Color paste dispersant usage guide: unlock the secret of uniform color
In the world of color, whether it is painting creation, industrial manufacturing, or daily beauty and skin care, color paste
plays an important role. However, to make the color paste play the best effect, the use of color paste dispersant is crucial.
It is like a magical assistant that can help the pigments disperse evenly and make the colors more brilliant and lasting.
Next, let's take a deeper look at the use of color paste dispersants.
Preparation before use
Understand the product characteristics
Before using color paste dispersants, you must first understand the characteristics of the color pastes and dispersants
used in detail. Different color pastes may contain different types of pigments, matrices and additives, and dispersants
also have their applicable pigment types, dispersion media and optimal use conditions. For example, some dispersants
are suitable for water-based color pastes, while others are more suitable for oil-based color pastes. Get detailed information
about color pastes and dispersants by consulting product manuals or suppliers, and be fully prepared for subsequent use.
Prepare tools and equipment
Prepare the corresponding tools and equipment according to the use scenario and scale of the color paste. Common tools
include stirrers (such as electric stirrers, magnetic stirrers, etc.), measuring cups, droppers, containers, etc. If used in industrial
production, professional dispersing equipment such as sand mills and ball mills may also be required. Make sure these tools
and equipment are clean and free of impurities to avoid affecting the dispersion effect.
Safety protection
Although color paste dispersants are generally relatively safe chemicals, safety protection should still be paid attention to
during use. Wear protective gloves, goggles and masks to avoid direct contact between dispersants and skin, eyes and
respiratory tract. If the operating environment is poorly ventilated, ventilation equipment should be used to ensure air
circulation.
Determine the amount of dispersant
The amount of dispersant is one of the key factors affecting the dispersion effect. If the amount is too small, the pigment
particles may not be fully wrapped, resulting in uneven dispersion; if the amount is too large, it may cause foam, affect the
performance of the color paste or increase the cost. Generally speaking, the amount of dispersant is determined based on
factors such as the type, particle size, content and dispersion medium of the pigment.
The optimal amount of dispersant can be determined through small-scale experiments. Take a certain amount of color
paste and dispersant, mix them in different proportions, and then observe the dispersion effect, such as the degree of
dispersion of pigment particles, the stability of the color paste, etc. Select the amount of dispersant with the best dispersion
effect and the most stable performance as a reference for subsequent large-scale use.
Dispersant addition method
Direct addition method
For small batch or laboratory scale color paste preparation, the direct addition method can be used. Add the dispersant
directly to the color paste and then stir it with a stirrer. The stirring speed and time should be determined according to the
properties of the color paste and the requirements of the dispersant. Generally speaking, the stirring speed should not be too
fast to avoid excessive bubbles; the stirring time should be long enough to ensure that the dispersant and the pigment are fully
mixed. For example, when preparing water-based acrylic color paste, the dispersant can be slowly added to the color paste first,
and then stirred at 500-800 rpm for 20-30 minutes.
Step-by-step addition method
In some cases, in order to obtain better dispersion effect, the step-by-step addition method can be used. First, part of the
dispersant is mixed with the pigment for pre-dispersion, and then the remaining dispersant and dispersion medium are added
for further dispersion. This method allows the pigment particles to be more fully wrapped by the dispersant and improves the
dispersion efficiency. For example, when preparing a high-concentration organic pigment paste, 30% - 50% of the dispersant
can be mixed with the pigment first, grinded with a grinder for 1 - 2 hours, and then the remaining dispersant and solvent
are added, and the stirring and dispersion are continued.
Mother liquor addition method
For large-scale industrial production, the mother liquor addition method is a common method. First, the dispersant and
part of the dispersion medium are prepared into a high-concentration mother liquor, and then the mother liquor is added
to the color paste during the production process. This method can ensure the uniform distribution of the dispersant in the
color paste, improve production efficiency and product quality. For example, in paint production, the dispersant and water
can be prepared into a mother liquor, and then added to the paint in a certain proportion during the paint mixing process.
Dispersion process control
Temperature control
Temperature also has a certain effect on the dispersion effect. Generally speaking, appropriate temperature can improve
the activity and dispersion efficiency of dispersants, but too high temperature may cause dispersant decomposition or
pigment denaturation. Therefore, the temperature needs to be controlled during the dispersion process. For water-based color
pastes, the dispersion temperature is usually controlled at 20-40℃; for oil-based color pastes, the dispersion temperature
may be slightly higher, but it should not exceed 80℃. Equipment such as water baths, oil baths or heating jackets can be
used to control the temperature.
Stirring speed and time
The stirring speed and time should be adjusted according to the properties of the color paste and the dispersion requirements.
Too fast stirring speed will produce too many bubbles, affecting the quality of the color paste; too short stirring time may
not achieve a good dispersion effect. During the stirring process, the state of the color paste can be regularly observed,
such as the degree of dispersion of pigment particles, the viscosity of the color paste, etc., and the stirring speed and time
can be adjusted according to the actual situation.
Detection and adjustment
During the dispersion process, the color paste needs to be tested regularly to ensure that the dispersion effect meets the
requirements. Common detection methods include particle size analysis, viscosity test, stability test, etc. If the test results do
not meet the requirements, they can be adjusted according to the specific situation. For example, if the particle size of the
pigment particles is too large, the stirring time can be increased or the amount of dispersant can be adjusted; if the viscosity
of the color paste is too high, an appropriate amount of diluent can be added to adjust it.
Precautions after use
Cleaning tools and equipment
After use, clean the tools and equipment in time to avoid dispersant and color paste residues. For tools such as agitators
and containers, they can be rinsed with clean water or corresponding solvents; for professional dispersing equipment, they
should be cleaned and maintained according to the instructions for use of the equipment.
Storage conditions
Dispersants and prepared color pastes should be stored under appropriate conditions. Generally speaking, they should be
stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environments. At the same time,
they should be sealed to prevent moisture and impurities from entering.
The use of color paste dispersants is a process that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. By understanding
the product characteristics, determining the appropriate dosage and addition method, controlling the dispersion process,
and paying attention to relevant matters after use, we can give full play to the role of color paste dispersants, prepare
high-quality, stable color pastes, and provide strong guarantees for various color applications.
