Pigments—More Than Just a Pretty Color (Second of two parts)
Pigment technology combines physics, chemistry and chemical engineering to provide a lot more than color, and suppliers are pushing the boundaries to meet industry needs.
Several different matting agents are available commercially.
Precipitated silica and silica gels are forms of synthetic silica
that are very effective matting agents due to their high
oil-absorption values (also results in thixotropy). Silicas that
are surface treated with wax offer enhanced suspension
properties. For waterborne coatings, the incorporation of
hydrated silicas eliminates the need for high-speed dispersion
and dusting problems, and facilitates gloss adjustment in the
final coating without foaming.