Many house paints are marketed today as containing low or “0” volatile organic compounds (VOC). This can set an expectation from consumers that the materials are also low odor (and are often labeled as such). We and others have found that the level of VOC may not directly correlate with the odor, much more important can be the contribution of specific odorants. Malodorants with a very low odor threshold can have a much larger impact on odor than their relative quantity would predict.<br/>A range of coatings materials were evaluated through the use of analytical tools such as GC-Olfactory analysis and a number of the malodorants in the headspace of a typical low VOC latex paint have been identified and categorized by potency, functional group and source. These results, combined with an understanding of the human olfactory system, have led to a better understanding of how to develop low odor coatings.<br/>The structure of the malodorants often have similar local structure and functional groups as many of the formulation materials which are critical to paint performance. Any method to reduce the undesirable materials must be selective as well as time and cost effective. Methods to control these contaminates include biocatalysts, adsorbents and others have been studied. The results of these studies will be discussed.

Measurement and control of odor contributors in waterborne architectural coatings

2019 Spring National Meeting

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