GROUP 5

Baron, Eunice Ara B. 15, 2011 Bote, Mae Bernadette Debuque, Elioenai Litorja, Claudio Rodrigo, Jastle Jeb 1. What exactly are the differences between lacquers and varnishes if any? Even though both lacquer and varnish are considered to be solventbased, the makeup of a varnish product differs from lacquer in that it contains an oil that contributes to the hardening effect during the drying process. The solvent in varnish also contributes to the evaporation and drying process, but is mainly used as an agent that assists in the thinning of the product. Because it acts as a thinning agent, this makes the application of the varnish much easier than it would be without the solvent included. A lacquer product contains different plasticizing agents that react with the dissolved nitrocellulose compound of which the lacquer makeup consists. These compounds are also mixed with different pigments and solvents, including a mixture of alcohol and shellac resin, which assist in creating the highgloss shine that most lacquer products create. The differences in sheen when comparing varnish products to those of lacquer products is another of the differences between lacquer and varnish. However, noting the visual differences often requires an expert eye, as the differences can be very subtle. Both lacquer and varnish are capable of being produced and applied in such a manner that they can provide anything from a high-gloss finish to a low-gloss or matte finish. Perhaps the biggest and most important difference between lacquer and varnish products is that the plasticizers and hardening agents that are in lacquer products usually produce a much stronger, wear-resistant coating than those produced by varnish products. Thats not to take away from the strength of a varnish coating however, as varnish products do provide a durable and lasting finish. Lacquer products gain a small edge, however, because of BSChE3 September

their ability to withstand exposure to different chemicals, such as acids and alkali products. 2. What are they composed of and how are they made? Varnish is a solution of certain gums or resins in alcohol, turpentine, and drying oil including linseed oil, tung oil, and walnut oil. The manufacture of varnish involves the mixing and blending of various ingredients to produce a wide range of products. However in this case, chemical reactions are initiated by heating. Varnish is cooked in either open or enclosed gaos-fired kettles for periods of 4 to 16 hours at temperatures of 93 to 340C (200 to 650F). Varnish cooking emissions, largely in the form of volatile rganic compounds, depend on the cooking temperatures and times, the solvent used, the degree of tank enclosure and the type of air pollution controls used. Emissions from varnish cooking range from 1 to 6 percent of the raw material. Clear or transparent lacquers contain five types of ingredients: nitrocellulose or pyroxylin, varnish resins, solvents, platsicizers, dilutents or thinners. Pigmented lacquers (for use on everything from fireplace accessories and wood frames to frieze boards) are often called lacquer enamels. These enamels contain one extra ingredient. They must give obscuration or hiding power and to give this opacity various kinds of pigments and coloring matter are added to the lacquer. Pigments and coloring-matter may therefore be considered as the sixth type of ingredient found in lacquers.

3. What reactions are involved in their production? LACQUER

Sources: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ap42/ch06/final/c06s04.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varnish http://ezinearticles.com/?Compositions-and-Uses-For-Lacquers&id=2526414