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CHARACTERIZATION OF CURING EMISSIONS FROM CONVERSION VARNISHES
Citation:
McCrillis*, R C., E M. Howard*, Z Guo*, K A. Krebs*, R. Fortmann, AND H. Lao. CHARACTERIZATION OF CURING EMISSIONS FROM CONVERSION VARNISHES. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION 49(1):70-75, (1999).
Impact/Purpose:
Published Journal Article
Description:
Three commercially available conversion varnish coating "systems" (stain, sealer, and topcoat) were selected for an initial scoping study. The total volatile content of the catalyzed varnishes, as determined by EPA Method 24, ranged from 64 to 73 weight %. Uncombined (free) formaldehyde concentrations, determined by a sodium sulfite titration method, ranged from 0.15 to 0.58 weight % of the uncatalyzed varnishes. Each sealer and topcoat was also analyzed by gas chromatography (EPA Method 311) to identify the volatile components that may be emitted. The primary volatile organic constituents identified in the sealer and topcoat formulations included methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), isobutanol, n-butanol, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) toluene, ethylbenzene, the xylenes, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene. Dynamic small chamber (53L stainless steel) tests were performed to identify and quantify emissions following application to coupons of typical kitchen cabinet wood substrates and during curing and aging. One of the objectives is to determine the relationship between the concentration of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and formaldehyde in the resins and emissions from the catalyzed varnish. The results to date show good mass balance (amount of a constituent applied versus amount emitted) for the individual HAPs (except formaldehyde and VOCs identified in the sealers and topcoats. Formaldehyde emissions show 6-7 times the emission compared to the free formaldehyde content, indicating that formaldehyde is formed during the curing process. Results of the formulation analyses and emission tests completed to date are described in this paper.
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