Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from UV-cured water-based lacquer products

Abstract

The paper presents the results of chamber tests conducted on UV-cured water-based lacquer coatings applied on different wood species. Volatile organic compounds were transferred onto Tenax TA and then they were assayed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and thermal desorption. It was found that UV-cured water-based coatings may be potential sources of the emission of volatile substances and thus pollute indoor air. Concentrations of these compounds in the chamber depended on the type of the lacquer system used and the type of finished surface. The highest emission of volatile substances was recorded from coatings applied onto the surface of pine wood. The coatings tested released aldehydes, ketones and alcohols, while in the case of pine wood, terpenes were also emitted. Analyses conducted 24 h and 72 h after the samples had been placed in the chamber, showed that the amounts of compounds released varied over time.