Matte viscosity-reducing dispersant: a low-key but critical material "harmonizer"
In the industrial fields of coatings, inks, plastics, etc., there is a seemingly inconspicuous but crucial additive - matte
viscosity-reducing dispersant. It is like an invisible "harmonizer", which can not only make the material present a soft
matte texture, but also solve the processing problems caused by high viscosity, and plays an irreplaceable role in the
modern materials industry.
I. What is a matte viscosity-reducing dispersant?
Matte viscosity-reducing dispersant is a type of surface treatment additive that has both matting and viscosity-reducing
functions. From the composition point of view, it is usually based on high molecular polymers, with special active groups,
which can form a stable combination with the surface of solid particles such as pigments and fillers. Its working principle
can be summarized as "two-pronged approach": on the one hand, by changing the light reflection angle on the surface
of the material, the specular reflection is converted into diffuse reflection, thereby achieving a soft matte effect; on the
other hand, the steric hindrance effect is used to break up the agglomerated structure of solid particles, reduce the
friction inside the system, and achieve the purpose of reducing viscosity.
Compared with single-function matting agents or dispersants, the advantage of this type of additives lies in synergistic
synergy. For example, ordinary matting agents may cause the viscosity of the material to increase, while single dispersants
cannot adjust the gloss. Matte viscosity-reducing dispersants perfectly balance the needs of both, and are especially
suitable for scenarios with strict requirements on appearance and processing performance.
II. Core functions: more than "matte" and "viscosity reduction"
The core value of matte viscosity-reducing dispersants is far more than "lowering gloss" and "reducing viscosity" seen on
the surface. In practical applications, it can also bring multiple additional benefits:
1). Improving leveling is one of its important advantages
When the viscosity of the material is reduced and the particles are evenly dispersed, it is not easy to have defects such as
shrinkage cavities and pinholes during coating or injection molding, and the final surface will be smoother. This feature is
particularly critical in fields such as furniture coatings and automotive interior parts that require high surface flatness.
2). Improving stability is also its role that cannot be ignored
By preventing solid particles from settling or agglomerating, it can extend the storage period of coatings and inks and
reduce problems such as stratification and agglomeration. Experimental data show that the storage stability of coatings with
high-quality matte viscosity-reducing dispersants can be improved by more than 30%.
3). In addition, it can also optimize construction performance.
Low-viscosity materials are easier to spray, scrape or inject, which not only improves production efficiency but also reduces
the waste of raw materials. In large-scale industrial production, this advantage directly translates into cost reduction.
III. Application scenarios: from daily necessities to high-end industries
The application range of matte viscosity-reducing dispersants is so wide that it covers almost all fields that require solid
particle dispersion and gloss adjustment:
1). In the field of architectural coatings, it is the "standard" of matte wall paintBy controlling the gloss below 20°,
the wall can present a soft texture and avoid visual fatigue caused by strong light reflection.
At the same time, the low viscosity property makes the paint easier to apply and reduces brush marks.
2). In furniture manufacturing, matte wood paint is deeply loved by consumers for its low-key texture. The dispersant
here not only makes the paint film matte but not turbid, but also solves the color difference problem caused by color paste
agglomeration, allowing the wood texture to be displayed more clearly.
3). In the ink printing industry, especially in packaging printing, the matte effect can enhance the high-end feel
of the product
The addition of dispersants prevents the ink from blocking the screen during high-speed printing, while ensuring uniform
color. Even dark colors can present delicate matte layers.
4). The plastic processing field is also inseparable from its help. In the production of matte ABS, PP and other plastic parts, dispersants can evenly disperse pigments such as titanium dioxide
and carbon black to avoid the "spotted" phenomenon, while reducing the melt viscosity, making the injection molding process
smoother, especially suitable for the processing of complex-shaped plastic parts.
5). Even in new energy materials such as lithium battery slurry, it can also play a role -
by dispersing active material particles and reducing slurry viscosity, it improves the uniformity of the electrode coating and
indirectly improves the battery's charge and discharge performance.
IV. Selection and use: key indicators and precautions
When selecting a matte viscosity-reducing dispersant, three core indicators should be focused on: matting efficiency (usually
measured in gloss units, such as 60° gloss value), viscosity reduction amplitude (comparison of viscosity changes before and
after addition) and compatibility (matching degree with base materials and pigments). The needs of different industries vary
greatly. For example, exterior wall coatings pay more attention to weather resistance, while food packaging inks must meet
environmental compliance requirements (such as FDA certification).
During use, the amount of addition is the key parameter
Generally speaking, the amount of addition is 0.5%-3% of the
total mass of the system, which needs to be determined experimentally based on the material properties. Excessive addition
may result in low gloss or bubbles, while insufficient addition will not achieve the expected effect. In addition, the order of
adding the dispersant will also affect the effect. It is usually recommended to add it during the pigment grinding stage to
maximize the dispersion efficiency.
With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, VOC-free and low-toxic matte viscosity-reducing dispersants
are becoming a development trend. This type of product not only meets the standards of EU REACH and China GB 18581,
but also meets the needs of environmentally friendly systems such as water-based coatings and UV curing materials, promoting
the entire industry's transformation to green.
From home walls to car interiors, from packaging printing to new energy batteries, matte viscosity-reducing dispersants, with
their "silent" characteristics, quietly improve the performance and texture of countless materials. This seemingly tiny additive is
actually an indispensable "master of balance" in the modern materials industry. With the advancement of technology in the future,
it will also shine in more emerging fields.
