Leveling Agent - Smooth Surface Finish for Paint and Coating Formulations
Product Overview
Leveling Agent is a high-performance silicone-polyether hybrid additive engineered to eliminate surface defects and achieve mirror-like finishes in industrial coatings. Utilizing dynamic surface tension control and viscoelastic modulation, this additive ensures uniform substrate wetting across diverse formulations, including high-solids, waterborne, UV-curable, and powder coatings. Compatible with epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, and polyester systems, it reduces orange peel by 90% (ASTM D4062) and improves DOI (Distinctness of Image) to ≥95 (ASTM D5767) at 0.1–0.5% loading. Certified for automotive OEM, aerospace, and electronics coatings, this agent enables defect-free application even under extreme conditions (5–95% RH, 10–40°C), while maintaining compliance with FDA 21 CFR 175.300 and ISO 28199-3 standards.
Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy liquid | Visual |
| Active Content | 100% | ISO 3251 |
| Density @20°C | 0.98–1.02 g/cm³ | ISO 2811 |
| Viscosity @25°C | 50–200 mPa·s | ASTM D2196 |
| Surface Tension | 20–24 mN/m (1% aqueous solution) | ISO 304 |
| Flash Point | >150°C | ISO 3679 |
| pH Value | 6.0–7.5 | ASTM E70 |
| Solubility | Compatible with hydrocarbons, esters, water | – |
| Recommended Dosage | 0.1–1.0% (on total formulation) | – |
Advanced Functionality
1. Surface Defect Elimination
- Orange Peel Reduction:
- 90% improvement in wave-scan data (Byk-Gardner DOI/Orange Peel Tester).
- Optimizes leveling time to <30s for spray-applied coatings.
- Crater Prevention:
- Neutralizes surface tension gradients (Marangoni effect).
- Reduces crater count from >50/m² to <2/m² (ISO 16925).
2. Substrate Compatibility Matrix
| Substrate | Performance Improvement | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Steel | Surface energy reduction to 26 mN/m | Elimiates fisheyes |
| Plastics (PP/ABS) | Contact angle ≤15° | Prevents de-wetting |
| Galvanized Steel | DOI improves from 80 to 95+ | Mirror-like finish |
| Anodized Aluminum | Hazing reduction by 70% | Enhanced clarity |
Performance Advantages vs. Conventional Additives
| Property | Leveling Agent | Silicone-Based Additive | Acrylic Flow Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Smoothness | Ra 0.02–0.05 μm (ISO 4287) | Ra 0.1–0.3 μm | Ra 0.15–0.4 μm |
| Recoatability | No intercoat adhesion loss | 10–15% adhesion reduction | 5–8% adhesion reduction |
| Foam Control | Self-deaerating (no defoamer required) | Requires defoamer | Defoamer needed |
| Thermal Stability | Stable up to 300°C (powder coatings) | Degrades above 200°C | Limited to 150°C |
| Environmental Impact | VOC-free, APEO-free | Contains cyclic siloxanes | May contain glycol ethers |
Formulation Guidelines
1. Optimal Incorporation Protocols
| Coating Type | Dosage Range | Addition Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Waterborne Acrylics | 0.2–0.4% | Post-dispersant, pre-thickener |
| Solvent-Borne Epoxies | 0.3–0.6% | During resin thinning phase |
| UV-Curable Systems | 0.1–0.3% | Pre-photoinitiator addition |
| Powder Coatings | 0.5–1.0% | Dry-blend with extruder input |
2. Compatibility with Other Additives
- Synergistic Combinations:
- Polysiloxane defoamers: Reduce foam without cratering.
- Polymeric dispersants: Enhance pigment stabilization.
- Avoid:
- Cationic surfactants (risk of coagulation).
- High-pH buffers (>9.0) in waterborne systems.
Industry-Specific Applications
1. Automotive Coatings
- Clearcoat Systems:
- DOI ≥95, haze <0.5% (ASTM D1003).
- Passes 10,000h Xenon weathering (SAE J2527).
- E-coat Primer Leveling:
- Reduces "telegraphing" of substrate textures by 80%.
- DFT uniformity: ±2μm across complex geometries.
2. Industrial Machinery Finishes
- High-Gloss Enamels:
- Reflectivity ≥90% (60° gloss meter, ASTM D523).
- Resists oil contamination during application.
- Heavy-Duty Equipment:
- Eliminates sagging in 150–300μm DFT films.
- Cure compatibility: 80–120°C forced drying.
3. Electronics & Precision Coatings
- Conformal Coatings:
- Maintains <5μm thickness variation on PCB traces.
- No interference with solder mask adhesion.
- Optical Lens Coatings:
- Surface roughness Ra <0.01μm (white-light interferometry).
- Anti-reflective coating compatibility.
Technical Performance Data
1. Rheological Modifications
- Viscosity Profile:
- High-shear (10,000 s⁻¹): 120–150 mPa·s.
- Low-shear (0.1 s⁻¹): 800–1,200 mPa·s.
- Thixotropy Index: 0.85–0.95 (ISO 3219).
2. Environmental Resistance
| Test | Conditions | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| QUV-B Exposure | 1,000h | Gloss retention ≥90% |
| Salt Spray (ASTM B117) | 500h | No blistering/corrosion |
| Chemical Resistance | 24h MEK double rubs | ≥200 without film damage |
| Thermal Cycling | -40°C ↔ +120°C, 50 cycles | No cracking/delamination |
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
1. Handling Protocols
- PPE Requirements: Nitrile gloves, safety goggles.
- Spill Management: Absorb with inert material, dispose as non-hazardous waste.
2. Certifications
- REACH: Registered, SVHC-free.
- Food Contact: FDA 21 CFR 175.300 compliant.
- Ecolabels: Blue Angel, EU Ecolabel.
Packaging & Storage
| Package Type | Volume | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE Jerrycans | 5 kg, 25 kg | 36 months |
| Stainless Steel Drums | 200 kg | 36 months |
| IBC Totes | 1,000 kg | 36 months |
- Storage Conditions: 5–35°C, away from strong oxidizers.
Technical Support Services
- Surface Tension Analysis: Contact angle measurements for substrate optimization.
- Troubleshooting: Digital microscopy for defect root-cause analysis.
- Custom Formulation: DOE (Design of Experiments) for niche applications.
Competitive Advantages
- Universal Compatibility: Functions in polar/non-polar systems without separation.
- Process Flexibility: No premixing required – add at any production stage.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces rework rates by 70% through defect prevention.
- Sustainability: 100% active content minimizes transport/storage costs.
Conclusion
Leveling Agent revolutionizes coating aesthetics and functionality through precision surface engineering. By balancing Marangoni flows, substrate wetting, and rheological control, it achieves unparalleled smoothness across diverse industrial applications – from automotive clearcoats requiring optical perfection to heavy machinery enamels demanding rugged durability. Backed by stringent quality controls and global regulatory compliance, this additive enables formulators to meet escalating market demands for defect-free finishes while adhering to sustainable manufacturing principles.
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About Beijing TDD E-commerce Co., Ltd.
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