VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) is an organic chemical that readily evaporates into the air at normal temperatures due to its high vapor pressure.
VOC-free coatings offer several advantages for both the applicator and the end user.
Improved Health and Safety
Because VOCs evaporate into the air during application and curing, they can contribute to odors and airborne emissions. VOC-free coatings minimize these emissions, creating a safer and more comfortable working environment.
Environmental Benefits
VOC-free products help reduce the release of volatile chemicals into the atmosphere, resulting in a lower environmental impact and supporting sustainability goals.
Regulatory Compliance
Many industries and regions have strict regulations regarding VOC emissions. VOC-free coatings can help facilities comply with environmental requirements more easily.
Higher Material Utilization
In many VOC-containing coatings, a portion of the applied material evaporates during curing. Many VOC-free coatings are formulated as 100% solids systems. In these products, essentially all of the applied material remains in the cured coating and contributes to the final film build.
This can improve coating efficiency and thickness control.
Reduced Shrinkage
Because solvent evaporation is minimized or eliminated, VOC-free coatings typically exhibit significantly less shrinkage than solvent-based coatings.
This helps maintain coating thickness and can contribute to better long-term performance.
Summary
VOC-free coatings can provide environmental, regulatory, and performance benefits. By minimizing VOC emissions and reducing solvent loss during curing, they often improve material utilization, reduce shrinkage, and support compliance with environmental regulations while maintaining coating performance.
Source: Chesterton ARC Manuals, astm.org
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