Arctube ML 230 Low-Cure Monobloc Aerosol Lining
Arctube ML 230 is an internal lining for monobloc aerosol cans formulated to cure at about 190 to 215 degrees C metal temperature, below the roughly 230 to 260 degrees C of a conventional internal bake. The lower cure keeps more of the strength of the work-hardened wall and reduces oven energy.
Grade Arctube ML 230 | Range Tube, Aerosol and Aluminium Bottle Coatings | Technology Solvent-borne low-cure lining, in epoxy-phenolic and BPA-NI versions
Technical Data Sheet
Arctube ML 230
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
An internal lining for monobloc aerosol cans, formulated to cure at around 200 degrees C metal temperature instead of the roughly 230 to 260 degrees C of a conventional internal bake. The internal cure runs hotter than any other step on a monobloc line and partly anneals the work-hardened wall, so a lower cure keeps more of the alloy’s strength, which helps lightweight and harder-alloy cans hold their test pressure, and it cuts oven energy. It is directed at anhydrous fills with hydrocarbon propellant, such as deodorants and hairsprays, and is offered in epoxy-phenolic and BPA-NI versions. Run in an oven that cannot hold the lower window evenly, it under-cures and fails the solvent rub and the pack test.
2. Features
- Cures at about 190 to 215 degrees C metal temperature
- Helps lightweight and harder-alloy cans hold their test pressure
- Offered in epoxy-phenolic and BPA-NI versions
- Needs an oven that holds the lower window evenly; profiled with a logger before trial
3. Recommended uses
Internal lining of monobloc aerosol cans for anhydrous fills with hydrocarbon propellant, such as deodorants and hairsprays.
Substrates. Monobloc aerosol cans impact extruded from 1000-series aluminium or from harder alloys such as 3000-series grades, with round, flat or shaped shoulders.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne low-cure lining, in epoxy-phenolic and BPA-NI versions | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend | Not applicable |
| Non-volatile content | 25 to 45 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity | 30 to 60 s, 4 mm flow cup at 23 degrees C, or the 3 mm cup for thinner grades | ISO 2431 |
| Dry film weight | 5 to 12 g/m2, reported as mg per can for the customer's size | Gravimetric, can weighed before and after stripping the cured film, supplier protocol |
| Cure state | 50 to more than 100 methyl ethyl ketone double rubs without breakthrough, according to grade | ASTM D5402 |
| Adhesion | Cross-cut classification 0 to 1 on flat aluminium panels; no coating removal by tape on the formed container | ISO 2409 on panels; customer or supplier protocol on containers |
| Flexibility | No cracking or loss of adhesion on the conical mandrel on coated aluminium panel | ISO 6860 |
| Porosity of the internal film | Current reading within the acceptance limit agreed for the container size at qualification, read on finished, necked cans; limits are not transferable between container sizes, electrolytes or test voltages | Current conduction with an electrolyte fill (enamel rater), customer or industry protocol |
| Pack test with the actual fill | No blistering, delamination, corrosion or change in the product after storage, commonly at 40 to 50 degrees C for 1 to 6 months | Customer protocol, cans valved and pressurised with the actual propellant |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Lance spray into the rotating can |
| Surface preparation | Can washed or degreased to remove the extrusion lubricant before lining |
| Viscosity adjustment | Adjusted at the line within 30 to 60 s (ISO 2431 flow cup, 23 degrees C) to suit the spray equipment, using only the thinner Arctic specifies for the grade |
| Dry film weight | 5 to 12 g/m2, quoted as mg per can |
| Cure schedule | Typically 6 to 12 min at about 190 to 215 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer's oven. The oven is profiled with a logger on cans first; an oven that cannot hold the window evenly under-cures the film |
| Next step | External basecoat such as Arctube BC 160, dry offset print and overvarnish; the can is necked after the last bake |
| Qualification | Solvent rub on cured cans, pack test with valved and pressurised cans, and a trial on the customer's line |
Process. Sprayed by lance into the rotating can, typically 5 to 12 g/m2 dry film, quoted as mg per can for the customer’s size, and cured typically 6 to 12 min at about 190 to 215 degrees C metal temperature, set against the customer’s oven. The oven is profiled with a logger on cans before a trial on the customer’s line, which is required.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, covered area, protected from frost, direct sunlight and heat, and keep containers closed between uses to limit solvent loss. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis; handling guidance is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.