for the viscosities (acrylic flat) are shown in Table 20. [00134] Table 20

[00135] Figures 7A-C show the viscosity results (acrylic flat) in graphical form.

EXAMPLE 12

[00136] Texanol Comparison

[00137] Bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) was also tested to evaluate its performance against Texanol in forming a cohesive film at various temperatures. Scrubs were done after one week dry time using ASTM-D2486; blocking was done after one week dry time using ASTM-D4946 - 89; and the Minimum Film Forming Temperature (MFFT_ was done by ASTM D 2354 using Rhopoint TE-MFFT-90II.

[00138] The MMFT results were as follows (MFFT ENCOR 471 ): a. resin only, greater that 33°C; b. 3% Texanol, 22.6 °C; c. 3% TreviSol, 19.9 °C; d. 4% Texanol; 22.6 °C; e. 4% TreviSol, 13 °C; f. 5% Texanol, 13.4 °C; g. 5% TreviSol, 7.3 °C; h. 6% Texanol, 10.6 °C; i. 6% TreviSol, less than -1 °C.

[00139] The results showed that bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) is far more efficient at forming a film at similar temperatures but that it may also form a film as low as -1 deg C. By contrast, the lowest temperature Texanol could form a film was 10.6 Deg C.

[00140] Furthermore, the ASTM D 2486 scrub tests showed that when a film is fully coalesced using bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5), it has greater integral strength and far more resistant to burnishing, marking, scuffs and abrasion. Thus, a film using bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) as the coalescent solvent in the formula is far more efficient than Texanol and less bis(1 -butoxypropan-2-yl) carbonate (TreviSol, XTR5) can be used.

[00141 ] In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required.

[00142] The above-described examples are intended to be exemplary only.

Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular examples by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope, which is defined by the claims appended hereto.