Researchers at Battelle's Polymer Center have developed a water-based wood coating process that enables furniture manufacturers to build quality products in less time, while complying with strict environmental regulations.

"Hand-rubbed, oil-based finishes used on premium wood furniture contain organic solvents, volatile organic compounds, that are harmful to the environment," said Battelle project manager Richard Dick. "We've developed a water-based coating that's environmentally safer, that matches hand-rubbed oil finishes in appearance, and whose physical properties, such as toughness, and stain and scratch resistance, are much better than oil-based finishes."

Waterborne and ultraviolet-cure coatings have been cited by industry analysts as two methods of coating furniture that will reduce pollution and enable manufacturers to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The Battelle method combines the two approaches.

After the water-based coating is applied to a piece of furniture, the finish is dried under an infrared light. The system uses the infrared light to heat the coating and quickly evaporate the water, leaving the coating dry but not cured. The coating is then cured to desired hardness in an ultraviolet light oven.

"Wood furniture that's finished with solvent or water-based coatings must be dried in an oven and then allowed to cure for several days before it can be packaged and shipped," Dick explained. "Wood that's finished with the new water-based coating is ready to ship immediately after leaving the ultraviolet oven.

"That means savings in storage space and increased productivity for the furniture manufacturers."

According to Dick, who is working on the project with Battelle researchers Vince McGinness and Bob Russell, the infrared/ultraviolet curing system is more energy efficient than a conventional oven because energy can be concentrated on the coating.

"It isn't necessary to constantly replenish the heat," notes Dick. For more information, contact Richard Dick, Battelle, 505 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201-2693; telephone 614.424.5510; fax 614.424.7479.

Battelle serves industry and government by developing, commercializing, and managing technology. With a wide range of scientific and technical capabilities, Battelle puts technology to work for clients in 30 countries.