Evaluation of Supercritical CO2 Spray Technology as a Cost Effective Approach toReduction of Solvents in Wood Finishing

摘要

The report includes the product quality, waste reduction, and economic issueswhich were evaluated for a spray paint application technology using supercritical carbon dioxide to replace some of the solvent in a conventional solvent-borne coating formulation. Product quality was evaluated by comparing product finishes for a nitrocellulose coating applied by conventional spray with that of a similar coating applied by supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) technology. Waste reduction and economics were documented from company records and interviews with key company personnel. The technology was found to have good potential to reduce waste without affecting product quality.