PPG Industries01.15.08
In the U.S., liquid fluoropolymer coatings have long been the product of choice among architects for curtain walls, commercial windows, building panels and other architectural elements. In recent years, however, an increasing number of practitioners have begun to consider the merits of powder coatings for these types of applications, thanks mostly to their inherent environmental advantages. The following pages review the advantages of liquid and powder coatings by comparing their respective protective and decorative properties, as well as their environmental attributes.
Powder coatings are made without solvents. As a result, they emit virtually zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when they are manufactured or factory-applied to a metal substrate.
Liquid coatings, on the other hand, do contain solvents and, consequently, emit VOCs. In North America, applicators have overcome VOC emission challenges by incinerating the VOCs emitted in production, using the emitted solvents to fuel production. While this process is efficient, it still requires the consumption of natural gas and emits CO2.
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Environmental Considerations
Powder coatings are made without solvents. As a result, they emit virtually zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when they are manufactured or factory-applied to a metal substrate.
Liquid coatings, on the other hand, do contain solvents and, consequently, emit VOCs. In North America, applicators have overcome VOC emission challenges by incinerating the VOCs emitted in production, using the emitted solvents to fuel production. While this process is efficient, it still requires the consumption of natural gas and emits CO2.
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