Environmental Pioneer：Breakthrough Applications of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane in Low-VOC Coatings and Inks

Introduction

Driven by the demands for environmental protection, health, and safety, the technological development of waterborne coatings and inks has advanced rapidly. Traditional solvent-based products are gradually being replaced by products with lower or even zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds) content. This article will delve into the application of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THMA) in the field of waterborne coatings and inks, focusing on analyzing how it enhances coating adhesion, improves water resistance, and modifies rheological properties. Meanwhile, through interpreting relevant patents and articles, the article will also discuss how it helps develop environmentally friendly products, aiming to understand its important value and development prospects in the contemporary coatings and inks industry.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, with the English name Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, can also be abbreviated as THAM or TRIS, is an important pH regulator (buffer) and has a wide range of applications in the fields of chemical engineering, cosmetics, and biomedicine.

• Molecular Formula: (HOCH₂)₃CNH₂
• CAS Number: 77 - 86 - 1
• Molecular Weight: 121.14
• pH Value: 10.4 (0.1M@20°C)
• pKa Value: 8.3@20°C, 7.8@37°C
• Melting Point: 168 - 172°C
• Appearance and State: White or colorless crystalline solid powder
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and very slightly soluble in ethyl acetate
• Stability: Almost non-hygroscopic and non-volatile, showing good physicochemical stability during storage
• Structural Features: Contains three hydroxyl groups and one primary amine, with low biotoxicity

Analysis of Application Advantages

THAM is a multifunctional compound with three hydroxymethyl groups and one amino group, having a strong pH regulation effect. It can interact with various coating components, not only limiting VOC emissions but also being able to absorb or remove VOCs from other sources. In addition, THAM plays an important role in the development of functional coatings. It can act as a crosslinker or modifier during the synthesis process and can also be directly added to products to significantly improve the dispersion and stability of coatings.

The following is a summary of its application advantages:

• Improved pH Stability: As a non-volatile alkaline pH regulator, THAM can replace traditional volatile alkaline reagents (AMP - 95, NaOH, triethanolamine) used for neutralization. It can maintain long-term thermal stability under highly alkaline conditions, preventing pH fluctuations during the production, storage, and construction of coatings.
• Environmental Protection Advantages: As a water-soluble compound, THAM can replace some traditional harmful reagents in waterborne coatings. Meanwhile, it can react efficiently with formaldehyde (1:2), helping to remove formaldehyde, benzoic acid, and other harmful gases in the coating system or in the air to meet the requirements of zero VOCs.

• Photo stability: The α-carbon adjacent to the amino group in THAM is completely substituted, lacking extractable hydrogen atoms, which limits yellowing caused by free radical oxidation. It is even reported as a free radical scavenger in some patents or literatures. Therefore, coatings containing THAM exhibit excellent photochemical stability and help limit the formation of ozone and smog, without causing color instability in low-VOC systems.

Key Patents

US20190085174A1

US20070293614A1

Conclusion

In today's era with extremely high requirements for environmental protection and sustainable development, Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM), with its outstanding environmental protection characteristics and multifunctionality, is playing an increasingly important role in the field of low-VOC coatings and inks. The unique chemical structure and excellent physical properties of THAM not only greatly enhance product performance but also significantly reduce environmental impact, making it a key driving force for the green transformation of the coatings and inks industry.

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