How to Choose a Dispersant for Pigment Pastes?

Choosing a suitable dispersant for a pigment paste requires comprehensive consideration of its composition, application scenario, and performance requirements. The following are systematic selection steps and key factors:

1. Determine the Chemical Properties of the Pigment Paste

Pigment Type:

Organic Pigments (e.g., Phthalocyanine Blue, Azo Red): Typically require polymeric dispersants (e.g., polyurethane, acrylates) to stabilize particles through steric hindrance.

Inorganic Pigments (e.g., Titanium Dioxide, Carbon Black): Anionic dispersants (e.g., phosphate esters, sulfonates) can be used, relying on charge repulsion for stable dispersion.

Solvent/Media:

Aqueous Systems: Select water-soluble dispersants (e.g., polycarboxylates, nonionic surfactants).

Oil-Based Systems: Use oil-soluble dispersants (e.g., fatty acid derivatives, Dongguan Hongrui Chemical Co., Ltd. - series of polymeric dispersants).

UV Curing Systems: Require dispersants compatible with photoinitiators (e.g., modified polyethers).

2. Mechanism of Action of Dispersants

Charge-stabilized (ionic) dispersants: Suitable for aqueous systems, preventing flocculation through electrostatic repulsion (e.g., sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate).

Stereohedral (nonionic) dispersants: Form a protective layer on the particle surface through long-chain molecular adsorption (e.g., HR-4033, HR-4016C).

Synergistic dispersants: Combine charge and steric hindrance (e.g., HR-4017E), suitable for high-concentration pigment pastes.

3. Key Performance Indicators

Compatibility:The dispersant must be compatible with the resin/solvent (e.g., aqueous acrylic resin combined with a polyether-based dispersant).

HLB value: The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value must match the system (HLB > 10 for aqueous systems, HLB < 10 for oily systems).

Molecular weight:

Low molecular weight (< 1000): Suitable for inorganic pigments.

High molecular weight (> 5000): Suitable for organic pigments, providing stronger steric hindrance.

Dosage: Generally 10-30% of the pigment mass; optimization through experimentation is required.

4. Application Scenarios

High-gloss coatings: Require a low-foaming dispersant (e.g., HR-4012).

High-shear systems (e.g., inkjet inks): Use a shear-resistant dispersant (e.g., HR-4044).

Weather resistance requirements: Avoid dispersants containing easily hydrolyzable groups (e.g., esters).

5. Experimental Verification Methods

Dispersion effect test:

Fineness test (scraper fineness meter): ≤10μm is optimal.

Sedimentation test: Observe stratification after standing for 24 hours.

Stability assessment:

Viscosity change (Stormer viscometer): Viscosity increase after storage <10%.

Heat storage test: No coarsening or flocculation after 7 days at 50℃.

6. Recommended Products

Pigment Type | Recommended Dispersant

Organic Pigment | HR-4033 (solvent-based), HR-4010 (water-based)

Carbon Black | HR-4035 (solvent-based), HR-4017E (water-based)

Titanium Dioxide | HR-4013 (solvent-based), HR-4008DE (water-based)

Phthalocyanine Blue | HR-4045 (UV-based), HR-4017EA (water-based)

7. Precautions

Avoid excessive addition: May lead to increased viscosity or affect film performance.

Compound Testing: Synergistic effects with wetting agents, leveling agents, and other additives need to be verified.

Environmental Requirements: Choose dispersants that are APEO-free and low in VOCs (e.g., HR-4036).

Through the above steps, dispersants can be selectively screened, and the selection optimized based on experimental data. In practical applications, it is recommended to cooperate with suppliers to obtain samples for parallel testing.