Silicone-based coatings are among the most versatile materials used in a variety of industrial applications, including pressure-sensitive tapes, protective coatings, and the protection of printed text on packaging. They are chosen over other materials for their technical and mechanical characteristics, as well as their flexibility. Silicone-based coatings have excellent properties such as strong adhesion to most substrates and high chemical, thermal, UV, and water resistance.
The application of these solvent, silicone-based paints, coatings, and adhesives releases significant levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. When evaporated during the coating process, these VOCs react with nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone. As such, they are regulated as ozone precursors under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria pollution program. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause adverse effects on human health, including eye, nose, and throat irritations; headaches; dizziness; visual disorders; and memory impairment.