Development of an acrylic emulsion paint with aqueous cellulosic dispersions by electron beam in concept of LCA and circular

Abstract

Decorative paint, whether a polyvinyl or acrylic emulsion, is one of the most widely used coating forms in the world. According to the Brazilian Association of Coatings Manufacturers (ABRAFATI) [1], decorative paints accounted for 82.7% of the volume of all paints produced in Brazil (2018). In 2016, this segment had revenues of US $2,352 million and produced 1,548 billion liters in 2018. This shows the relevance of the sector, besides the Brazilian market being one of the five largest in the world. The aim of this project was to propose the application of the concepts of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Circular Economy in a premium acrylic emulsion architectural paint and to improve the properties of this paint by the addition of aqueous dispersion of cellulose waste processed by electrons. The methodology used was a case study, which consisted of the preparation of dispersion of industrial cellulose waste in demineralized water at concentrations of 5% to 10%, processed with electron beam in absorbed doses of 5 kGy to 50 kGy. Key achievements include minimizing environmental impacts and identifying opportunities to improve environmental performance throughout the product life cycle. Another result was to identify a new application of nuclear technology in the industrial area, especially involving the real estate paints area. In addition, maintaining and improving the properties of premium acrylic emulsion, such as appearance, specific mass, coating power, color, solids content, pH, biodegradability, and the possibility of cost savings, were excellent results that met the product specifications Abrafati Quality Program [1]. It is concluded that the research represents an innovative business opportunity by joining the cellulose paint and tissue segments in a sustainable way (economically, socially and environmentally), reusing the dispersed cellulose waste in electron beam-treated aqueous solution and improving the properties paint within the technical process cycle as it recommends circular economy through the application of regenerative and restorative process principles.