■ Modeling properties of water-based paints dried by microwaves from the design and analysis of a mixture-process experiment

Abstract

Heightened environmental awareness has lead major paint companies to develop environmentally friendly waterborne coatings. Recently, microwave radiation has been used to accelerate the drying of industrial waterborne coatings. The aim of this study was to develop statistical models to optimise the performance of microwave radiation dried paints. This paper explores the effects and interactions between the major components of the paints and examines how these interactions affect the properties of the paints. A combined mixture with a double factorial design, including several types of components, has been used in this work. Eight paint properties and three microwave energy levels have been considered on each point of the experimental design. A computer simulation consisting of 12 separate models has been developed that accurately predicts the performance of paint.