Industrial Applications of CMIT/MIT

CMIT/MIT (a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one) is a broad-spectrum, highly efficient, and low-toxicity preservative widely used in industrial sectors. Its key applications and advantages are as follows:

I. Core Application Areas

1. Water Treatment and Circulation Systems

• Industrial Circulating Water: Effectively inhibits bacteria, algae, and fungi in cooling water systems of power, chemical, and steel industries, preventing biofouling and ensuring efficient heat exchange.

• Oilfield Water Injection: Controls sulfate-reducing bacteria and other microorganisms to reduce pipeline corrosion and scaling, extending equipment lifespan.

• Wastewater Treatment: Acts as an auxiliary agent in biological treatment systems to manage excessive microbial growth in activated sludge, maintaining process stability.

2. Coatings and Polymer Materials

• In-Can Preservation: Prevents microbial contamination of emulsions and resins during coating production, ensuring product storage stability.

• Dry Film Antifungal Properties: Added to exterior paints and stone-like coatings to inhibit mold growth in humid environments, prolonging coating lifespan.

• Polymer Synthesis: Used in process water treatment for emulsion polymerization to avoid microbial interference in reactions.

3. Pulp & Paper and Leather Industries

• Paper Antimicrobial Protection: Prevents mold and bacterial degradation of cellulose in pulp and paper production, reducing yellowing and strength loss.

• Leather Preservation: Protects raw hides and finished leather from microbial damage, maintaining softness and durability.

4. Personal Care and Household Products

• Cosmetics Preservation: Inhibits yeast, fungi, and Gram-positive/negative bacteria in shampoos, conditioners, and skincare products, extending shelf life.

• Detergents: Prevents microbial contamination in laundry and hand soaps, ensuring hygiene and safety.

5. Other Industrial Sectors

• Pesticides and Cutting Fluids: Prevents microbial degradation of formulations and metalworking fluids, maintaining performance.

• Inks and Dyes: Protects printing inks and textile dyes from mold contamination, preserving color stability.

• Tanning and Textiles: Inhibits microbial growth during leather tanning and fabric finishing, preventing odors and material damage.

II. Technical Advantages

1. Broad-Spectrum Efficacy
   Effective against bacteria (e.g., Gram-negative), fungi, molds, and algae, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 20 ppm, reducing usage costs.

2. Stability

• Wide pH Range: Stable in pH 2.0–9.0 systems, suitable for acidic to neutral environments.

• Thermal Resistance: Some derivatives (e.g., BIT) tolerate temperatures up to 80°C, ideal for high-temperature processes.

• Compatibility: Works well with chlorine, surfactants, and proteins without compromising product performance.

3. Environmental and Safety Benefits

• Low Toxicity and Biodegradability: No residual pollution after discharge, meeting environmental regulations.

• Regulatory Compliance: Some products (e.g., DCOIT, awarded the U.S. Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge) align with global sustainability standards.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

• Low Dosage: Typically used at 0.05%–0.4% in industrial applications, offering high cost efficiency.

• Domestic Substitution: China, the world’s leading producer of raw materials, offers competitive pricing (¥10–30/kg), reducing costs for downstream industries.

III. Typical Application Cases

1. Coatings Industry

• Interior Wall Paints: BIT/nano-silver composites are preferred over formaldehyde-based preservatives for safety and non-toxicity.

• Exterior Wall Paints: CMIT/MIT combined with BIT provides rapid and long-lasting antifungal effects in high-temperature, high-humidity environments.

• High-End Coatings: Nanotechnology reduces antibacterial concentration while enhancing product value.

2. Pulp & Paper Industry

• Cultural Paper: Prevents yellowing and embrittlement during storage, extending archival lifespan.

• Packaging Paper: Inhibits mold growth to avoid food contamination, meeting food safety standards.

3. Personal Care Industry

• Shampoos: CMIT/MIT-MIT blends balance rapid antibacterial action with skin compatibility, improving product mildness.

• Facial Masks: BIT-based preservatives avoid irritation from traditional agents, catering to natural skincare trends.

IV. Market Trends

• Growing Demand: The global CMIT/MIT market reached ¥4 billion in 2024, with China accounting for an increasing share as a major consumer.

• Technological Upgrades: Low-VOC, chlorine-free products (e.g., DCOIT) are gaining traction amid stricter environmental policies.

• Domestic Dominance: Chinese leaders (e.g., Combat Technology) supply  the global market, driving cost reductions and shifting global production to China.

This translation preserves technical accuracy while adapting terminology for an international audience. Let me know if you need further refinements!