performance coatings

DISPERSION SOLUTIONS
FOR PAINTS, COATINGS
and GRAPHIC ARTS

DISPERSANTS
Product
Guide

www.lubrizol.com/coatings
 CONTENTS
Benefits of Dispersants
Formulation Guidelines Page 4

Method of Use and Dosage Page 4-5

Dispersants for Paints and Coatings

Product Selector Guide Page 7

Dispersants for Paints and Page 8-9
Coatings Chart

Dispersants for Graphic Arts and Digital Inks

Product Selector Guide Page 10

Dispersants for Graphic Arts Page 11

and Digital Inks Chart

2
Solsperse™ hyperdispersant technology is an essential ingredient for advanced performance
in paint, coating and graphic art formulations. The technology enables the production of highly loaded, highly
stable, broadly compatible dispersions in almost any combination of solid particles and continuous phases
(liquid or solid). This dispersant technology combines polymeric stabilizing chains selected for solubility in a
given solvent and/or resin combination, with anchor groups optimized for strong adsorption to the particle
surface, where the dosage is determined by the particle’s surface area. This technology allows the production of
sterically stabilized dispersions with higher solids content, lower viscosity, and improved viscosity and particle
size stability compared to dispersions made using resins or lower molecular weight dispersants or surfactants.

BENEFITS OF USING Dispersants

More Efficient Dispersion

Increased Higher Increased Lower Upgraded

productivity pigment/filler color energy performance
loadings strength usage of lower
cost systems

cost savings

IMPROVED QUALITY

Stronger, Higher Better Improved Uniform Meet new

brighter gloss flocculation stability flow and environmental
colors resistance improved standards
leveling

3
 SOLSPERSE™ HYPERDISPERSANT FORMULATION GUIDELINES

MINIMAL RESIN be insufficient shear in the system to facilitate

effective dispersion. It is therefore essential to
Solsperse™ hyperdispersants are widely used in increase the pigment content of a Solsperse
applications where resins are a component of the hyperdispersant millbase to ensure adequate
millbase e.g. inks and paints. Anchoring of the shear. This is necessary for most effective
Solsperse hyperdispersant to the pigment surface pigment dispersion.
can be affected by competition between the
resin and the hyperdispersant for the surface of METHOD OF USE AND DOSAGE
the particle. Once the Solsperse hyperdispersant
anchor group is attached to the pigment surface 1. Select the correct polymeric Solsperse
it will remain firmly attached. Molecules of resin, hyperdispersant according to the solvent
however, are transiently adsorbed on the surface system in the millbase or tinter formulation.
of the pigment, and even though not firmly
anchored, they can still hinder the Solsperse 2. With certain organic pigments, it may
hyperdispersant anchoring process. be advantageous to include the use of a
The competition for the pigment surface, Solsperse™ synergist in combination with the
resulting from using “good wetting” resins, hyperdispersant. The synergist helps to improve
is the most severe case. the polarity of the surface of various organic
pigments (i.e. phthalocyanine blue, green
and certain carbon blacks) and increase the
In the presence of Solsperse hyperdispersants,
performance of the polymeric agent.
good “wetting” or “grinding” resins need not
necessarily be selected for use in the dispersion Solsperse™ 5000S (blue synergist for solvent
medium. Other resins, more suitable to end- based systems)
film properties, can be used since Solsperse
hyperdispersants will provide the essential Solsperse™ 12000S (blue synergist for water
pigment wetting function. We recommend that based and alcohol solvent systems)
MINIMUM resin solids are used in the millbase, Solsperse™ 22000 (yellow synergist for
but present in sufficient quantities to produce the solvent based systems)
necessary let-down stability or to produce final
coatings with the appropriate resin and solvent The recommended polymeric to synergist ratios
contents. If relatively good wetting resins are are 9:1 (for high surface area carbon blacks), 4:1
used, we recommend using approximately 10% (for medium surface area carbon blacks, blue,
resin-solids solution as the grinding medium, and green), 9:1 (red, yellow).
for relatively poor wetting resins, the minimum
3. The quantity of Solsperse hyperdispersant to
amount up to the level conventionally used.
use is generally based on 2 mg/m2 of pigment
surface area. The generic formula for the
NEED FOR A HIGHER PIGMENT LOADING
calculation of theoretical dosage is:
Solsperse hyperdispersants typically will cause
the millbase viscosity to be dramatically reduced.
Solsperse hyperdispersants will also reduce the % Active Solsperse
viscosity of non-resin-containing dispersions e.g. hyperdispersant on = pigment surface area (m2/g)
weight of pigment 5
plasticizer dispersions. This lowering of viscosity
may occur to such an extent that there could
4
For example: typically the surface area of a 6. The recommended order of addition is:
phthalocyanine blue pigment is 50 m2/g.
a) Dissolve the Solsperse hyperdispersant into
the millbase solvent(s) or in the solvent/resin
mixture, ensuring that the product is fully
50 10% polymeric agent on the dissolved before proceeding further.
% AOWP = =
5 weight of the pigment.

