Spray Application of Low-VOC Coatings Using Supercritical Fluids

New spray application technology has been developed that uses supercritical carbon dioxide to replace the volatile solvents in conventional low-solids and high-solids coatings so that volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions can be reduced by 50 to 80% with existing polymer systems. The spray is formed by a new atomization mechanism that gives air spray quality from an airless system. Thermosetting, thermoplastic, air-dry, and two-package polymer systems have been demonstrated in clear, pigmented, and metallic form for applications such as automotive components, clear coats, base coats, chip-resistant coats, and automobile refinish.