Revolutionizing Architectural Coatings with Innovative Silica Technology
Key Benefits of SPHERILEX® DP-0117
- Spherical Particle Shape: The spherical shape of the SPHERILEX® particles ensures an easy incorporation into the coating matrix and improves the overall structural integrity and mechanical resistance of the coating.
- Narrow Particle Size Distribution: This feature ensures consistent performance and quality and allows the targeted selection of the right particle size for the desired effect.
- Low Surface Area and Oil Absorption: These properties minimize the impact on the coating’s viscosity, allowing for easier application and improved formulation characteristics.
Evonik Coatings Additives’ new SPHERILEX® DP-0117, a novel precipitated silica, is developed to transform the coatings industry with its outstanding mechanical properties. This article explores the distinctive features of SPHERILEX® DP-0117 and its significant impact on enhancing the quality and performance of decorative wall paints.
Unveiling SPHERILEX® DP-0117: The Innovation in Silica
SPHERILEX® DP-0117 is an excellent addition to Evonik’s portfolio of silica products and the SPHERILEX® product family. Characterized by a novel particle morphology, it provides a spherical particle shape and a narrow particle size distribution. These properties are complemented by its very low specific surface area and low oil absorption, which collectively result in minimal impact on the viscosity of coatings. This makes SPHERILEX® DP-0117 an ideal additive for a wide range of coating applications, facilitating both performance enhancement and ease of formulation.
Enhancing Performance in Architectural Coatings
The integration of SPHERILEX® DP-0117 into architectural coatings brings a multitude of benefits that enhance both functionality and aesthetics:
The Novelty of Larger Particle Size
One of the standout features of SPHERILEX® DP-0117 is its larger particle size compared to the other products of the “SPHERILEX® family”. This larger particle size provides enhanced matting and improved durability without introducing oversized particles that could cause surface defects in the paint film. As the SPHERILEX® particle size increases, the 85° gloss decreases and the mechanical resistance increases further, offering a refined and durable matte finish.
Impact on Gloss and Sheen
One key example are ultra-matte paints where the gloss and sheen depends on all fillers present in the formulation. Larger SPHERILEX® grades can provide further matting at high enough use levels, enabling the creation of finishes that are both very low in gloss and durable. This versatility allows formulators to tailor coatings to specific performance requirements, offering solutions that meet a diverse range of architectural needs.
Application in High PVC Paints
SPHERILEX® DP-0117 is particularly effective in wall paints with a high PVC (pigment volume concentration) for interior and exterior use. When it is added to the formulation as an addition or as a replacement or existing filler particles it increases the surface roughness, enhancing the texture and durability of the paint. Topographical SEM-EDS images reveal that SPHERILEX® particles appear near the surface, evenly dispersed and well distributed in the coating film, ensuring consistent performance and longevity.
Benefits in Burnish and Scuff Resistance
In addition to the importance of these properties for higher-quality interior wall paints, the testing is also of particular significance. A variety of test methods are used throughout the industry to assess the gloss retention after rubbing on the surface or the susceptibility to scuff marks after rubbing shoes or suitcases on the paint surfaces. Our many years of experience in architectural coatings makes it possible to develop new test methods with significantly higher reproducibility and to use them to improve the development of new raw materials and paint formulations of our customers.
Since architectural coatings systems cover a complex variety of formulation options, Evonik Coating Additives offers Applied Technology support in all regions as well as digital info packages and regulatory documents at www.coatino.com to support our customers in their formulation work.
Versatility Across Gloss levels
While SPHERILEX® DP-0117, with a median particle size of approximately 18 µm, is best suited for flat and matte gloss levels, smaller particle SPHERILEX® grades can be utilized to achieve durable coatings with higher sheens and improved haptics. This versatility allows formulators to adapt coatings independent from their sheen by the right choice of the particle size.
Setting a New Standard in Coatings
SPHERILEX® DP-0117 and the other products of the SPHERILEX® family represent a significant advancement in the field of architectural coatings. Its novel particle morphology and innovative properties enable formulators to achieve coatings with enhanced durability, by improving wet scrub resistances as well as providing higher resistances to both burnish and scuff marks. The incorporation of SPHERILEX® DP-0117 enables manufacturers to offer coatings that meet the highest standards of performance and design, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
