Is it possible to have a mainly water-based-solvent mixture, that would evaporate at a much greater rate than just water itself?
I suppose what I am looking for is an azeotrope with a relatively high vapour pressure that would be relatively quick drying at room temperature. If not an azeotrope possibly a surfactant/solvent/water combination that would produce a similar effect?
Another way of asking the question is what could you add to a mainly aqueous based system to significantly decrease the drying time?
While you might find a way to somewhat lower the effective boiling point, I don't believe you'll contrive to evade the heat of vaporization of water. The most effective accelerant is air that's warm, dry, and constantly in motion at the liquid surface.
That being said, see the attached patent. I think the method lowers the surface tension, which perhaps allows molecules to escape with less energy.
Dear all,
water structure breaking chemicals such as urea may help in this direction, but this may interfere with biocompatibility. Physial means are more suitable, reduced pressure or freeze-drying are more practically used. Regards
Thanks for the input guys. I used to work in R&D (cleaning products). Had to design a whole new line of water-based products. An effective brake parts cleaner was a difficult task because of drying time! This was back in the 90's. Back then it was all quick drying chlorinated solvents, which became a big no no!!! due to regulation VOC etc
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