Abstract
Several experiments were carried out to determine the ability of a varnish made from expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) waste, without any modification, to avoid degradation of wood shelves used for the storage of chemicals. To determine the best solvent for the Styrofoam, factors such as price, water hazard (WGK), toxicity (LD50) and tropospheric ozone production factor were chosen. Ethyl acetate was found to be the one which met the best conditions. In addition, the saturation percentage of the solvent was found to be 62 % m/v. To verify if the varnish was resistant to the attack of chemicals, tests were carried out with the most common acids and bases used in laboratories. In the experiments the substances were applied directly on the wood with the varnish and a visual inspection was made through the time, until the penetration of the corrosive products in the wood occurs. Finally, the addition of clay and diatomite was tested to see if the resistance of the varnish to chemicals increased.