Water-based plastic paint oil repellent: an invisible guard to protect the clean coating
In daily life, we often encounter such troubles: the coating on the surface of plastic products is easily stained with oil
and fingerprints after a long time of use, which is time-consuming and laborious to clean, and even affects the appearance.
For example, plastic tableware in the kitchen, the colorful shells of children's toys, or the plastic parts of car interiors may
appear old due to the accumulation of oil. In fact, behind these problems, it is often related to the insufficient oil resistance
of the coating material. The emergence of water-based plastic paint oil repellent is to solve this problem and put on a layer
of "invisible protective clothing" for the plastic coating.
1. What is water-based plastic paint oil repellent?
Water-based plastic paint oil repellent is a functional additive specially used in water-based plastic paint. It changes the chemical
and physical properties of the coating surface to make it have excellent anti-oil and anti-fingerprint capabilities. Simply put, the
oil repellent is like a layer of "oil-proof film" on the surface of the coating, making it difficult for oil to adhere, and even if it is
stained, it can be easily wiped clean.
This additive is usually made of specially structured organosilicon compounds, fluorocarbon compounds or nanomaterials. It is
well compatible with the resin components in water-based plastic paints, does not affect the color, gloss and adhesion of the
coating, and gives the coating super oleophobic and hydrophobic properties.
2. How does the oil repellent work?
The core mechanism of the oil repellent is to reduce the surface energy. The lower the surface energy of the coating, the more
difficult it is for liquids such as oil stains and water stains to spread and penetrate on its surface. The oil repellent achieves this
goal in the following two ways:
Chemical modification: The hydrophobic groups (such as fluorine atoms and siloxane chains) in the oil repellent molecules will
migrate to the surface of the coating to form a molecular film with low surface energy. This film is like the microstructure on the
surface of a lotus leaf, which allows oil droplets to automatically gather into balls when in contact, so that they can roll off easily.
Physical barrier: Some oil repellents will form a micro-nano rough structure on the surface of the coating, further enhancing
the oleophobic effect. This "lotus effect" not only makes it difficult for oil stains to adhere, but also reduces fingerprint residues,
keeping the coating clean at all times.
3. Application scenarios of water-based plastic paint oil repellent
Due to its advantages of environmental protection, non-toxicity and easy construction, water-based plastic paint has been
widely used in the coating of various plastic products. The addition of oil repellent has significantly improved the functionality
of these coatings. The following are several typical application scenarios:
Household appliances and kitchen supplies
The surface of plastic-shelled kitchen appliances such as rice cookers, microwave ovens, juicers, etc. is easily contaminated
with oil. After coating with water-based plastic paint containing oil repellent, the oil can be removed by wiping it lightly with
a damp cloth, which greatly reduces the difficulty of cleaning.
Children's toys and maternal and child products
The plastic shell of children's toys often becomes sticky due to the mixture of hand grease and dust. The oil-repellent coating
can not only keep the surface of the toy fresh, but also reduce the growth of bacteria, protecting the health of children.
Automotive interiors and 3C electronic products
Plastic parts such as car center consoles and door panels, as well as the shells of mobile phones and tablets, can effectively
resist fingerprints and sweat stains after using oil-repellent coatings, keeping the product appearance as long-lasting as new.
Medical equipment and public facilities
In public places such as hospitals and schools, the use of oil-resistant coatings on high-frequency contact parts such as plastic
handrails and buttons can reduce the risk of cross-infection and improve the level of hygiene.
4. Advantages and environmental significance of oil-resistant agents
Compared with traditional solvent-based oil-resistant coatings, water-based plastic paint oil-resistant agents have the following
significant advantages:
Environmentally friendly and non-toxic: The water-based system does not contain organic solvents, and the emission of volatile
organic compounds (VOC) is extremely low, which meets modern environmental protection requirements.
Construction-friendly: Water-based paint dries quickly and can be applied by spraying, rolling and other methods, which is
suitable for large-scale industrial production.
Strong durability: Oil-resistant coatings usually have good wear resistance and weather resistance, and can maintain
oil-repellent effects for a long time.
Cost controllable: With the advancement of technology, the cost of oil-resistant agents has gradually decreased, and the
cost-effectiveness advantage has become increasingly prominent.
In addition, the application of oil-resistant agents can also extend the service life of plastic products, reduce problems
such as coating shedding and discoloration caused by oil erosion, thereby reducing resource waste and environmental
pollution.
5. Future Outlook: From Oil Repellent to Multifunctionality
With the continuous development of materials science, the functions of water-based plastic paint oil repellent are also
expanding. For example, some new oil repellents also have multiple functions such as self-cleaning, antibacterial, and
UV protection, which can meet more complex application requirements. In the future, oil repellents are expected to play
a greater role in smart homes, wearable devices, new energy and other fields, bringing more convenience to people's
lives.
Conclusion
Although the water-based plastic paint oil repellent is small, it can solve the problem of plastic coating oil repellent in a
"four-two-pound" way. It is not only a product of scientific and technological progress, but also a manifestation of
environmental protection. Next time, when you find that the surface of plastic products is always clean as new, you might
as well think about it. Behind this may be the silent protection of the oil repellent.
