Clariant simplifies pigment dispersion in coatings application

Muttenz, April 13, 2010 - Clariant extends the production efficiency benefits of its outstanding Easily Dispersible organic pigments to waterborne industrial and decorative coatings with the launch of its new range of “ED Pigments” at American Coatings Show 2010.

Previously only available for solvent-based industrial coatings systems, Clariant’s ED Pigments range has been expanded to simplify the pigment dispersion process for all paint systems and applications by removing the need for an expensive and time consuming milling step.

Without any impact on paint properties, manufacturers can take advantage of a faster, more efficient manufacturing process while reducing manufacturing costs and raising productivity.

To achieve this, Clariant incorporates the optimum amount of dispersing additive to the ED pigment during the manufacture of the pigment. The additive is adsorbed on the pigment surface and facilitates wetting and separation of pigment particles during the dispersion process in paint manufacturing. This innovative approach allows paint manufacturers to add the ED pigment into their paint system only by using a dissolver.

No extra dispersant, no bead mill processing step is required anymore.

Manufacturers can be confident of achieving tinting strength in dissolver dispersion within about 30 minutes, which can typically not be achieved with conventional pigments. As the ED pigment surface is already coated with the dispersing additive, the shear forces in the dissolver are sufficient to develop good fineness of grind and suitable color properties for industrial and decorative paints.

Clariant’s extended ED Pigment range includes:

• EDS pigments: Easily Dispersible pigments for solvent-based industrial paints

• EDU pigments: “Universal” Easily Dispersible pigments for industrial systems, ideally designed for water-based but also compatible for solvent-based systems

• EDW pigments: Easily Dispersible pigments for water-based pigment dispersions used in decorative paints

To avoid compatibility issues, the same additive is used for each product range. ED Pigments can be co-dispersed in one mill base formulation with organic and inorganic pigments to achieve a specific color shade.

Dr Gerd König, Head of Coatings at Clariant comments: “The most important and complex step in the coloration of paints is the homogenous distribution of pigment particles in the binder system. With our extended range of ED Pigments, Clariant now offers paint and coatings manufacturers an easy way to perfect colors and reduce their costs regardless of whether their product is solvent or water based, or for industrial or decorative application.”