In the GCC's hot climate, where ambient storage temperatures can reach 45–55°C in summer, in-can preservation is particularly critical — elevated temperatures dramatically accelerate microbial growth in un-preserved water-based paints. Raykem supplies isothiazolinone-based and alternative biocide actives to UAE and Saudi Arabia paint manufacturers.
Technical specifications
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Types Available | MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), BIT, CIT/MIT blends |
| MIT Active (solo) | CAS 2682-20-4 — 1.5–5% active in water |
| CIT/MIT (3:1 blend) | Kathon-type — CAS blend, 1.5% active |
| BIT (Benzisothiazolinone) | CAS 2634-33-5 — broader spectrum, low sensitisation |
| DCOIT (Sea-Nine type) | CAS 64359-81-5 — marine anti-fouling |
| Typical In-Can Addition Level (MIT) | 0.05–0.15% active on total formulation weight |
| Effective pH Range | 4.0 – 9.0 (varies by active) |
| Storage Temperature | 5 – 30°C — avoid freezing |
| Packing | 25 kg / 200 kg drums |
| HS Code | 3808.94 |
Applications
- Water-Based Architectural Paints — In-Can Preservation — Prevents bacterial and fungal growth in acrylic emulsion paints, which are highly susceptible to microbial attack due to their water phase, nutrient-rich binders, and neutral pH.
- Waterborne Industrial Coatings — Used in water-based epoxy primers, PU coatings, and industrial maintenance paints to prevent microbial spoilage of large production batches between manufacture and use.
- Construction Chemical Formulations — Added to waterborne tile adhesives, grouts, sealants, and cementitious coatings to extend in-can shelf life — particularly important for products distributed across Saudi Arabia where supply chains are longer.
- Adhesives, Sealants & Caulks — Prevents spoilage of water-based adhesive and sealant formulations in storage.
- Dry Film Protection (Algaecides & Fungicides) — Film-preservative biocides (IPBC, zinc pyrithione, OIT) protect the dried paint film from algae, fungi, and mould growth on exterior walls — particularly relevant in UAE coastal areas with high humidity and Saudi Arabia sites near water bodies.
Key properties
- Broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts
- Effective at very low addition levels (0.05–0.15% active)
- Does not significantly affect paint viscosity, colour, or film properties
- Compatible with most standard binders (acrylic, PVA, polyurethane)
- BIT: lower skin sensitisation risk vs CIT/MIT — preferred where skin contact is possible
- Effective across broad pH range (4–9)
- Compatible with standard thickeners (HASE, HEUR, HEC)
- Does not adversely affect open time or drying speed at recommended levels
Usage and recommendations
MIT-based biocides: use at 0.05–0.15% active on total formulation weight. Higher temperatures in GCC require the higher end of the range (0.10–0.15%). BIT (CAS 2634-33-5) is preferred over CIT/MIT blends in products that will contact skin, due to lower sensitisation risk — relevant for retail DIY paints in UAE and Saudi Arabia. For dry film protection against algae and mould (exterior paints in humid UAE coastal areas), add a dry-film preservative (IPBC, zinc pyrithione, or OIT) at 0.1–0.3% in addition to in-can preservative. The two functions require separate active ingredients. Contact Raykem for a preservation package recommendation.
Packaging
- 25 kg PE Jerry Cans
- 200 kg Drums
- 200 Ltr Drums
Storage and shelf life
Store in original sealed containers at 5–30°C away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Biocides are regulated chemicals — handle with appropriate PPE and store per SDS requirements. Shelf life: 12–24 months.