Paint coatings continued economics

Emulsion polymerization is the basis of many industrial processes, and the production volume of latex technologies is continually expanding—a consequence of the many environmental, economic, health, and safety benefits the process has over solvent-based processes. A wide range of products are synthesized by emulsion polymerization, including commodity polymers, such as polystyrene, poly(acrylates), poly (methyl methacrylate), neoprene or poly(chloroprene), poly(tetrafluoroethylene), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The applications include manufacture of coatings, paints, adhesives, synthetic leather, paper coatings, wet suits, natural rubber substitutes, supports for latex-based antibody diagnostic kits, etc. ... 

In the past, the development of coatings was mainly based on technical, quality, and economic considerations. These factors are just as important today from a business point of view and will continue to be so in the future. However, other considerations are now very much in the foreground, i.e., environmental protection, toxicology, environmentally friendly disposal of paint residues and coated articles at the end of their life cycle, the recycling of coated articles, and the conservation of raw materials and energy. 

Base units can be obtained in steel, wood, or plastic laminates. The steel in the steel units should be heavy gauge, e.g., 18 gauge, with a pretreatment to reduce the corrosive effects of chemicals. Painting all surfaces with a durable, baked on, chemically resistant paint finish will also help minimize chemical effects. In better units, this is an epoxy coating. Some individuals continue to prefer wooden laboratory furniture. Because of cost, solid wooden furniture is not an economic choice, but durable wooden (or plastic) veneer furniture is available which can meet most safety requirements. Although wood may be more absorbent to liquids than steel, it is less reactive and more resistant to a very wide range of... 

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