Coalescents are an inseparable component of latex paints, especially those based on acrylic polymer dispersions with a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) higher than the typical temperatures at which the target paints will be applied and then dry. Examples of coalescents available on the market are ether glycols and ether glycol acetates, which, although classified as VOCs, are still often used as traditional additives for developing coatings.
Knowledge about such coalescing agents is needed to obtain even more performance consciously, knowing their effectiveness in forming dispersion coatings, as well as their impact on secondary parameters such as scrubbability, gloss, hardness, etc. The article may also be helpful when it is necessary to replace the coalescents in question with more "green," and this requires appropriate knowledge about the formation of coatings and the influence of coalescing agents on many properties. The use of such ether glycols and ether glycol acetates is wider and includes, for example, paint removers, and also as a solvent in solventborne coatings.