Selection of water-based formula leveling agent

        When determining the water-based formula, it is common to choose a wetting agent first, followed by a leveling agent. Some additives can act as both wetting agents and leveling agents.

        Do not use a large amount of wetting agents that strongly reduce surface tension, as long as they are sufficient, as they will prolong the leveling time.

        Powder coatings do not contain solvents and do not generate surface tension gradients during film formation. Leveling is more related to substrate wetting. Powder coatings often use acrylic leveling agents. If the leveling agent is in liquid form, it usually needs to be pre made into a masterbatch before use. There are also acrylic leveling agents made into powders, specifically used for powder coatings. If powder coatings require smoothness and anti sagging properties, organic silicon leveling agents should be used. There are already organic silicon leveling agents specifically designed for powder coatings. Be careful to avoid the formation of shrinkage when using organic silicon leveling agents.

        In water-soluble systems, it is necessary to strongly reduce the surface tension of the system. The most commonly used leveling agents are organosilicon leveling agents and fluorocarbon leveling agents, which have the same effect as their application in solvent based coating systems. Of course, if a truly smooth surface is required, acrylic leveling agents for water-based systems are necessary.

        For latex systems, the use of leveling agents in the formulation may improve the substrate wettability of the coating. Acrylic leveling agents can improve the smoothness of the paint film, but the main flowability of the coating is mainly controlled and adjusted by adding rheological control agents.