Styrene emissions from the spray-up and vacuum injection processes--a quantitative comparison.
Styrene emissions were studied during manufacturing of two identical glass-fiber reinforced plastic boats by two different manufacturing methods. The manufacturing methods were spray-up, which is an open method, and vacuum injection, which is a closed method. Changing the manufacturing process from an open method to a closed method decreased the styrene evaporation dramatically in this particular case. By using vacuum injection, the styrene emission during the laminate application was reduced by 98% compared with the styrene emission during laminate application by spray-up. Gel coat application by spraying will remain a major source for styrene emissions. The greatest environmental benefit is achieved with closed manufacturing methods when products without gel coat are made. The whole manufacturing process can then be performed in a closed system virtually free from emissions.
Lindgren
Maria
M
Luleå University of Technology, Division of Chemical Technology, Sweden.
Skrifvars
Mikael
M
Sandlund
Erik
E
Pettersson
Joakim
J
D000392:Air Movements; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005782:Gels; D008420:Manufactured Materials; D012767:Ships; D020058:Styrene / Q000032:analysis*; D014618:Vacuum; D014835:Volatilization
D000393:Air Pollutants; D005782:Gels; D020058:Styrene