Lankem have supplied dispersing agents for many years for the preparation of pigment dispersions and general coating applications. The main performers over the years have been both Lansperse DS200W and DS80. Both of these have exceptional performance but the formulator now requires additives with better environmental credentials and also improved hazard labelling.
Lankem have developed a range of dispersing agents based on our new BioLoop surfactant technology. These products tick all the boxes in terms of the requirements for modern coatings technology.
Lansperse LT87 is:
Readily biodegradable
Low irritancy
Extremely mild
High bio-based content
Pigment Profile
Pigment Yellow 74 is widely used in aqueous and UV inkjet systems.
It is a strong and clean yellow pigment. However, it has poor lightfastness and can be slightly soluble in some of the ingredients in ink formulations.
In this blog, we look at a standard dispersant for water-based systems and compare it with some new bio-based products.
Work Carried Out
The following formulations were prepared by initially mixing on a high-speed mixer and then processed further on a laboratory bead mill. Analysis and comparison of the performance were made in terms of the dispersion rheology and stability and also an assessment of the film properties was undertaken.
Formulation | | |
Pigment Yellow 74 | 45 | 45 |
Lansperse DS200W | 8.75 | - |
Lansperse LT87 | - | 8.75 |
Dfoam AR2 | 0.06 | 0.06 |
Biocide | as required | as required |
Water | 46.12 | 46.12 |
The PY74 used was Sincol Yellow 1136-D45 (Ex-Union Colours) which is a highly transparent, glossy pigment.
Viscosity Analysis
The viscosity was analysed over time using a standard DIN 4 flow cup and then the final viscosity was evaluated after 197 days using a Brookfield viscometer.
Viscosity Comments:
Rheology is a very important parameter as the formulator requires a dispersion that flows and is easily pourable. Also, another consideration is stability over time. A good stable dispersion should maintain good rheology after prolong storage and should not settle out. Lansperse LT87 shows big improvements over the conventional dispersing agent in terms of long term storage and rheology over time.
Film Properties
Both Lansperse DS200W and Lansperse LT87 dispersions prepared as above were then mixed into a simple clear Styrene/ Butyl acrylate binder system. This represented a basic paint formulation without any fillers but was essential to assess the relative performance of the dispersion in terms of pigment strength.
Both pigmented paint formulations were cast on the card as follows:
Colour Analysis
| Lansperse DS200W | Lansperse LT87 |
L | 77.26 | 77.18 |
a | -9.42 | -9.40 |
b | 48.61 | 48.52 |
The drawdowns indicate that Lansperse LT87 gave a slight improvement in clarity compared with the Lansperse DS200W. Comparable colour strength was observed when comparing the Lansperse DS200W and Lansperse LT87 on the b* scale for degree of yellowness.
Flocculation test
The Lansperse LT87 was added at 2% into chalk paint. This type of paint gives an extreme assessment of whether the dispersion is likely to flocculate. The paint is then coated onto the card and the rub test is carried out. Any noticeable increase in pigment strength around the rub area indicates the system is likely to flocculate.
As you can see virtually no flocculation is observed when carrying out the rub-out test.
Conclusion
The new Lansperse LT87 gives superior performance compared to the conventional dispersing agent Lansperse DS200W. With its exceptional environmental profiling and extreme low hazards, this product is now the latest of a new generation of dispersing agents for aqueous systems.
Featured Products: Lansperse DS200W, Lansperse LT87, Dfoam AR2