Abstract
Conventional aerosols sprays contain different Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). These organic compounds have different properties and can have detrimental impact on air quality. This study investigated the spray performance and variation of the types of Non-Methane VOCs (NMVOCs) expelled over the life of pressurised aerosol spray can. Three types of aerosol sprays – hair sprays, deodorants, and antiperspirants were selected from the solvent-based cosmetic products. Mass Ratio (MR) of solvent (ethanol) to propellant (LPG) for all the products was analysed at pressure decay sequences of 4, 3, 2, and 1.5 bar. It was found that the MR in hair sprays expelled was significantly higher than that of antiperspirants and body sprays by 53% and 54% respectively at 4 bar. As the pressure depleted, however, the antiperspirant and body sprays’ MR decreased while that of the hair spray increased. At the lower pressures (2 bar), the hair spray had the highest MR and antiperspirant had the lowest. This finding is important in evaluating the performance of the delivery pathways of aerosol spray products and will provide insight into the effective design of atomisers with alternative “green” propellants like compressed air replacing LPG as the primary propellant in spray products.
Highlights
Aerosol spray is a dispensing system which creates mist of liquid or fine solids
Evaluation of Solvent to Propellant Mass Ratio (MR) The MR shows the interplay between the solvent and propellant masses as they are expelled from the pressurised spray can
This is highly dependent on the pressure of atomisation of the solvent by the propellant which dictates the droplet sizes and other spray characteristics
Summary
Aerosol spray is a dispensing system which creates mist of liquid or fine solids. This is achieved through the pressurisation of the active ingredient in the containing vessel using a gas [1]. The pressurising gas is called the propellant. About 80% of aerosol dispensers use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as propellant [2]. These aerosol spray cans contain different components which are Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOC) which have recently been shown to have impact on air quality, health, and environment [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
