Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Analysis and Anti-VOC Measures in Water-based Paints

Abstract

We developed an analytical method for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used as film-forming agents or anti-freeze agents in water-based paints by flame ionization detection (FID-GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twelve VOC components were separated using 2 types of column that differ in polarity. In addition, a pretreatment method by ethyl acetate-water partition was evaluated, and a survey of the use of VOCs in commercially available water-based paints was performed. For indoor paints, the anti-VOC measures included changes from VOC solvents to semi-VOC (SVOC) solvents such as those from 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediolmonoisobutyrate (TMPMIB) to 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate and from ethylene glycol (EG) to triethylene glycol. However, in multipurpose paints for both indoor and outdoor use, VOCs such as EG, TMPMIB, diethyleneglycol dibutyl ether, and diethyleneglycol monobutyl ether were detected. Since these products may be also used for indoor painting, indications of VOC components and caution for use on products are necessary.

A Study on Dynamic Volatile Organic Compound Emission Characterization of Water-Based Paints

“…Li et al [27][28][29] used the field and laboratory emission cell to investigate the VOC emissions from commercially available water-based emulsion paint. Nakashima et al 7 developed an analytical method for VOCs used as film-forming agents or antifreeze agents in water-based paints using flame-ionization detection (FID)-gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. Brun et al 30 studied the film-formation process of several coating systems (water-based and solvent-based) using a new optical technology based on diffusion-wave spectroscopy.…”

“…6 The VOCs used in the water-based paints include film-forming agents (e.g., texanol and cellosolve) and antifreezing agents (e.g., glycols). 7 As a resulting of the U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, environmental regulatory agencies have begun to more closely scrutinize industrial sources of hazardous air pollutants. There has been growing public concern about air quality in urban areas.…”

Assessing the Impact of Industrial Source Emissions on Atmospheric Carbonaceous Aerosol Concentrations Using Routine Monitoring Networks

“…Texanol, the combination of monoisobutyrate isomers (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol 1-isobutyrate and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol 3-isobutyrate) and the homologue 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate were identified based on comparison with the mass spectra of Texanol. 21,29 The total ion current (TIC) of the three compounds plus mass spectra are included in Figures S1 and S2, a-c, of the supplemental data. Confirmation for the compounds was done by comparing literature values for retention times and mass spectra of all three compounds.…”

Petrochemicals

“…compounds used as film-forming agents or anti-freeze agents in water-based paints, flame ionization detection (FID-GC) and GC/MS was used on VOCs found in commercial water-based paints (Nakashima et al 2007).…”