Forum discussion
Schools-2009 IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants
Quick question on how to classify epoxy adhesive for expansion joints:
The product data from the vendor, Emseal, states the VOC is 100 g/l, now which VOC limit do I use since these joints will be on the interior as well. I read through the SCAQMD Rule 1168 and could not pin point where to classify this epoxy. Would this be a special purpose contact adhesive (250g/l)?
Thanks, Stephanie
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Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
323 thumbs up
October 3, 2014 - 12:13 pm
First, make sure that the VOC data for your epoxy is not just for one component. Epoxies are usually two-part compounds mixed onsite. Once mixed, Parts A & B react and catalyze to form a polymer. For products like epoxies that contain “Reactive Diluents,” SCAQMD calculates VOC content based on how much VOC remains once the reaction is complete. Your epoxy data should state that the VOC figure is “as mixed” or “A+B.”
Second, look at the “Substrate Specific Applications.” Many Emseal products are plastic foam. If yours is plastic foam, the VOC limit is 50g/L VOC limit. If your expansion joint is metal and being glued to metal or wood, the epoxy must meet the 30g/L VOC limit.
Third, if your situation does not match the conditions described above or any other SCAQMD adhesive definitions, look at SCAQMD-1168 Paragraph c1. Here, it says that, if a product does not match any of the categories in the SCAQMD charts, the VOC limit is 250g/L.
Finally, an epoxy cannot be a “Special Purpose Contact Adhesive.” According to SCAQMD, a Contact Adhesive is “applied to two separate surfaces, allowed to dry, and brought together for adhesion and bonding with subsequent pressure.” Epoxies do not work that way.