DBE

Descrizione

DBE — GREEN DIBASIC ESTER BLEND

Low environmental impact solvent for the removal of aged acrylic coatings from cultural heritage surfaces

 

What it is DBE is a low-impact solvent blend of dimethyl adipate and dimethyl glutarate — specifically formulated by Lab4Green to exclude dimethyl succinate, which is known for its higher operator safety concerns. Unlike conventional DBE products on the market, our formulation prioritises both operator health and environmental performance without sacrificing cleaning efficacy.

 

Why it matters YoCoCu APS has conducted dedicated efficacy testing, demonstrating that this DBE blend achieves a solubility parameter (fd) of approximately 54 — making it highly effective at removing aged acrylic coatings, including Paraloid resins. With virtually zero vapour pressure, DBE emits no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during use, providing a significantly safer working environment compared to traditional solvents.

 

Key features

• Zero VOC emissions — virtually no vapour pressure (26.6 Pa at 20 °C)
• Effective removal of aged acrylic coatings, including Paraloid (fd ≈ 54)
• Excludes dimethyl succinate for improved operator safety
• Flash point 100 °C — non-flammable under normal conditions
• Excellent surface wettability due to zero volatility
• Compatible with gel systems and poultice supports
• Not classified as hazardous (GHS)
• Validated by YoCoCu APS

How to use DBE can be applied by cotton swab or with gel/poultice support systems. Due to its zero volatility, it provides excellent surface wettability but requires careful dosing of the amount of solvent applied to the surface. Conservators who tested the product described its surface behaviour as “oily” — a preliminary test on the target surface is therefore strongly recommended before full-scale application, to evaluate specific risks and ensure material compatibility.

 

Applications

• Removal of aged acrylic coatings (Paraloid B72, B44, etc.) from stone, plaster, and painted surfaces
• Removal of synthetic varnishes from paintings
• Cleaning of acrylic-based consolidation residues

Technical specifications

• Composition: blend of methyl esters of adipic and glutaric acid (dimethyl succinate-free)
• Physical state: liquid
• Colour: colourless
• Odour: mild, sweet
• Freezing point: −20 °C
• Flash point (closed cup): 100 °C
• Auto-ignition temperature: 366 °C
• Kinematic viscosity (25 °C): 2.4 cSt
• Refractive index (23 °C): 1.4220
• Vapour pressure (20 °C): 26.6 Pa
• Relative volatilisation rate (25 °C, butyl acetate = 1): 0.01
• Surface tension (20 °C): 35.6 dyne/cm
• Water solubility (20 °C): 4.2 g/L
• Density (20 °C): 1.087–1.093 g/cm³
• Boiling range: 195–216 °C

Safety & compliance DBE does not meet the criteria for GHS classification — no hazard pictogram required. Standard precautions apply: safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber, ≥0.7 mm), adequate ventilation. In case of aerosol formation, use Type A respiratory protection (organic vapours).

Full Safety Data Sheet available for download.

 

Download ENG SDS (PDF)