Solvent free technology for metal and polymer coatings

Number

340-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Sector

Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
General manufacturing, e.g. machinery, equipment, vehicles, other transport equipment
Other

Function

Solvent

Process

Industrial spraying
Roller application or brushing
Non industrial spraying
Other

Product category

coatings and paints, thinners, paint removers

Application

Metal and polymer coatings

Abstract

Solvents used in coatings may contain substances that are hazardous to health and the environment. An alternative solvent free technology uses plasma and powder materials to obtain high quality coatings with variable thickness, on various surfaces. The technology is also applicable for 3D objects.

Substituted substances

Solvents

CAS No. EC No. Index No.

Chemical group

Solvents

Reliability of information

Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed

Reason substitution

CMR
skin/respiratory sensitizing
physical hazards

Other type of alternative

Plasma coating

Hazard Assessment

Substance to be substituted: The term "organic solvents" covers a wide variety of organic substances. Many of them have a relatively low boiling point and a high vapour pressure. Organic solvents can be carcinogens, reproductive hazards, and neurotoxins. Alternative substance: As an alternative plasma and powders are used under controlled conditions, that can contain hazardous substances and no final assessment can be made here.

Description of Substitution

The technology uses non-toxic plasma gases (air, nitrogen, argon) and micro-size powder (0.1-20 microns) to obtain high quality coatings. Unlike other technologies, the alternative described in this case enables the continuous and agglomerate-free conveyance of the coating powders into the plasma gas. The powders can be metallic, semiconductor, compound semiconductors, polymers. The coatings can be applied on various substrates such as: paper, cardboard, textiles, glass, metal, ceramics, polymers or wood. The coating thickness range is 1-20 micrometres. The technology can be used for 3D objects as well as for larger surfaces, when several parallel equipments may be needed.

Case/substitution evaluation

The technology avoids using solvents that may contain hazardous substance like carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxicants. Some of the solvents are hazardous for the environment and may generate large amounts of volatile organic compounds. Being highly automated and used in controlled conditions, the alternative reduces operator exposure. It eliminates the costs of solvents supply, transport, storage and safe use, as well as those for abating their emissions and managing their wastes. The substitution involves investment costs and appropriate training of operators.

State of implementation

In use

Availability ofAlternative

The alternative is available on the market

Producer/Provider

Reinhausen Plasma GmbH (2014 Reinhausen Plasma GmbH has been renamed Relyon Plasma GmbH) Relyon Plasma GmbH

Type of information supplier

Producer / distributor

Further information

Relyon Plasma GmbH

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

The description is based on the presentation 'Plasma Dust- A new generation of coating equipment for use in all sectors', published by the producer Reinhausen Plasma GmbH, on its website.

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021