What Are the Applications of Benzyl Alcohol?

Advantages of benzyl alcohol for epoxy diluent

Benzyl alcohol, also known as BA, is a colorless, low viscosity liquid (molecular formula: C6H5CH2OH) with strong solubility. It is also known as phenylmethanol. Benzyl alcohol is the simplest fatty alcohol containing a benzene group, which can be considered as a benzene ring substituted with a hydroxymethyl group or a methyl group substituted with a benzene ring. It is a slightly aromatic, transparent, viscous liquid with polarity, low toxicity, and low vapor pressure, and is therefore used as an alcohol solvent. It is slightly soluble in water (4 g/100 mL) and can be miscible with organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

As a necessary solvent for the modification of epoxy resin curing agents 1,3-BAC, AEP, IPDA, D-230, etc., benzyl alcohol itself is non-toxic (can be used as an injection reagent for the human body). It has a high boiling point, is not easily volatile, and after curing, due to its strong polarity, it can be well compatible with epoxy resin without migration. Benzyl alcohol can promote the reaction between epoxy resin and amine, and accelerate the reaction rate. Benzyl alcohol has good hydrophobicity, which can significantly improve the gloss of coatings and reduce the occurrence of whitening. It also can improve the toughness of the cured material.

Benzyl alcohol application

Benzyl alcohol is an excellent medium-boiling point solvent, mainly used in:

The modification of epoxy resin solvents and curing agents; epoxy coatings, floors, electrical appliances, power, sealing, adhesives, epoxy jewelry; pharmaceutical synthesis and solvents, preservatives for ointments or liquids; photographic developer, cleaning agent, organic glass solvent, lens coloring agent; printing ink and ballpoint pen oil solvent, ink solvent; benzyl alcohol is used as a fixative in perfumes, and is an essential perfume when blending fragrances such as jasmine, moonlight, and ileum. It is used to make scented soap and cosmetics; benzyl alcohol is used as a plasticizer in textile printing and dyeing auxiliaries.

The role of benzyl alcohol in skincare products

As a benzyl alcohol supplier, our benzyl alcohol is mainly used as a preservative in skin care products and does not have any effect on the skin. Adding benzyl alcohol to skincare products can inhibit the growth of microorganisms in skincare products and extend their shelf life. The maximum allowable concentration of benzyl alcohol as a preservative in skincare products is 1%. Because of its strong toxicity, the use of benzyl alcohol in skincare products may cause acne and sensitization to the skin, and may cause irritation and damage to the skin for those with sensitive skin. However, benzyl alcohol is still widely used in various skincare products because its usage is strictly controlled and the amount used is very small, making it relatively safe within the allowable range.