Colloidal microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been used widely in the food and pharmaceutical industries to suspend dense particles, prevent phase separation and stabilize emulsions. This study demonstrates that colloidal MCC has the same functionalities in waterborne coatings. It significantly improves the in-can shelf stability of waterborne coatings without negatively impacting application properties.
Waterborne coating systems are complicated. There are three basic ingredients found in typical coatings: pigments, polymers (also known as binders or resins) and solvents. Each ingredient plays an important role in forming a durable and protective film when the coating is dried.
Pigment dispersion controls hiding, chalking, tint retention, color and sheen uniformity, flexibility, gloss, scrub resistance, color development, corrosion resistance, blistering, touch up and leveling of the coatings. Additives such as dispersants and rheology modifiers are added into the formulation to help disperse the pigments and stabilize the system through thickening and suspending.