Next1Koat Project Developments
The British Plastics Federation is participating in an 'FP7 Research for Associations Project' called Next1Koat. The project itself will focus on the development of a bio-based coating - primarily for use in the woodworking industry. Indeed, the chemistry developed will be based upon seaweed polymers, creating opportunities for our raw materials interests here at the BPF.
The stringent Solvent Emission Directive (1999/13/EC), fully implemented in 2007, imposes limitations of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to the use of organic solvents in paints and varnishes. The most economical way of limiting VOC emission is using water-based coating formulas, in which water replaces a substantial amount of the organic solvents, which have been traditionally used. Unfortunately, water-based formulas don't compare so favorably to their solvent-based rivals, with a number of issues such as: poor wood wetting, high grain raising, longer drying times, foam formation, insufficient glossy aspect and deficient overall resistance.
Coatings (varnishes and paints) are of key importance to the final products of furniture and woodworking industries. Coatings also define the visual aspect and softness of the final product, influencing its effective purchase.
NEXT1KOAT will give European woodworking a long-lasting solution by developing the first 1K, High Solids and Water Based finishing system for both outdoor and indoor uses with advanced properties, such as:
The stringent Solvent Emission Directive (1999/13/EC), fully implemented in 2007, imposes limitations of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to the use of organic solvents in paints and varnishes. The most economical way of limiting VOC emission is using water-based coating formulas, in which water replaces a substantial amount of the organic solvents, which have been traditionally used. Unfortunately, water-based formulas don't compare so favorably to their solvent-based rivals, with a number of issues such as: poor wood wetting, high grain raising, longer drying times, foam formation, insufficient glossy aspect and deficient overall resistance.
Coatings (varnishes and paints) are of key importance to the final products of furniture and woodworking industries. Coatings also define the visual aspect and softness of the final product, influencing its effective purchase.
NEXT1KOAT will give European woodworking a long-lasting solution by developing the first 1K, High Solids and Water Based finishing system for both outdoor and indoor uses with advanced properties, such as:
- Less water content
- Reduced drying time
- Less grain raising
- Increased hardness.
NEXT1KOAT will be produced by European SME coating manufacturers, due to its affordable chemistry, based on seaweed polymers.
Upon completion in December 2014, there should be 4 exploitable results, with the ownership split between the Associations within the project, therefor the Association's members will be able to exploit the technology and gain a technological advantage over a) non-members of the Associations and b) over non-European companies
Project Partners include:
Associations:
British Plastics Federation (BPF), WIC, MFMO, INDEMA
SME's:
ISOLACK, Helios, Greentech
RTD Performers:
CETEM, Fraunhofer WKI, Inspiralia
The project website is www.next1koat.eu
The project is funded under Grant Agreement Number 304998.
