Issues to note when using water-based metallic pigment dispersants

Issues to note when using water-based metallic pigment dispersants

1. "Guide to avoid pitfalls" of using misunderstandings

Excessive addition

Excessive dispersant (>2%) may cause "supersaturated adsorption", resulting in decreased water resistance of the coating. In a plastic coloring case, excessive dispersant increased the mobility of the color powder by 30%.

Ignore pH value

Anionic dispersants are easily inactivated when pH is less than 6. The decrease in pH during the storage of water-based paints may cause dispersion failure. It is recommended to add a buffer (such as AMP-95) to maintain the stability of the system.

Unmatched grinding process

High-speed dispersers (speed>1500rpm) may destroy the dispersant structure. It is recommended to pre-mix at a low speed first, and then gradually increase the speed to 800-1200rpm.

Ignore the influence of temperature

High temperature (>50℃) may accelerate the degradation of the dispersant. It is recommended to control the temperature below 30℃ in the production of water-based metallic paints to avoid attenuation of dispersion efficiency.

2. Future Trends: A New Era of Intelligent Dispersion

Stimulus-responsive dispersants

Develop temperature-sensitive and pH-sensitive dispersants, such as PNIPAM copolymers, which automatically adjust the particle spacing through temperature changes after coating to optimize the gloss consistency of the coating.

Bio-based dispersants

Using renewable materials such as lignin sulfonates and starch derivatives to prepare dispersants, an environmentally friendly paint company has developed bio-based products with a 40% reduction in carbon footprint.

Dispersant-rheological agent complex

Combining dispersants with thixotropic agents (such as fumed silica) to form a "dynamic network" in metallic coatings, it not only ensures dispersion stability but also improves anti-sagging properties.

From the laboratory to the production line, dispersants are reshaping the application boundaries of metallic toners. With the continuous advancement of materials science, dispersants will develop in the direction of functional integration, greening, and intelligence in the future, providing more possibilities for the ultimate expression of metallic texture. The next time you admire the glimpse of the car body or the dazzling pearlescent light of cosmetic packaging, perhaps it is these "molecular engineers" who are writing the magic of light behind the scenes.