Application of water-based low foaming wetting agent in water-based coatings

Water based coatings, as the main variety of environmentally friendly coatings, have received widespread attention and application in recent years due to their colorless, odorless, non-toxic, low viscosity, fast drying, high transparency, high solid content, and no organic volatile compounds. In the preparation and application of water-based coatings, water-based low foaming wetting agents play a crucial role as important additives.

1、 Basic concepts of water-based low foaming wetting agents

Water based low foaming wetting agent is a surfactant that can significantly reduce the surface tension and interfacial tension of water. It is usually composed of hydrophilic and lipophilic groups. When in contact with a solid surface, the lipophilic groups adhere to the solid surface, and the hydrophilic groups extend outward into the liquid, forming a continuous phase on the solid surface and achieving a wetting effect. The low foam characteristic means that less foam will be produced in the use process, which will not form stable bubbles, helping to reduce the amount of defoamer and improve the production efficiency of coatings.

2、 The main function of water-based low foaming wetting agent

Wetting the substrate: Water based low foaming wetting agents can improve the surface tension and permeability of coatings, enabling them to better wet the substrate and thus enhance the adhesion of coatings. This is particularly important for improving the adhesion of the primer to the substrate, which helps prevent adverse conditions such as shrinkage and loosening.

Assist in dispersion and anti settling: In coatings, water-based low foaming wetting agents not only have wetting functions, but also assist in the dispersion of pigments and fillers to prevent settling. It can help pigments, fillers, and other powders to be evenly dispersed in coatings, improving the stability and construction quality of coatings.

Improving coating performance: Using water-based low foaming wetting agents can reduce the viscosity of the coating, improve leveling performance, and reduce coating defects. At the same time, it can enhance the water resistance, weather resistance, and mechanical properties of the coating, extending its service life.

3、 Application examples of water-based low foaming wetting agents in water-based coatings

Water based low foaming wetting agents have been widely used in water-based coatings such as resin coatings, latex paints, and water-based plastic paints. For example, in the preparation process of latex paint, adding an appropriate amount of water-based low foaming wetting agent can accelerate the wetting process of the surface of the pigment and filler, improve the dispersion efficiency, and fully demonstrate the performance of the dispersant. At the same time, it can also solve the problem of paint coarsening, maintain the state of paint after curing, and improve leveling performance and color development.

In addition, water-based low foaming wetting agents also play an important role in water-based epoxy resin coatings and water-based acrylic ester coatings. These coatings usually have excellent adhesion, weather resistance, and mechanical properties, and the addition of water-based low foaming wetting agents can further improve their wetting and dispersibility, enhance the coating's construction performance and film-forming effect.

4、 Precautions for using water-based low foaming wetting agents

Choose the appropriate wetting agent: Based on the type of coating and construction requirements, choose the appropriate water-based low foaming wetting agent. Pay attention to matching the HLB value (hydrophilic lipophilic balance) of the wetting agent with the HLB value of the pigment and filler to achieve the best dispersion effect.

Control dosage: Excessive water-based low foaming wetting agent may reduce the water resistance of the paint film and damage the thickening effect of the associative thickener. Therefore, the dosage should be strictly controlled during use to avoid excessive addition.

Pay attention to compatibility: The compatibility between water-based low foaming wetting agents and additives such as resins and dispersants has a significant impact on the performance of coatings. When selecting and using, attention should be paid to their compatibility to ensure the stability and construction quality of the coating.

5、 Conclusion

In summary, water-based low foaming wetting agents play a crucial role in water-based coatings. It can not only improve the wettability and dispersibility of coatings, enhance their construction performance and film-forming effect, but also enhance their water resistance, weather resistance, and mechanical properties. Therefore, in the preparation and application of water-based coatings, full attention should be paid to the selection and use of water-based low foaming wetting agents to ensure the quality and performance of the coatings. With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness and the continuous development of the coating industry, the application prospects of water-based low foaming wetting agents will be even broader.