Introduction
Prior to 1966, before the first U.S. environmental regulation was adopted, almost every item that was painted was finished with low-solids solvent-borne coatings. Since that time, however, environmental concerns and the increasing cost of solvents have created demand for chemical formulations and coating application techniques that will reduce air emissions and save raw materials. This demand increased dramatically with the passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.
Typical solvent-based paints contain 60 to 80 percent volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which are also listed as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or toxic air pollutants. A number of new resins are being introduced into the coatings market designed to improve performance, especially in high-solids and waterborne formulations. In addition to new coating formulations, technologies are changing rapidly to improve efficiency in coating applications.
To encourage pollution prevention in coating operations, the Office of Waste Reduction's Industrial Pollution Prevention Section (IPPS) provides this Fact Sheet on the advantages and disadvantages of various coating formulations and application technologies. Since many variables are involved in the selection of the most efficient technology, or combination of technologies, the IPPS hopes that this information will serve as a guide in making those decisions.
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References
- Roobol, Norman R. Industrial Painting Principles and Practices. Carol Stream, IL: Hitchcock Publishing Co. 1991.
- S. Environmental Protection Agency. Technical Reference Manual on Techniques for Reducing or Eliminating Releases of Toxic Chemicals in Metal Painting. By: Battelle Laboratories. Draft.
- Environmental Protection Agency. Guide to Clean Technology, Organic Coating Replacements. May 15, 1992.
- Roberto, Oscar E., Robert G. Hart, and Thomas C. Jones. Metal Finishing by Autodeposition of Organic Coatings. Madison Heights, MI: Parker+Amchem Henkel Corporation.
- Gunning for the Future: Nordson Sharpens Its Aim With UNICARB System. UNICARB Update. Spring 1991.
For additional information, contact the North Carolina Office of Waste Reduction at (919) 715-6500 or E-Mail nowaste@p2pays.org.
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The North Carolina Office of Waste Reduction provides free, non-regulatory technical assistance and education on methods to eliminate, reduce, or recycle wastes before they become pollutants or require disposal.