CAS No: 96-29-7 · HS Code: 2928.00
MEKO (Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime, CAS 96-29-7) is the industry-standard anti-skinning agent for alkyd resin paints, varnishes, and oil-based coatings. It temporarily deactivates cobalt and manganese driers in the sealed can — preventing premature oxidative skin formation on the paint surface during storage. Upon can opening, MEKO rapidly volatilises and the driers resume full activity, restoring normal drying performance. Critical for maintaining shelf life of canned alkyd paints in UAE and Saudi Arabia's high-temperature supply chain.
Quick Specifications
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| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 96-29-7 | |
| Chemical Name | Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime (MEKO) | |
| HS Code | 2928.00 | |
| Appearance | Clear colourless to pale yellow liquid | Visual |
| Purity | ≥ 99.0 % | GC |
| Density @ 20°C | 0.920 – 0.924 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Boiling Point | 152 – 153°C | |
| Flash Point | 34°C | ASTM D93 |
| Vapour Pressure @ 20°C | ~5 mmHg | |
| Solubility in Water | Partially miscible | |
| Shelf Life | 24 months sealed, 5–30°C | |
| Typical Addition Level | 0.1 – 0.3% on total paint weight |
Anti-Skinning in Alkyd Paint Cans
Primary application — added at 0.1–0.3% to alkyd decorative and industrial paints before canning to prevent surface skin formation during 12–24 month storage in UAE and Saudi Arabia supply chain conditions, where elevated temperatures (30–55°C in distribution) accelerate oxidative drying.
Clear Varnishes & Wood Finishes
Protects long-oil alkyd and oil-modified varnishes from skinning during storage — skin in varnish causes lumps that are visible in the applied film. Critical for decorative varnishes distributed through UAE hardware retail channels.
Industrial Alkyd Primers & Maintenance Paints
Added to alkyd anti-corrosion primers and maintenance paints to ensure consistent performance and no skinning on the paint surface in cans stored at UAE and Saudi Arabia industrial facility warehouses.
Oil-Modified Urethane Finishes
Prevents skin formation in oil-modified urethane floor finishes and oil-alkyd coatings — the drier system in these products is highly prone to surface oxidation without adequate MEKO protection.
Add MEKO at the end of paint production — after drier addition and final tint adjustment. Typical level: 0.15–0.25% on total paint weight. Higher levels slightly extend open time after can opening. In GCC summer production conditions, increase to 0.25–0.30% to compensate for elevated ambient temperatures during production, filling, and initial storage. Do not add to water-based paints — MEKO is only for solvent-based alkyd systems. Important regulatory note: MEKO (CAS 96-29-7) is classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B, IARC). Ensure adequate ventilation during production and comply with occupational exposure limits. For UAE and Saudi Arabia, follow local EHS regulations.
Store in sealed, lacquer-lined steel drums at 5–30°C in a dedicated flammable liquid store, away from heat and ignition sources. Flash point 34°C — classified as flammable liquid (Class 3). Shelf life: 24 months. Earthing and bonding required during transfer operations.
Full Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) supplied with every shipment from Dubai or Riyadh.
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