Improved Durability Through Reactive Dispersant Technology

By Steffen Onclin, Huiguang Kou, Frank Pirrung, Rainer Diehl, Elena Martinez, Clemens Auschra, Andrew Recker , Anthony Moy

Even though formulation additives comprise only a minor part of a coating formulation, they can have pronounced effects on the physical properties of the final coating. This is especially true for pigment dispersants, which can enter a coating formulation “under the radar” through, for example, pigment pastes.  As dispersants are often polar polymers with a low glass transition temperature, the interface between the pigment and continuous phase forms a weak point, especially in coatings designed for high durability.

This article addresses the development of an improved dispersant technology. The dispersants are functionalized such that they become part of the continuous phase of the coating, improving overall film integrity. Application examples, in both waterborne and solventborne formulations, demonstrate the effects of reactive technology on mechanical and barrier properties in comparison to conventional systems.