A hard solvent is a type of solvent that has a high solvency power and is capable of dissolving a wide range of substances, including oils, greases, and waxes. These solvents are often used in industrial cleaning applications, such as degreasing metal parts or removing tough stains. Hard solvents are typically more aggressive and can pose health and environmental risks, so they should be handled with care and used in well-ventilated areas. Examples of hard solvents include mineral spirits, acetone, and methyl ethyl ketone.

The strongest solvent is typically considered to be sulfuric acid. It is a highly corrosive and powerful acid that can dissolve a wide range of materials, including metals, organic compounds, and even some plastics. Sulfuric acid is commonly used in industrial processes, laboratory settings, and chemical manufacturing due to its ability to dissolve a variety of substances. However, it is important to handle sulfuric acid with extreme caution due to its highly corrosive nature.

Ethanol is not considered a universal solvent because it cannot dissolve all substances. While ethanol is a good solvent for many organic compounds, it may not dissolve certain inorganic substances or nonpolar molecules. Water is often considered a universal solvent because it can dissolve a wide range of substances due to its polar nature. Ethanol's solvent properties are limited to certain types of compounds, making it not universally effective for dissolving all substances.

Water is considered a universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances. This is due to its polar nature, with the oxygen atom having a slight negative charge and the hydrogen atoms having a slight positive charge. This polarity allows water to interact with and dissolve other polar or charged molecules, such as salts, sugars, and some proteins. Water's ability to dissolve so many different substances makes it essential for many biological and chemical processes.

A thermoplastic with solvent is a type of material that can be dissolved in a solvent, making it easier to manipulate and shape. When the solvent evaporates, the material solidifies, retaining its new shape. This property makes thermoplastics with solvent ideal for applications where precise shaping and molding are required, such as in the production of plastic films, coatings, and adhesives.

Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is a widely used solvent in the chemical industry due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds. However, it is also known to be a carcinogen and has been linked to serious health risks, leading to its restricted use in many applications. As a result, there has been a shift towards using safer alternatives as solvents in various industrial processes.

A solvent-free paint is a type of paint that does not contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other solvents. Instead of using solvents to keep the paint in a liquid state, solvent-free paints use water as a carrier for the pigments and binders. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option, as they produce fewer harmful emissions and are safer to use indoors. Solvent-free paints are often used in eco-friendly and sustainable building projects.

A gentle solvent for plastic is typically a substance that is mild and non-abrasive, such as isopropyl alcohol or mild dish soap. These solvents are effective at removing dirt, grime, and some types of stains from plastic surfaces without causing damage or discoloration. It is important to always test the solvent on a small, inconspicuous area of the plastic first to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential damage.