So, a typical dosage would be: b) If required, add the synergist and distribute
Phthalocyanine blue pigment 30 evenly with stirring (note: the synergist is
Polymeric agent 3.0 (equivalent to 10% AOWP) virtually insoluble).

c) Add the pigment(s) in stages and disperse in

the normal manner.
However, for phthalocyanine blue, a Solsperse™
synergist (e.g. Solsperse™ 5000S) is used in addition 7. As a result of the effect of the Solsperse
to the polymeric agent usually at a ratio of 4:1 hyperdispersant and the reduced resin solids,
polymeric agent to synergist. So the final millbase the dispersion viscosity is lower. To achieve an
formulation would be: acceptable milling viscosity, gradually increase
the pigment loading.

8. After milling, continue to process as normal,

Phthalocyanine blue pigment 30.0 adding any other additives as needed,
Polymeric agent 3.0 into the letdown phase.
Synergist 0.75 (equivalent to 4:1 ratio)
9. For digital inks, the dosage will be considerably
20% resin solids solution 66.25 higher as levels of 6 mg/m2 to 10 mg/m2
are typical.
100.00
10. For viscous inks, such as offset lithographic
heatset or sheetfed inks, the resin solids in the
A ladder series of Solsperse™ hyperdispersant levels dispersion will be higher to accommodate the
should be carried out around the 2 mg/m2 level. final printing viscosity and also to facilitate the
transfer of the millbase over the three roll mill.
4. Avoid other additives in the dispersion phase A solids of 40% (40/60, solid varnish/solvent)
(e.g. thixotropes) as they may interfere with the is recommended.
efficiency of the Solsperse hyperdispersant in its
dispersion of the pigment.

5. In
 general, use a low amount of resin in the
dispersion (maximum of 10%) to try to minimize
the competition between the resin and the
Solsperse hyperdispersant for the wetting
of the pigment surface.

5
 DISPERSANTS FOR PAINTS AND COATINGS

Dispersant selection is dependent on the surface functionality of the pigment or particle as well as the polarity of
the continuous phase. Dispersion stability is optimized when the functional anchor group of the dispersant is
matched to the surface of the pigment or particle. For acid to neutral surfaces, including many organic pigments,
a dispersant with basic functionality or strong hydrogen bonding potential is most effective. For basic surfaces,
including many inorganic pigments, an acidic functional dispersant is preferred. Although many particles will
have multifunctional surface functionality, some generalizations can be made to aid in dispersant selection by
matching anchor functionality:

Basic Surface Acidic to neutral surface

Laked organic pigments Organic pigments
Alkaline carbon blacks Oxidized carbon blacks
Neutral carbon blacks

PIGMENT Alumina treated TiO2 Silica treated TiO2

Iron oxides
Silica & silica matting agents
Calcium Carbonate
Kaolin
Talc & other basic silicates

PREFERRED Acidic anchor Basic or neutral anchor

DISPERSANT

On the following Solsperse™ hyperdispersant selector guides, dispersants with basic or neutral anchors are
located on the outer circle and acidic anchored dispersants on the interior. Solsperse™ synergist selection details
are shown on the outside ring.

6
For a polymeric dispersants to be effective, it must be soluble in the solvent into which the pigment or filler is
being dispersed. The solvent medium used during dispersion is therefore the main criteria used in dispersant
selection. Solsperse™ hyperdispersants available for use in paints and coatings applications are highlighted in
the following product selection chart for a range of solvents:

Aromatic Aromatic/Ester Mixtures

13240 28000 V360

32600
24000
M386
13940
38500 32000
16000
Aliphatic V320 UV Curable
13400
26000 36600 88000
36000
13300 9000 8000 39000
71000
53095 3000 74000
41000
organic inorganic pigment
41000 M385 32500
66000
M387 V350
65000
64000 41090 82500
M388
Universal 40000 45000 83500 Ester/Ketone

76500
WV400 W100
44000
47000 20000
43000
46000 54000 Solsperse™ 5000S Synergist
27000
Solsperse™ 12000S Synergist
Solsperse™ 22000 Synergist

Water Alcohol

With certain organic pigments, it may be advantageous to include the use of a Solsperse™ synergist in
combination with the polymeric Solsperse dispersants. The synergists help to improve the interaction between
the polymeric agent and the surface of certain organic pigments (e.g. phthalocyanine blues, greens) and carbon
black pigments. The synergist hyperdispersants include:

Solsperse™ 5000S - For use on organic blues/greens and carbon black pigments in solvent based systems

Solsperse™ 12000S - For use on organic blues/greens and carbon black pigments in water and alcohol based systems

Solsperse™ 22000 - For use on certain organic red and yellow pigments in solvent based systems

