Story ID: 2102213mx
Lufthansa Technik Intros ‘Green’ Clear Varnish System
By: David A. Lombardo
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Word Count: 149
Lufthansa Technik is introducing its environmentally friendly clear varnish to the business jet completion market. Like all the other materials used in aircraft construction, the high-gloss polished wooden surfaces that are typically installed in aircraft cabins have to meet safety standards set by the aviation authorities. For optical purposes and to comply with fire protection regulations, these surfaces have to be treated with effective flame retardants and clear varnishes containing a high proportion of organic solvents. To achieve the desired quality, up to 10 coats of clear varnish and a final special top coat are applied to the wooden decorative surfaces. The new product reduces the proportion of solvent to 20 percent from 60 percent without any adverse effect on processing quality, according to Lufthansa Technik. Additionally, thanks to a chemical reaction triggered by ultraviolet light, the varnish hardens more quickly so that the subsequent grinding process can begin earlier.