We would like to acknowledge Jochum Beetsma for sharing his technical expertise and validating the page.
Here is the place to access the most extensive industry knowledge about pigment dispersion.
If you already master the foundations and still struggle to solve a poor dispersion case, ask for assistance!
What is pigment dispersion (and the dispersion of any other solid particles)?
Dispersion (in chemistry) is the process of creating a stable suspension of pigments and fillers in a liquid. It consists of three steps:
- wetting,
- separation, and
- stabilization.
Naturally, pigments and fillers tend to agglomerate and create “lumps”. It is detrimental to the paint properties. Dispersion is the only way to get optimal effects out of solid particles.
To an extent, suppliers sell “pigment dispersions”, which corresponds to pre-dispersed pigment solutions.
Developing knowledge about pigment dispersion
Here is a selection of resources to learn about the dispersion process:
Sometimes, knowing all about dispersion foundations (and more!) is not enough. If you are stuck with a poor dispersion case,
ask for assistance!
Why does it matter so much to control pigment dispersion?
Pigment dispersion is the costliest step in the production of coatings and inks. First, pigments and other solid additives can be quite expensive on their own. You do not want to load them in excess in your formulation. Excess loading can lead to more troubles than solutions. The only way to get the most out of your solid particles is to disperse them well.
The dispersion process is quite energy-intensive and lengthy. To minimize these drawbacks, you should select adequate
dispersants and
equipment.
How do I know my dispersion is right?
To ensure you have reached a good dispersion of your solid particles, you would generally check:
Other coating properties affected by the quality of the dispersion
Beyond the process itself, the quality of the dispersion affects many coating properties:
How to troubleshoot pigment dispersion issues?
There are many ways a dispersion can go wrong. Here are the most frequent problems and how to overcome them:
SpecialChem Selection Support for your pigment dispersion problems
With pigment and filler dispersion, there is none that fits all solutions. Despite efforts (and claims) from additives producers, a universal dispersant that would be good for all particles is still a dream today.
Also, the reality of the formulation work often implies that you have several types of solid particles to disperse. Finding the right balance to get the best of each can be daunting.
We have lined up a group of industry experts, both independent consultants and technical leaders from producers. They are a click away and awaiting your queries.
Start a chat and tell us about your case.