Surfactants as Surface Modifiers

Surfactants are mainly known as additives for improving dispersion properties of pigments and extenders -they are commonly called dispersants. However they also can be effective additives for resolving surface problems like leveling and substrate wetting.

Hydrocarbon surfactants impact the leveling and wetting properties in coatings formulations which are key point to avoid paint surface defects. The surface tension reducing part of these additives consists primarily of hydrogen and carbon.

Hydrocarbon surfactants are generally less expensive than fluorocarbon surfactants, and hydrocarbon surfactants are available with a variety of functional groups. It makes sense economically to try them first in the coating formulation.