MEK is a naturally occurring human metabolite, is present naturally in foods across all food groups, and is produced by microbes, algae, plants and other organisms.It is also released to the environment via anthropogenic production, where it primarily partitions to air.Its primary use is industrial, but it can also be found in consumer products, especially coatings and adhesives, and has minor use in the food industry as an extraction agent and flavoring agent.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK),is an organic compound with theformulaCH3C(O)CH2CH3.This colorless liquid Ketone has a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of butterscotch and acetone. It is produced industrially on a large scale, and also occurs in trace amounts in nature.It is soluble in water and is commonly used as an industrial solvent.
MEK is used in surface coatings (55%), adhesives (12%), printing inks (4%), chemical intermediates (6%), magnetic tapes (5%) and lube oil dew axing agents (6%).MEK also is used as an extraction medium for fats, oils, waxes and resins.Methyl Ethyl Ketone is used as a solvent for lacquers, adhesives; for cleaning materials to be electroplated; for degreasing; in rubber and rubber cement, printing inks, paints, wood stains, varnishes and paint removers and in cleaning solutions; as a catalyst; and as a carrier.
The future increase in demand of MEK in the country is expected from two levels. The first is from the growth of end users who are already using MEK. The second level is from the consumers who can use MEK but are using other solvents and are willing to switch over to MEK, once its easy availability is assured.
In 2018, Asia is expected to account for nearly 70% of the total world consumption of MEK. Paints and coatings continue to consume the majority of MEK, and little change in the world MEK market breakdown is expected by 2023. Adhesives make up the second-largest share of the MEK market in 2018, and represent the largest and fastest-growing market in China, where consumption is largely for the manufacture of shoes.
Global Methyl Ethyl Ketone Market size is forecasted to reach USD 3.64 billion against the volume of 1.9 Million Tonnes with a CAGR of 4.3 % by 2022. China, Western Europe, Japan and the United States are leading Consumer of MEK. It is projected that Asia Pacific region will drive the highest growth rate in the future as demand for MEK in this region is increasing at a fast pace with the development in end use. Increasing investments and development in automobile and infrastructure industries in China and India will further induce the consumption of MEK in the Asia Pacific region. Positive demand outlook for paints and coatings, adhesives, printing inks; on account of increasing construction spending, particularly in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East is expected to remain a key driving factor for the global MEK market.
Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone (MEK) is a colorless and a harsh smelling carbon-based compound. It is commonly known as butanone. MEK characterized by outstanding chemical assets including low boiling point, high viscosity, high solvency, and high evaporation rate because of which it is used as a solvent across various applications.
Few Indian major players are as under
Adarsh Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd.
Arihant Chemicals Inds. Ltd.
Cetex Petrochemicals Ltd. (2003)
Exxonmobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.
Mangalam Organics Ltd.
Pon Pure Chemical India Pvt. Ltd.
Prasol Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
