ABSTRACT
Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) are widely used in the coatings industry to help find optimum solvents and solvent combinations. They also aid in substitution to less hazardous formulations in various other types of products such as cleaners, printing inks, adhesives, etc. The discussion in this chapter includes the physical chemical reasons why solvents function as they do in many practical cases. The behavior of solvents in connection with surfaces of various kinds and the use of HSP to understand and control surface phenomena is especially emphasized. Products where HSP concepts can be used in a manner similar to coatings include other (filled) polymer systems of various types such as adhesives, printing inks, chewing gum, etc. There are many examples of controlled self-assembly.
