Solvents

Acetates are a key ingredient in many everyday products, from cosmetics and cleaning supplies to textiles and food. Acetate is derived from acetic acid, and its salt or ester form helps add stability, texture and strength to products. In addition, acetates can act as an antifungal agent or preservative. For example, sodium acetate is often used in the food industry as a preservative or anti-caking agent. It can be found in everything from canned goods and processed foods to pre-packaged meals and condiments like mustard. Acetate is also commonly used in the cosmetics industry due to its ability to help create smooth, creamy textures. And in the textile industry, acetate is often used to add strength and durability to fabrics. Contact us to find out more about our acetates portfolio.

Aliphatic hydrocarbons are an important class of chemicals with a wide range of uses. They are used as solvents and diluents in many products, such as household formulations, pesticides, fuels, and essential oils. Aliphatic hydrocarbons are classified according to their structure. The two main categories are aliphatic (straight chain structures) and aromatic (cyclic structures). The properties of aliphatic hydrocarbons vary depending on their structure. Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons are generally non-reactive, while unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons are reactive. The reactivity of aromatic hydrocarbons is intermediate between that of saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Aliphatic hydrocarbons have a wide range of uses because of their unique properties. They are used as solvents, diluents, cleaners, degreasers, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, fuel additives, and ingredients in paints, adhesives, and sealants. Univar Solutions offers a range of aliphatic hydrocarbons to suit your individual needs.

Aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as arenes, are an important class of organic molecules made up entirely of carbon and hydrogen. These molecules are characterised by their aromatic ring structure, which gives them unique physical and chemical properties. Aromatic hydrocarbons are non-polar and relatively non-reactive, making them excellent solvents for a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Aromatic hydrocarbons are used in the manufacturing of fuels, pesticides, lacquers, paints, detergents, and more. Some common examples of aromatic hydrocarbons include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Aromatic hydrocarbons play a vital role in our economy and everyday life, and we continue to find new ways to utilize their unique properties.

Glycol ethers are a versatile class of solvents with a wide range of applications in various industries. These solvents are based on alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and are known for their excellent solvency, chemical stability and compatibility with water. Glycol ethers are used in many household and industrial products such as glass cleaners, carpet cleaners, floor cleaners and oven cleaners. They are also used as paint strippers, adhesives and sealants. Glycol ethers have low vapor pressure and high flash point making them safe to use in many applications.

Chlorinated solvents are powerful and versatile chemicals that are used in a wide range of applications. They are especially useful in industrial and commercial settings where they can be used for cleaning, degreasing, and mixing host in solutions. These solvents are extremely effective at breaking down organic matter, making them ideal for use in pesticides and other chemical manufacturing processes. Chlorinated solvents are also highly effective at dry cleaning, making them an essential part of the textile industry. Due to their powerful cleaning and degreasing properties, chlorinated solvents are often used in aerospace and military applications. They are also frequently used in metalworking, as they can remove stubborn dirt and grime from metals quickly and easily. Univar Solutions are proud to offer a range of chlorinated solvent solutions.

Glycols are created from crude oil and natural gas, and can be found in everything from shampoo to antifreeze. There are two main types of glycols: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is the most common type of glycol, and is used in the production of many familiar household items, such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, detergent, and even some types of medicine. It is also an important ingredient in antifreeze and de-icing solutions. Propylene glycol is another type of glycol that has a variety of uses. It is often used as a food additive or ingredient, as it can help to preserve food and keep it moist. It is also used in some cosmetics and skincare products, as it can help to keep the skin hydrated. In addition to these uses, propylene glycol is also an important ingredient in many types of industrial coolants and solvents.

With purity, safety and efficiency to consider, it is imperative that you trust the quality of the solvents you use in your business, as well as rely on your chemical distributor for accurate, on-time service, customer support and supply chain expertise. Our team of solvents experts know your business, understand the unique conditions that impact your industry, and are dedicated to answering your need for product and service excellence. With stocked inventory ready to ship to you from more than 140 distributions centers nationwide, we can flexibly package your solvents to meet your storage needs, saving you time and money.

Performance solvents are the backbone for many chemical processes. With purity, safety and efficiency to consider, it is imperative that you trust the quality of the solvents you use in your business, as well as rely on your chemical distributor for accurate, on-time service, customer support and supply chain expertise. As a distributor with long-standing supplier relationships, we offer a portfolio of high performance solvents, serving markets such as chemical manufacturing, coatings and adhesives, water, household and industrial cleaning, food, and pharmaceuticals, and can source even the most in-demand solvents

Plasticisers are an essential ingredient in the manufacture of plastics and rubbers. Without them, these materials would be hard and inflexible, making them unsuitable for many applications. Plasticisers work by reducing the intermolecular forces between the polymer chains, making the material softer and more flexible. There are many different types of plasticisers available on the market, each with its own unique properties. Phthalates are a well-known type of plasticiser, and are often used in the production of PVC. Other common plasticisers include adipates, azelates, sebacates, and trimellitates. When selecting a plasticiser for your application, it is important to consider its compatibility with the polymer, as well as its effect on the final properties of the product. Univar Solutions is proud to offer a range of plasticisers to suit your individual requirements