Application scope of silicone-free wetting agents
Silicone-free wetting agents (such as polyethers, fluorocarbons, and polyacrylates) are widely used in scenarios
where silicone migration, contamination, or interference needs to be avoided. Their core function is to improve
wettability by reducing surface tension while avoiding problems such as shrinkage and poor recoatability that
may be caused by silicone. The following are the main application areas and typical cases:
1. UV curing system
Application scenarios: UV curing inks, coatings, adhesives
Core requirements:
Quick wetting of low surface energy substrates (such as PP, PET, glass)
Avoid reaction between silicone and photoinitiator, affecting curing efficiency
Typical cases:
3C electronic coating: Use fluorocarbon wetting agents (such as FC-4430) to improve wetting of plastic substrates
while ensuring weather resistance.
Optical coating: Use polyacrylate wetting agents to avoid increased haze caused by silicone.
2. Water-based coatings and inks
Application scenarios: water-based industrial coatings, architectural coatings, packaging inks
Core requirements:
Reduce surface tension and improve wettability on porous substrates (such as wood and paper)
Balance wetting and foam control to avoid silicone defoamer residues
Typical cases:
Wood coatings: Use polyether wetting agents (such as TEGO Wet 270) to improve leveling, and use mineral oil
defoamers to control foam.
Food packaging inks: Use non-silicone wetting agents to avoid migration into food and ensure safety.
3. High-performance coatings
Application scenarios: automotive coatings, aerospace coatings, anti-corrosion coatings
Core requirements:
Wettability in high temperature and chemical corrosion environments
Avoid the impact of silicone on recoatability
Typical cases:
Automotive varnish: Use fluorocarbon wetting agents to improve wetting on metal substrates while ensuring
weather resistance.
Marine anti-corrosion coatings: Use polyacrylate wetting agents to avoid silicone precipitation in salt spray
environments.
4. Electronic materials
Application scenarios: PCB ink, electronic packaging glue, semiconductor coating
Core requirements:
Avoid silicone contamination of sensitive electronic components
Improve wettability of low surface energy materials (such as PI film, ceramic substrate)
Typical cases:
PCB solder mask ink: Use fluorocarbon wetting agents to improve wetting of copper substrates while ensuring
resistance to electromigration.
Semiconductor packaging glue: Use polyether wetting agents to avoid silicone decomposition at high temperatures
to produce gas.
5. Special substrate treatment
Application scenarios: glass, ceramic, metal pretreatment liquid
Core requirements:
Improve substrate surface energy in a silicone-free environment
Avoid silicone interference with subsequent coating or bonding
Typical cases:
Glass pretreatment liquid: Use fluorocarbon wetting agents to reduce surface tension and improve coating
adhesion.
Metal cleaning agent: Use polyacrylate wetting agents to avoid silicone residue affecting welding
performance.
6. Environmental protection and safety sensitive fields
Application scenarios: food packaging, medical equipment, children's toy coatings
Core requirements:
Comply with EU REACH, US FDA and other regulations on silicone restrictions
Ensure that the wetting agent is non-toxic and non-migrating
Typical cases:
Food contact materials: Use polyether wetting agents to prevent silicone from migrating into food.
Medical device coatings: Use non-silicone wetting agents to ensure biocompatibility.
Key advantages
Avoid cratering and recoating problems: Silicone-free wetting agents will not form "fish eyes" on the coating
surface or affect interlayer adhesion.
More compatible: Can be used in conjunction with a variety of resins, photoinitiators, and defoamers without
worrying about reactivity.
Environmental protection and safety: Comply with regulatory requirements and are suitable for sensitive fields
such as food and medical.
Summary
Silicone-free wetting agents play a key role in UV curing, water-based systems, electronic materials, etc. through
chemical structures such as polyether, fluorocarbon, and polyacrylate, especially in scenarios that are sensitive to
silicone or restricted by regulations. The selection needs to be matched according to the substrate type, process
conditions and performance requirements.
