Different types of titanium dioxide—such as those with alkaline, acidic, or neutral surfaces—require different surface treatments, such as modification with Al₂O₃, SiO₂, or ZrO₂, or, in some cases, organic modification. Selecting the appropriate wetting and dispersing agent is crucial; it must be compatible with the resin, and its pigment-affinity groups must be able to interact with the surface-modified groups. If titanium dioxide of different grades or from different manufacturers is available, we recommend using titanium dioxide with the same surface treatment in the same coating.

 

For Al₂O₃-treated titanium dioxide, we recommend Tech-5011 and Tech-5811; for SiO₂-treated titanium dioxide, we recommend Tech-5155 or Tech-6013.

 

While the products mentioned above deflocculate and stabilize titanium dioxide, they also increase the tendency for precipitation; therefore, it is advisable to use anti-settling additives in conjunction with them during grinding.

Tech-9042 significantly increases viscosity in the low-shear range while maintaining excellent flow properties. This additive is liquid and easy to handle. Storage stability has been improved. No pH adjustment or temperature control is required during incorporation. Due to its self-leveling properties and high sag resistance, Tech-9042 is particularly recommended for airless, air-assisted, and HVLP applications. Optimal processing performance is achieved when used in combination with rheological additives effective in the high-shear range. Recommended usage levels: Add 0.2–2% of the additive (based on the supplied specification) to the total formulation, depending on the desired formulation performance. The above recommended levels are provided as a guideline. The optimal level can be determined through a series of laboratory tests.

The first step is to ensure that your aluminum powder is thoroughly wetted. If all the aluminum pigment particles are individually dispersed and well wetted, you will typically achieve the best metallic effect. Tech-5863 is recommended for addition during the silver powder wetting stage, as its amino pigment adsorption groups strongly bind to the silver powder particles. The recommended initial addition rate is 1.5% of the silver powder (solid-to-solid basis). Since different silver powder particle sizes require different amounts of dispersant, we recommend conducting a gradient test. The next step is to ensure the stability of the silver paste; we recommend adding Tech-9010L at this stage. Tech-9010L is a rheological additive that helps prevent the silver powder from settling.

Our product line includes several wetting and dispersing agents that are particularly well-suited for coil coating systems. These wetting and dispersing agents can be used to disperse and stabilize various types of pigments. They are recommended for use in mixed colors combining white with other pigments (such as white blended with carbon black, or with iron oxide red, phthalocyanine blue, etc.). Color stability must be evaluated through a finger-grinding test, and stability under high-speed agitation must also be assessed. These white and other mixed-color formulations also require a finger-grind test and high-speed agitation stability testing after application. The storage stability of each color paste must be tested by storing it in an oven at 50°C for at least three days. After the storage stability test, the color paste must be re-evaluated according to the application criteria established prior to storage. A high-quality colored paint should exhibit a color difference value of less than 0.5 and demonstrate good leveling; the gloss and color before and after storage must be consistent. We recommend Tech-5011 and Tech-580 for the dispersion of titanium dioxide and inorganic pigments and fillers, and Tech-570 and Tech-6013 for the dispersion of organic pigments and carbon black. Ideally, a single wetting and dispersing agent should be able to stabilize all colors; however, in practical applications, it is often necessary to use a combination of two wetting and dispersing agents.

A common method is to add Tech-504 to the coating. Tech-504 is a controlled-flocculation wetting and dispersing agent that forms a network structure between pigment particles and its own particles; this network structure prevents pigment floating. BYK-P 104 can be added either as a post-additive or during the grinding and pasting stage. At higher dosage levels, Tech-504 may cause an increase in the viscosity of the coating system and may affect gloss.

To overcome pinholes and improve the wetting properties of coatings, it is necessary to reduce the surface tension of the liquid coating; Tech-1399 is a special polymer-based leveling agent that can slightly reduce the surface tension of the coating; compared to standard acrylic leveling agents, it offers greater surface tension reduction and pinhole resistance, while providing excellent leveling performance without any negative impact on surface gloss or DOI values.