Application and Importance of Surface Treatment Agents for Pigments, Fillers and Functional Powders
Publish Time: 2025-03-25
Revealing the Practical Applications of 3 Magical Powders!In modern industry, surface treatment technologies for pigments, fillers and functional powders play a vital role. These technologies not only improve the performance of materials, but also expand their application range. This article will explore the basic concepts, mechanisms of action and practical application cases of these materials and their surface treatment agents to help readers better understand their importance.Pigments are fine powders that are insoluble in water and solvents and are mainly used to give materials color. In order to improve the dispersibility and use effect of pigments, they are often surface treated. For example, by treating pigment particles with surfactants, their surface properties can be changed to make them more lipophilic or hydrophilic, thereby reducing agglomeration and improving mechanical dispersibility. This treatment method not only improves the dispersibility of pigments, but also prevents the formation of impurities and ensures the uniform distribution of pigment particles.A specific use case is the surface treatment of organic pigments such as CI Pigment Yellow 139 in the plastics industry. Through specific surface treatment agents, the dispersibility and stability of pigments in plastics can be significantly improved, avoiding the impact of pigment agglomeration on product quality.Fillers are solid particles used to enhance material properties, such as improving strength, wear resistance and heat resistance. Surface treatment of fillers is equally important, especially in the plastics and rubber industries. Untreated fillers are often hydrophilic and difficult to be compatible with hydrophobic substrates such as resins. Through surface treatment, the surface of the filler can be changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, thereby improving its compatibility with the resin. Common surface treatment methods include the use of coupling agents, surfactants and organic oligomers. For example, the use of silane coupling agents to treat glass fibers can significantly improve their interfacial bonding in the polymer matrix, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the composite material.Functional powders refer to ultrafine powders with specific functions, such as adsorption, catalysis, antibacterial and other functions. The surface treatment of these powders is particularly important because their functions often depend on the properties of the surface. For example, functional powders treated with surface modifiers can achieve specific surface pore control, which has been widely used in the production of petroleum cracking and hydrogenation catalysts, successfully replacing imported products and realizing industrial production.The selection and application of surface treatment agents are directly related to the performance of the final product. For example, in the coating industry, the use of surface-treated titanium dioxide can improve the hiding power, weather resistance and mechanical properties of the coating. This is because the surface-treated titanium dioxide particles are more evenly distributed, reducing light scattering and agglomeration. Similarly, in the papermaking industry, surface-treated calcium carbonate fillers can improve the gloss and printability of paper while reducing production costs.Mechanism of action of surface treatment agentsThe mechanism of action of surface treatment agents mainly involves changing the physical and chemical properties of the powder surface. The following are several common surface treatment agents and their mechanisms of action:1. Surfactants: This type of treatment agent can form an adsorption film on the surface of pigment or filler particles, changing its surface energy, thereby achieving a hydrophilic or lipophilic effect. Surfactants can also reduce the attraction between particles, prevent agglomeration, and improve dispersibility.2. Coupling agents: Coupling agents are usually used for the surface treatment of inorganic fillers. Through chemical reactions, an organic layer is formed on the surface of the filler to improve its compatibility with the polymer. Common coupling agents include silane coupling agents and titanate coupling agents.3. Organic oligomers: These treatment agents can form a polymer layer on the surface of the powder to improve its mechanical properties and thermal stability. They are often used to improve the dispersibility and interfacial bonding of fillers and functional powders.4. Water-soluble polymers: These treatment agents are suitable for pigments and fillers in water-based systems and can improve their dispersibility and stability.Practical application cases1. Paint industry: In paint production, the surface treatment of pigments and fillers is crucial. By using different types of surface treatment agents, the hiding power, adhesion and durability of the paint can be improved. For example, the use of titanium dioxide treated with silane coupling agents can significantly improve the weather resistance and mechanical properties of the paint.2. Plastic industry: In plastic products, the surface treatment of fillers directly affects the mechanical properties and processing properties of the product. Glass fiber fillers treated with coupling agents can significantly improve the strength and toughness of composite materials.3. Papermaking industry: In the papermaking process, the surface treatment of calcium carbonate fillers can improve the gloss and printing quality of paper. Calcium carbonate fillers treated with surfactants can be more evenly dispersed in the pulp and reduce light scattering.4. Petroleum catalysts: The functional modification of ultrafine sub-nanometer powders has been widely used in the production of petroleum cracking and hydrogenation catalysts. By controlling the specific surface pores, the activity and selectivity of the catalyst can be significantly improved, and efficient production can be achieved.The surface treatment technology of pigments, fillers and functional powders plays an important role in modern industry. By selecting appropriate surface treatment agents and processes, the performance of the materials can be significantly improved and their application range can be expanded. With the advancement of science and technology, these surface treatment technologies will continue to develop and bring more innovations and improvements to various industries.
