Application guide

EDDM In-Can Preservative for Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

(Ethylenedioxy)dimethanol (EDDM, CAS 3586-55-8) is a slow-release, formaldehyde-donor in-can preservative for water-based products. It delivers broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast and fungi — plus vapour-phase headspace activity — keeping paints, coatings, dispersions and adhesives stable through storage and transport.

Quick answer: EDDM is dosed at 0.10–0.30% as an in-can preservative for water-based paints, pigment slurries, polymer dispersions, adhesives, concrete admixtures and detergents. Its slow formaldehyde release gives sustained microbial control and headspace (gas-phase) protection in sealed containers.

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What Microbial Spoilage Costs You

Without effective in-can preservation, microbial contamination of water-based products causes:

  • Loss of viscosity and product splitting / phase separation
  • Gassing, swollen containers and bad odours
  • Discolouration and surface fungal growth
  • Loss of adhesion in adhesives and binders
  • Production clean-down, downtime and lost profit

Where EDDM Is Used

  • Water-based decorative paints and coatings
  • Pigment slurries and filler suspensions
  • Polymer dispersions and emulsions
  • Water-based adhesives, binders and thickeners
  • Concrete admixtures
  • Detergents, oil emulsions and polishes

Why Formulators Choose EDDM

  • Slow-release formaldehyde donor — sustained protection, not a single burst
  • Vapour-phase / headspace efficacy against surface mould
  • Fully water-miscible — easy let-down incorporation
  • Broad spectrum: bacteria (incl. gram-negative), yeast and fungi
  • Low use levels (0.10–0.30%) and cost-efficient dosing

Related Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an in-can preservative and why is EDDM used as one?+
An in-can preservative protects a water-based product from bacterial, yeast and fungal spoilage during storage in a sealed container. EDDM (ethylenedioxy dimethanol, CAS 3586-55-8) is used because it is a slow-release formaldehyde donor that provides sustained broad-spectrum activity plus vapour-phase (headspace) protection, and is fully miscible with water for easy incorporation.
Which products can EDDM preserve?+
EDDM preserves water-based paints and decorative coatings, pigment slurries and filler suspensions, polymer dispersions and emulsions, adhesives, binders and thickeners, concrete admixtures, detergents, oil emulsions and polishes. It protects against loss of viscosity, gassing, discolouration, bad odours, surface fungal growth, phase separation and loss of adhesion.
What dosage of EDDM is used for in-can preservation?+
Typical in-use levels are 0.10% to 0.30% by weight of the finished product, adjusted to the contamination risk, storage time and pH of the formulation. Because EDDM is a slow-release formaldehyde donor, free-formaldehyde levels in the finished product vary with formulation and should be confirmed by testing where required.
Does EDDM protect the headspace as well as the liquid?+
Yes. EDDM has good vapour-phase efficacy, so it suppresses fungal and bacterial growth in the air gap and on the lid/wall interface of a sealed container — the region where surface mould typically starts. This headspace activity is a key advantage for coatings and adhesives prone to surface contamination.
Is EDDM compatible across the pH range of coatings?+
EDDM works well across a broad neutral-to-alkaline pH window and is compatible with most water-based coating, dispersion and adhesive systems. It is best added during the let-down stage with good agitation. For strongly acidic systems, formaldehyde release accelerates, so evaluate stability in the finished product.
Can EDDM be combined with other preservatives?+
Yes. EDDM is frequently used as the primary in-can preservative and can be paired with a dry-film or fungistatic partner where extended mould resistance is needed. See our comparison of EDDM with isothiazolinone-class biocides for guidance on combination strategies.

Need an in-can preservative for your water-based line?

Vasudev Chemo Pharma supplies EDDM (CAS 3586-55-8) for paint, coating, adhesive and dispersion manufacturers worldwide — with application-specific dosage guidance, batch COA, and export in FOB, CIF and DDP terms from Gujarat, India.

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