Although leveling agents can significantly optimize the performance of coatings and inks, in practical applications, their effectiveness is restricted by many factors.
The type and dosage of the leveling agent itself are the key influencing factors. Different types of leveling agents, such as acrylic and silicone ones, have different chemical structures and properties, and their adaptability to different systems also varies. For instance, although silicone-based leveling agents have high leveling efficiency, excessive addition may lead to side effects such as craters in the coating. Acrylic leveling agents are relatively mild, but their leveling effect may not be ideal in some special systems.
The system composition of coatings and inks is equally important. The evaporation rate of the solvent, the type and compatibility of the resin, the type and dosage of the pigment, etc., will all interact with the leveling agent. If the solvent evaporates too quickly and the leveling agent cannot take effect in time, it will lead to poor leveling. Poor compatibility between the resin and the leveling agent may cause problems such as delamination and turbidity, reducing the leveling effect.
The construction environment factors should not be ignored either. Temperature, humidity, coating method and other factors will all affect the action process of the leveling agent. In a low-temperature and high-humidity environment, the solvent evaporates slowly, which may cause the performance of the leveling agent to be unstable. However, if the coating speed is too fast or uneven, it will also interfere with the uniform distribution of the leveling agent and affect the final film quality.