This article discusses some of the terms and calculations related to pigments used in coatings, including oil absorption/surface area; pigment volume concentration; and pigment to binder ratio.
Each pigment manufacturer optimizes particle size for the specific properties for that pigment grade. Hiding, tint strength, photo stability, viscosity and surfactant/resin demand are all affected differently by particle size.
While the surface phenomena of coatings cause coating issues, understanding surface tension modifiers and their limitations will allow coatings formulators to create more robust coatings systems.
This second article in our four-part series about additives discusses foam control agents, including defoamers, anti-foams and air release agents (deaerators), and some things to consider to help your formulation be both efficient and persistent.
Additives are used in small quantities and can have the highest per unit cost of coatings raw materials. They facilitate production, or improve certain properties of the wet coating or the final film. Learn about rheology modifiers and suspension agents in Part 1 of this four-part series.
