Today, bakelite varnishes are popular materials used in construction. They are made by evaporating phenol and formaldehyde. Moreover, for this it is necessary to make a special solution of alcohol-based resins. In order for the main components to react with each other, ammonia is added. This component gives the finished compositions a certain smell.
Key Features
Bakelite varnishes are toxic because phenol and formaldehyde vapors are released during the production process. There are acceptable limits for the presence of this substance within the production hall. The concentration of 0.3 mg/m³ is not dangerous for humans. Higher levels lead to poisoning, and in some cases, death.
Bakelite lacquer, the composition of which includes flammable substances, has a flash point of 15 ºС. Complete ignition occurs at a temperature above the previous indicator. Bakelite varnishes for fire safety belong to class A. Basic information about the properties of this substanceare described in the regulatory documentation, namely in GOST 12.1.044. If a fire occurs in the production workshop, water, sand, as well as a special type of chemical and mechanical foam are used to localize it.
Bakelite Lacquer Application
These substances are used in various industries. The main purpose is to protect surfaces and parts from moisture or other aggressive substances. They are also used for painting gas tanks. Bakelite varnishes are superior to other types of such products in terms of their functionality, as they are used to impregnate and glue individual parts of a part.
Most often plywood is treated with such compositions. Bakelite varnish, the technical characteristics of which are described in the article, is used not only in construction, but also in other types of industry. Among them are the following:
- shipbuilding - manufacturing decks of ships and yachts;
- automotive industry - production of the bottom cover, as well as individual components;
- construction - flooring, building exteriors, roofs, room decoration and furniture making;
- for the production of firearms and sports facilities;
- for baby products and more.
The process of obtaining varnish
To make such a composition, you must use the following substances: phenol, ethyl alcohol, formalin and ammonia. What characteristics of bakelite varnish do we know? They depend on the characteristics of the componentssubstances.
Characteristics of constituent materials
So, the first substance is phenol. It is an organic compound that dissolves when interacting with water. Its freezing point is 40ºС. Formalin is a dangerous toxic substance that is considered a poison. It is a clear liquid with a low level of reactivity. Ammonia is not used in its pure form, but a weak aqueous solution is made from it.
Ethyl alcohol is used to pump carbonaceous substances. The end result is a clear liquid. It can be dyed in various colors. The varnish also contains vegetable oil and cellulose. It is carefully processed before being added.
Main species
Today, there are 9 main types of bakelite varnishes. Each of them is used in a specific industry. In addition, they have different percentages of constituent substances, that is, phenol, formaldehyde, ethanol and ammonia. With a change in the amount of one of the indicators, the properties of the varnish and its functions change. For example, you can compare these brands of varnishes:
- SBS-1 - for processing plastic and plywood, which is used in the exterior and interior of the house.
- LBS-4 - for various plastics containing mineral fillers.
- LBS-1 and LBS-2 are considered premium bakelite varnishes and are used to coat plastics and glass textiles.
Varnish is applied to the surface of building materials or parts with a brush or roller. As a result, a special film is formed on the surface, consisting of organic or inorganic elements. It protects the surface from moisture and other aggressive substances.
Repair use
This type of varnish is used for both interior and exterior work. With the help of a special dye, you can achieve the desired color of the product. In this case, the properties of the varnish will remain unchanged. However, its use at home is complicated. Before application, the surface must be cleaned of excess debris and dried. After coating with varnish, the surface must be subjected to heat treatment. In this case, the temperature should reach 160ºС. To achieve it, you will have to work hard.
Natural drying of the surface is carried out for 4 hours. For more thorough protection, a second layer is applied on top, which contains a special filler. All subsequent ones come without filler. Ultimately, the film thickness reaches 0.5mm.
To increase the mechanical strength on the surface, cotton fabric is used, which is impregnated with bakelite varnish. It is laid in about 3 layers. This technology is as follows: first, the fabric must be thoroughly washed and dried to get rid of starch.
It is cut into small blanks and immersed in a container with varnish. She mustsoak for 5 minutes. Next, the fabric is taken out of the container and squeezed with rubber gloves. The impregnated pieces are taken out into the open air and dried so that the presence of solvent is minimized. The primed and dried fabric is applied to the surface and varnish is applied on top with a brush. If there is a need to increase the mechanical strength of the pipes, then the fabric is cut into strips of small width. Then the procedure follows the same pattern.
Ultimately, a film is formed on the building surface, which will protect the material from moisture and other factors. It can be damaged under several conditions:
- if the surface will be exposed to temperatures above 20 ºС for a long time;
- if the varnished surface is exposed to direct sunlight.
Despite the fact that the repair of Bakelite varnish causes some difficulties, judging by the feedback from consumers, this material remains quite in demand.
Pricing policy
The cost of the composition is quite diverse and depends on the brand, as well as the place of application. The price of such compositions ranges from 300 to 1000 rubles per liter.
Conclusion
As the craftsmen say, bakelite lacquer is a popular substance that is used not only in industry, but also in everyday life. It is applied to the manufacture of various chemicals and materials. The people who used it claim that the technology for applying it is quite simple. Only they emphasize that when working with varnish, certain rules should be followed. First of all, the room to be painted should be well ventilated. You can’t stay in it for a long time, as condensing phenol vapors lead to poisoning.
So, we found out what this composition is, and also found out what are the characteristics of bakelite varnish.
