huntervangolf
New member
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- Oct 9, 2006
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What does VOC do in epoxies? And what does having more or less VOC do?
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What does VOC do in epoxy?
- Thread starter huntervangolf
- Start date
Scott
Well-known member
Volitile Organic Compounds, typically the EPA does not like them, bad for the environment. Usually refers to solvents like acetone or xylene. Water based epoxies have less VOCs than solvent based. VOC is an EPA rating, does not really relate to performance. Maybe someone else knows better.
Why?
Why?
boiler7904
Well-known member
Low and zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) coatings have been developed in the past few years (maybe a decade) in response to tougher air and evironmental quality laws. I don't know that there is really much of a performance difference between the two types.
VOCs have been shown to cause respiratory illnesses, cancer, etc. among other things.
VOCs have been shown to cause respiratory illnesses, cancer, etc. among other things.
No direct correlation between VOC and performance as everyone has said. Althought solvent based epoxies do perform better, it doesn't mean that the higher the VOC, the better the epoxy.
I'm sure someday in our lifetime we will see a low/no VOC coating that performs as good or better than a solvent based epoxy.
One thing for sure, the higher the VOC, the more it will go boom.
I'm sure someday in our lifetime we will see a low/no VOC coating that performs as good or better than a solvent based epoxy.
One thing for sure, the higher the VOC, the more it will go boom.
PAToyota
Well-known member
I think that people are basically saying it, but just to make it a bit clearer - VOC is not an actual component like you go down to the store and say "I'd like a half gallon of VOC..."
Volatile Organic Compounds are a classification for solvents based on organic (carbon based that is) compounds that have a high vapor pressure (easily form vapors). Gasoline is a VOC as are things like petroleum distillates, benzene, formaldehyde, and so forth.
As BMWPower states - levels of VOC don't particularly directly affect performance of a paint. But solvent based coatings are the traditional form - that is what they've spent the past decades developing. The low VOC coatings and things like water based coatings are relatively new and they're still learning what it takes to make them - not as much time has been spent studying and developing them. So it will likely take time to fully develop them to the point that the solvent based coatings are at now.
That said, they're quickly coming up to speed. I know that in woodworking water based finishes were a total mess a few years ago. A few people in my woodworking club are starting to use them now and have convinced me to give them a try again. I have to say that they are much better and actually have some decent qualities such as being self-leveling.
Volatile Organic Compounds are a classification for solvents based on organic (carbon based that is) compounds that have a high vapor pressure (easily form vapors). Gasoline is a VOC as are things like petroleum distillates, benzene, formaldehyde, and so forth.
As BMWPower states - levels of VOC don't particularly directly affect performance of a paint. But solvent based coatings are the traditional form - that is what they've spent the past decades developing. The low VOC coatings and things like water based coatings are relatively new and they're still learning what it takes to make them - not as much time has been spent studying and developing them. So it will likely take time to fully develop them to the point that the solvent based coatings are at now.
That said, they're quickly coming up to speed. I know that in woodworking water based finishes were a total mess a few years ago. A few people in my woodworking club are starting to use them now and have convinced me to give them a try again. I have to say that they are much better and actually have some decent qualities such as being self-leveling.
Hammerdown
Well-known member
VOC's in epoxies get you stoned! ha ha ha! (Joke)- (Not really though- they will get you light headed if overexposed) They are the combustable componets of paints that emit offensive odors. They are typically benzene, xylene or similar petroleum based by-product that is hazzardous to your health. The higher the amount of VOC's the more precautions you should take applying them. Use a mask or carbon filtered respirator and do not apply near an exposed flame- KABOOM! With tougher EPA standards, the Cheasapeak(sp) Watershed Act, California Enviormental Code and similar legislation products with high content vocs are being limited to commercial use, phased out or banned outright. This is forcing companies to come up with water based products that are as durable as solvent based ones. Do a web search for Volatile Organic Compounds and you will find a host of definitions, explantions and informative articles about them.