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FORMULATING ULTRA-LOW-VOC WOOD FURNITURE COATINGS
Citation:
Huang, E., L. Watkins, AND R C. McCrillis*. FORMULATING ULTRA-LOW-VOC WOOD FURNITURE COATINGS. MODERN PAINT AND COATINGS 83(12):41-43, (1993).
Impact/Purpose:
Published Journal Article
Description:
The article discusses the formulation of ultra-low volatile organic compound (VOC) wood furniture coatings. The annual U.S. market for wood coatings is about 240, 000 cu m (63 million gal). In this basis, between 57 and 91 million kg (125 and 200 million lb) of VOCs are emitted into the air each year from the use of presently used water-borne and solvent-borne systems. The use of VOC-free formulations where possible would reduce such air pollution while providing new markets for industries. Adhesive Coatings Co., a small firm specializing in low-VOC, two-component, water-based epoxy coatings, holds patents on some of these formulations. Polymer composition variations of the basic epoxy polymer in combination with each of several curing agents were prepared. The resulting emulsions were analyzed through laboratory tests to measure gloss value, drying time, hardness/flexibility, level of solvents, and chemical and stain resistance. The new formulations contain < 10 g/l (0.1 lb/gal) VOCs, which means that these coatings emit practically no VOCs. The physical properties in the can, as applied, and as the cured finish are discussed.