Recommendations for the use of ink leveling agents
1. Choose the right type of leveling agent
Solvent leveling agents: mainly based on high-boiling aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, ketones, esters or excellent solvents
containing multiple functional groups, and high-boiling solvent mixtures. Suitable for improving leveling problems caused
by too fast drying of the coating solvent or poor solubility of the base material, such as shrinkage, whitening and poor gloss.
Acrylic leveling agents: mainly based on acrylic ester copolymers, with surface activity, which helps to adjust the compatibility
of the alkyl ester structure. This type of leveling agent plays a role in the later stage of coating drying and may show anti-foaming
and defoaming effects.
Organic silicon leveling agents: with silicon oxygen bond chain as the core structure, organic groups are connected to silicon atoms.
This type of leveling agent has low surface tension characteristics, which helps the leveling of the coating and may form a monomolecular
layer on the surface of the coating to increase the gloss of the coating. At the same time, it often has the dual effects of leveling and
defoaming.
2. Control the amount of addition
The amount of leveling agent added needs to be strictly controlled. Excessive addition may cause shrinkage, sagging and other undesirable
phenomena on the coating surface, while insufficient addition will not achieve the leveling effect. It is usually necessary to follow the
instructions for use of the reagent according to the viscosity and leveling requirements of the coating, and adjust and determine the optimal
addition amount
through actual tests.
3. Pay attention to compatibility
When selecting a leveling agent, its compatibility with the coating itself must be fully considered. When the leveling agent is not completely
miscible with the coating, side effects such as shrinkage or difficulty in recoating may occur. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a
compatibility test before
use.
4. Stirring and dispersion
When using a leveling agent, make sure to stir the coating thoroughly so that the leveling agent can be evenly dispersed in the coating.
The stirring time should be determined according to the characteristics of the leveling agent, but generally should not exceed 10 minutes.
5. Consider the coating method
The coating method will also affect the leveling performance of the coating. When choosing a coating method, you should consider how to
maximize the effect of the leveling agent. Common coating methods include brushing, roller coating and spraying, which can be selected
according to actual conditions.
6. Experimental Verification
When using a new leveling agent or adjusting the dosage of the leveling agent, it is recommended to conduct an experimental verification
to ensure that the effect of the leveling agent is as expected and to avoid unnecessary side effects.
