Abstract

Today, dearomatized hydrocarbon solvents are widely used in manufacturing, cosmetic, and fast moving consumer goods sectors
due to onset of stringent environmental norms. Conventionally, the solvency of such solvents is measured in terms of Kauri
Butanol (KB) value. The measurement of KB value, as per ASTM-D1133, is costly, time consuming, and tedious process. To
overcome such limitations, the present study reports, an innovative method using Fourier Transform-Near Infra-Red (FT-NIR)
spectroscopy based rapid and reliable technique for estimation of solvency power. Partial least squares regression was used
to develop calibration and prediction of KB value by the use of TQ Analyst 8 software associated with FT-NIR analyzer. This
method is fast, safe, reliable, nondestructive, and inexpensive contrary to conventional procedures. The results obtained based on
developed method are found to be in good agreement with those reported based on standard test method, that is, ASTM-D1133.