Low styrene
One of many companies switching to low-styrene emission (LSE) resins is US
powerboat builder Baja Marine. Having made its move before MACT requirements
for low emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) started to bite, Baja now uses
products containing 25-30% styrene compared with around 40% for 'standard'
products. It reports no problems with the materials used, a general-purpose DCPDmodified
orthophthallic polyester for bulk laminating and vinyl ester for skin coats.
Thanks to good results achieved, the company has not had to adopt styrene
suppressants or zero-volatile organic compound (VOC) alternatives such as
polyurethanes. Baja has incorporated non-atomising spray equipment into its gelcoating
processes, replacing high-volume/low-pressure spray guns and flow coating
equipment previously used.