For the successful implementation of painting work, auxiliary agents such as solvents are of no small importance, the use of which is necessary to prepare the surfaces to be painted and give the required consistency to paintwork materials. In this article, we will consider the P4 solvent, which is one of the most popular and well-known similar materials on the market.
General Features
Solvent P4 is an organic solvent, which is a transparent colorless liquid (in some cases it may have a yellowish tint) without visible suspended particles. It is characterized by a specific smell and high volatility. The average value of the relative density of a substance is 0.85 g per cubic meter. see Self-ignites at a temperature of 550 degrees. Produced in accordance with the standards provided by GOST 7827-74. Produced in industrial containers - plastic and glass containers (bottles) of various sizes.
Thinner P4:composition
P4 is a blend of three organic solvents that combine to make them even more effective. Includes:
• toluene - 62%;
• acetone - 26%;
• butyl acetate - 12%.
Due to this composition, the solvent is characterized by fairly good consumer properties and high efficiency of dissolving varnishes and paints. An ingredient such as butyl acetate helps to increase the gloss of applied paint films and prevents them from fading and whitening.
Main solvent specifications
Solvent R4 (GOST 7827-74) has the following characteristics:
• ethyl ester volatility ranges from 5 to 15;
• coagulation number is at least 24%;
• the proportion of water (by mass) is not more than 0.7%;
• acid number does not exceed 0.07 mg KOH/g.
The R-4A grade solvent is also produced. This reagent and solvent P4 are analogues in terms of technical characteristics. However, they differ somewhat in composition, since, according to the requirements of GOST, butyl acetate is not included in R-4A. Another difference between these grades is that the P-4A grade solvent, unlike P4, is capable of dissolving XB-124 enamels (protective and gray).
Where is the P4 solvent used?
The reagent is used to dilute paints and varnishes such as PSH LN and LS PSH, the basis for the manufacturewhich are PVC chlorinated resins, epoxy resins, vinyl chloride copolymers and some other film-forming agents.
How to use - how to properly dilute the paint with P4 solvent?
Thinner P4 is added to a specific material (lacquer or paint) in small portions until the desired consistency is achieved. The diluted paint (lacquer) must be constantly mixed.
After applying the prepared coating, the solvent evaporates, and the film-forming substance, hardening, turns into a protective coating. When working with a solvent, it is important not to allow water to enter it, since the acetone that is part of the mixture can easily mix with it, and this, in turn, will lead to color distortion or whitening of the transparent coating.
Precautions for working with solvent P4
It should be remembered that the substance is a toxicant and can have a negative effect on the human body, where it enters by inhalation, and also penetrates the skin. With long-term exposure, a negative effect of the solvent on the bone marrow and blood is possible. Prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Given all of the above, work with P4 solvent should be carried out in rooms provided with good ventilation. It is also extremely important to use protective equipment that prevents exposure to harmful substances on the respiratory organs, eyes and skin of the hands (respirator, gloves, goggles).
P4, like a number of otherssolvents, is characterized by a high degree of fire hazard. The mixture is highly flammable and, in addition, is explosive. The vapors of the substances that make up the solvent, which tend to accumulate, are also explosive. Therefore, a prerequisite for working with a solvent is compliance with fire safety requirements.
