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Dispersant to Stabilize Pigments without Compromising Corrosion Protection

Achieving superior pigment dispersions in coatings helps ensure excellent wetting, grind times, and color strength. Optimal dispersions enable small particle sizes and therefore good storage stability in final formulations.  

Selecting the right dispersing agent for the pigments and systems you’re working in is crucial for wetting and stabilizing pigments effectively. 

However, while dispersing agents are crucial for excellent pigment performance, the use of these additives can compromise corrosion protection properties in waterborne coatings. 

This blog highlights Borchi® Gen 1750, a versatile wetting and dispersing agent for a variety of pigments and binders. We will explore how this solution can ensure the stabilization of pigments without impacting corrosion protection. We will also highlight the color strength performance of this dispersant compared to competitive additives. 

pigment dispersing agent

Importance of Pigment Dispersion 

Understanding pigment dispersion is essential for achieving optimal aesthetics in your coatings. Wetting and dispersing agents are critical components that make up the dispersion process, supporting pigment stabilization.

 

Achieving Optimal Pigment Stabilization 

Pigment stabilization is crucial for maintaining the quality of coatings over time. Stabilization prevents flocculation, where pigments clump together, leading to uneven color and texture. 

  • Electrostatic Stabilization: Involves the use of charged particles to repel pigment particles, mainly in waterborne formulations. 
  • Steric Stabilization: Uses polymers to create a barrier around pigment particles in waterborne and solventborne formulations. 
Role of Wetting and Dispersing Agents for Pigment Stabilization in Coatings 

Wetting agents play a vital role in ensuring that pigments are properly incorporated into coatings. They lower the surface tension between the pigment particles and the liquid medium, facilitating better contact. 

Dispersing agents are central to the pigment dispersion process. They help break down pigment agglomerates, ensuring a uniform distribution within the medium. The right dispersing agent can significantly enhance color strength and gloss. 

stabilization of pigments with dispersing agents

When selecting wetting and dispersing agents, several factors need to be considered based on the other elements in a coating formulation: 

  • Binder (solvents, water) 
  • Resin (e.g., acrylic, alkyd, urethane, etc.) 
  • Pigments (organic, inorganic, carbon black) 

Finding a versatile additive that can be used for the wetting and dispersing of pigments in a variety of coating formulations is a great find for a formulator’s toolbox. 

Balancing Pigment Stabilization and Corrosion Protection 

While achieving superior pigment dispersion is a primary goal, maintaining corrosion protection is equally important.  

Impact of Pigment Dispersants on Corrosion Protection 

Pigment dispersants are integral to the coating process, but they have been known to hinder corrosion protection properties in waterborne coatings. 

Why are waterborne coatings used? 

Over the years, formulators have been switching from solventborne coatings to waterborne for a few reasons. These include: 

  • Reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): waterborne coatings tend to have lower VOC content than solventborne coatings. VOCs can be released from paints and may cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Governments around the world, including the United StatesCanada, and the European Union limit VOC use in coatings. 
  • Application Benefits: Waterborne coatings can provide better adhesion and coverability of a substrate compared to solventborne options, as well as ease of cleanup. 
How Dispersants Can Alter Corrosion Protection in Waterborne Coatings 

In waterborne coatings, dispersants may negatively impact corrosion resistance due to the “wetting” nature of these additives. As a result, water may penetrate into the film of a coating, reducing its ability to protect against corrosion formation. 

Versatile Dispersant for Reduced Impact on Corrosion Protection in Waterborne Coatings 

Borchi Gen 1750 is a versatile wetting and dispersing agent that can be used with various waterborne binders. This additive can provide small particle size dispersions and low viscosity grinds. 

Our team found excellent results with color strength and reduced impact on corrosion protection in organic and inorganic pigment blends. 

wetting and dispersing agent that doesn't imapct corrosion protection in waterborne coatings with TiO2 pigment

Download starting point formulations featuring these results and more

webinar on one dispersant for various pigments and binders

Ways to Enhance Corrosion Resistance

Ensuring coatings offer robust corrosion resistance is vital for long-term protection. The right combination of materials and techniques can enhance this property, especially when used with solutions like Borchi Gen 1750 that don’t hinder corrosion protection.

  • Optimize Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC): High PVC can reduce binding, leading to lower corrosion resistance.
  • Select the Right Resins: Some resins offer better barrier properties.
  • Incorporate Corrosion Inhibitors: These materials can significantly boost resistance. These include products like Bayoxide Z active.

Summary & Conclusion

While wetting and dispersing agents are essential for pigment wetting and stabilization, their “wetting” function may negatively impact corrosion protection in waterborne coatings.

Borchi Gen 1750 is a wetting and dispersing agent that can stabilize pigments with reduced impact on corrosion protection. As a versatile additive for a variety of pigments and binders, this dispersant is a critical additive to have in your formulation toolbox.

For more performance results and starting point formulations with Borchi Gen 1750, please visit the product page.

You can also contact our team.

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