Surfactants and their use in coatings formulations

Abstract: Surfactants are used in coatings to increase certain properties, facilitate coatings production and stabilize a heterogeneous system. properties improved by surfacants include: Substrate wetting, flow, leveling, surface modification, pigment dispersion, film formation and freeze thaw resistance.

In this presentation, the positive and negative effects of surfatants on coatings properties will be discussed and strategies for maximizing positive properties and minimizing negative properties will be covered. Also covered will be coatings defects caused by improper surfactant use and how to remedy them.