As a former central laboratory of AkzoNobel, we have extensive experience in the chemical and physical analysis of coatings. In addition, for many years we had our own coating systems based on various plasma processes or vapour deposition stands for metallisation. Our range of services in the field of paints extends from paint testing, which is in particular demand as a release in the automotive sector, to failure analysis in the case of paint defects.
Furniture surfaces must be resistant in order to meet aesthetic demands over the long term. But what happens if red wine or fruit juice is spilled on a dining table or even dries up overnight? Can the affected area simply be wiped off, or will stubborn stains remain that can only be removed by grinding down the surface in a carpentry? And if stamping ink or ballpoint pen ink gets onto the work surface of a desk, attempts are often made to remove the mishap with common solvents or cleaning agents. Are remaining stains to be expected then? What happens in a medical office when surfaces are frequently disinfected? Do ugly scratches appear on a work table just after a short time when file folders are moved back and forth on it? Give your customers confidence with informative product labels on your furniture. At Analytik Service Obernburg, we test the quality of varnishes and coatings according to recognized DIN standards.
According to DIN 68861-1, the resistance of furniture surfaces is tested for chemical exposure caused by the acids, alkalis, organic solvents, aggressive drinks and foods as well as cleaning agents and disinfectants defined in the standard. The classification of surface changes is based on DIN EN 12720 and the rating of discoloration, changes in gloss, as well as structural changes due to e.g. swelling, fiber raising, cracking or blistering in levels 5 (no change) to level 1 (severe change). Depending on the exposure time of the medium and the determined surface change, the surfaces are assigned to the stress groups 1A to 1D, where 1A corresponds to the highest resistance and 1D to the lowest resistance.
The serviceability of furniture surfaces with regard to abrasion resistance is evaluated according to DIN 68861-2. The resulting stress groups range from 2A (highest resistance) to 2E (lowest resistance). The abrasion resistance of the furniture surface is tested according to DIN EN 15185 using a so-called Taber Abraser. The number of rotations of the test specimen under a defined frictional load, which is necessary to produce a defined wear, is measured.
An additional expansion of the test methods for the resistance of furniture surfaces is possible. For example, tests of the behavior under scratching stress according to DIN EN 68861-4 or the behavior under dry (DIN 68861-7) or moist heat (DIN 68861-8) could be implemented in the medium term.
Analytik Service Obernburg will be pleased to answer your questions and support you directly. Please contact: Alexander Grosch (phone 06022 81 2674 or e-mail: a.grosch@aso-skz.de).
By the way: A characterization of the chemical composition of furniture lacquers or coatings (competitive analysis) has been established at Analytik Service Obernburg for years and our damage analysis helps you in case of production-related stains or delaminations.