The role of dispersing agents

A solid material dispersed in a liquid requires an additive to make the dispersion process easier and more stable – this is the role of the dispersing agent, or dispersant.

Dispersants deflocculate solids and thus significantly reduce the viscosity of a dispersion or paste. As a result of this effect, solid loading – the amount of dispersible powdered material – can be increased accordingly. The dispersion phase is possibly the most time- and  energy-consuming stage of the production process. This is due to the different surface tensions of the liquids (e.g., resin, solvents) and the solids (e.g., fillers, additives). A dispersing additive is necessary to produce stable formulations and ensure storage stability (no viscosity instability, no separation).