Surfactants Market Update

Surfactants play several key roles in the manufacture, storage, application and curing of all types of paint and coatings. "Wetting and dispersing agents are essential in improving the color strength and stability of pigment concentrates and coatings," said Shelley Parkerson, market development manager, OMG Americas, Inc. "Flow and leveling agents are essential in aiding the flow of high performance coatings to give a superior appearance. Surfactants to help with air release of the coatings are essential for high solids and waterborne coatings."

At a minimum, a surfactant should enable a water-based formulation to better wet out the desired substrate, according to Ingrid Meier, technology manager, specialty additives, Air Products. "A surfactant is critical to being able to apply water-based coatings on hydrophobic substrates like plastic or very porous substrates like wood," she said. "Often times, surfactants are used as dispersants for pigments and fillers or as emulsifiers in the formulation. Certain surfactants are also capable of improving the flow and leveling of a coating, which will dramatically improve the surface appe