Three commercially available conversion varnish coating “systems” (stain, sealer, and topcoat) were selected for an initial scoping study. The total volatile content of the cata- lyzed varnishes, as determined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 24, ranged from 64 to 73 weight. Uncombined (free) formaldehyde concen- trations, determined by a sodium sulflte titration method, ranged from 0.1 5 to 0.58 weight of the uncatalyzed var- nishes. Each sealer and topcoat was also analyzed by gas chromatography (EPA Method 31l). The primary volatile organic constituents included methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), isobutanol, n-butanol methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), toluene, ethylbenzene, the xylenes, and 1,2,4- trim ethylbenzene . Dynamic small chamber tests were performed to identify and quantify emissions following application to coupons of typical kitchen cabinet wood substrates and during curing and aging.
展开▼
