In the pursuit of flawless coating surfaces, the selection of the right levelling agent is critical. Among the most common and effective types are silicone-based and acrylic-based levelling agents. As a dedicated supplier and manufacturer of specialty chemicals, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides insights into these two classes of additives, helping R&D scientists and product formulators make informed decisions to buy the best solutions for their unique needs.

Silicone-based levelling agents are renowned for their potent ability to reduce surface tension. This strong surface tension reduction leads to excellent substrate wetting and flow properties. They are particularly effective at preventing defects like orange peel and minimizing the formation of Benard vortices, which can disrupt film uniformity. Furthermore, silicone levelling agents often impart enhanced slip, scratch resistance, and gloss to the final coating. Their effectiveness stems from their unique chemical structure, which allows them to migrate to the surface and form a low-tension layer. However, formulators must be mindful of potential drawbacks such as foam stabilization and potential impacts on inter-coat adhesion or the orientation of metallic pigments in certain applications.

Acrylic-based levelling agents, on the other hand, offer a different set of advantages. These agents typically work by balancing surface tension differences within the coating film, rather than dramatically reducing overall surface tension. This can lead to a more controlled levelling process and prevent haze formation that can sometimes occur with high concentrations of silicone additives. Pure acrylic levelling agents, or those modified with functional groups, can provide good flow and levelling, sometimes with added benefits like improved hardness or degreasing effects. While they may not offer the same level of surface tension reduction as silicones, they often exhibit better compatibility with a broader range of resin systems and are less prone to causing foam issues or affecting inter-coat adhesion. This makes them a versatile choice for many solvent-borne and water-borne systems.

The choice between silicone and acrylic levelling agents often depends on the specific requirements of the coating formulation. For applications demanding the absolute highest level of gloss and slip, or where significant substrate wetting challenges exist, silicone-based agents might be preferred, provided their potential side effects can be managed. For formulations where compatibility, controlled levelling, and avoidance of potential issues like foam or adhesion problems are paramount, acrylic-based levelling agents are often the go-to solution. Many advanced formulations even benefit from the combination of both types to leverage their synergistic effects.

As a leading chemical manufacturer in China, we offer a diverse range of both silicone and acrylic levelling agents. Our goal is to provide procurement managers and formulators with the precise tools needed to optimize their products. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your specific coating challenges. By leveraging our expertise and product range, you can select the ideal levelling agent to achieve superior surface quality, prevent costly defects, and enhance the overall performance of your coatings. Request a sample today to test the performance in your applications.