7
 DISPERSANTS FOR PAINTS AND COATINGS
SOLVENT RECOMMENDATION PRIMARY
APPLICATIONS

INORGANIC PIGMENT
ACRYLATE MONOMER

Organic Pigments

Titanium Dioxide
AROMATIC / ESTER
CARRIER SOLVENT

WATER / GLYCOL

Carbon Black
ESTER KETONE
AROMATIC
ALIPHATIC

Alcohol
ACTIVITY

water

SILICA
PRODUCT NAME KEY ATTRIBUTES
Solsperse 3000
™
100% • • • • Non polar dispersions
Synergist for phthalo blue, violet and
Solsperse 5000S
™
100% • • • • • • • black pigments
Solsperse™ 8000 100% • • • • Low polarity coatings

Solsperse™ 9000 100% • • • • • Low polarity coatings and colorants

Solsperse™ 11200 50% D40 Aliphatic • • • Alkyd coatings and colorants

Synergist for phthalo blue, violet and
Solsperse™ 12000S 100% • • • • • • black pigments
Solsperse™ 13300 50% D40 Aliphatic • • • Alkyd coatings and colorants
Alkyd coatings and colorants,
Solsperse 13400
™
50% D60 Aliphatic • • • lower flash point
Solsperse™ 13500 50% Dipropylene Glycol • • • Pigment treatment
Diundecyl-
Solsperse 13650
™
50% phthalate • • • Plastisols

Solsperse™ 13940 40% Aliphatic Distillate • • • Alkyd coatings and colorants

Solsperse™ 16000 100% • • • • Low polarity coatings

Solsperse™ 17000 100% • • • • Low polarity dispersions

Solsperse™ 17940 40% Aliphatic Distillate • • • Dilution of Solsperse™ 17000

Solsperse™ 18000 100% • • • • Non polar dispersions

Solsperse 19000
™
100% • • • • Low polarity coatings

Solsperse 20000
™
100% • • • • High polarity coatings

Solsperse™ 21000 100% • • • • Non polar dispersions

Synergist for organic yellow and
Solsperse™ 22000 100% • • • • • • orange pigments
Solsperse™ 24000SC 100% • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 26000 100% • • • Industrial coatings

Solsperse 27000
™
100% • • • • • Water-borne coatings and colorants

Solsperse 28000
™
100% • • • • • Industrial coatings

Solsperse 32000
™
100% • • • • • Energy cured coatings

Solsperse™ 32500 40% Butyl Acetate • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 32600 40% Aromatic 100 • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 33000 100% • • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 35000 100% • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse 35100
™
40% Butyl Acetate • • • Dilution of Solsperse™ 35000

Solsperse™ 36000 100% • • • • • Energy cured coatings

Solsperse 36600
™
50% Aromatic 100 • • • • Coil and industrial coatings

Solsperse 37500
™
40% Butyl Acetate • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 38500 40% PM Acetate • • • • • General purpose multimedia colorants

Solsperse™ 39000 100% • • • • • Energy cured coatings

8
DISPERSANTS FOR PAINTS AND COATINGS (CONTINUED)
SOLVENT RECOMMENDATION PRIMARY
APPLICATIONS

INORGANIC PIGMENT
ACRYLATE MONOMER

Organic Pigments

Titanium Dioxide
AROMATIC / ESTER
CARRIER SOLVENT

WATER / GLYCOL

Carbon Black
ESTER KETONE
AROMATIC
ALIPHATIC

Alcohol
ACTIVITY

water

SILICA
PRODUCT NAME KEY ATTRIBUTES
Solsperse 40000
™
85% Water, DEA • • • • • Water-borne coatings and colorants

Solsperse 41000
™
100% • • • • • • Energy cured coatings

Solsperse 41090
™
90% Water • • • • • Unneutralized Solsperse™ 40000

Solsperse™ 43000 50% Water • • • • • • Water-borne resin free colorants

Solsperse™ 44000 50% Water • • • • • Water-borne industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 45000 100% • • • • • • Water-borne coatings and colorants

Solsperse 46000
™
50% Water • • • • • Water-borne industrial coatings

Solsperse 47000
™
40% Water • • • • • • Water-borne resin free colorants

Solsperse 53095
™
95% Water • • • • • • Color acceptance in alkyd tint bases

Solsperse 55000
™
50% PM Acetate • • • • Industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 64000 100% • • • • • • • Universal decorative tinters

Solsperse™ 65000 100% • • • • • • Universal decorative tinters

Solsperse™ 66000 100% • • • • • • • Universal decorative tinters

Solsperse™ 71000 100% • • • • • • Energy cured coatings

Solsperse 73000
™
100% • • • • • Industrial coatings

Solsperse 74000
™
100% • • • • • Energy cured and other 100% solids coatings

Solsperse 76400
™
50% PM Acetate • • • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 76500 50% Butyl Acetate • • • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse™ 79000 100% • • • • • Broad compatibility dispersant for inorganics

Solsperse™ 81500 45% A100/PMA/BA • • • • Industrial coatings and colorants

Solsperse™ 82500 50% PMA/Butyl Acetate • • • • • • Industrial coatings and colorants

Solsperse 83500
™
40% PMA/Butyl Acetate • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse 88000
™
100% • • • • Dispersion of transparent organic pigments

Solsperse M385
™
50% PM Acetate • • • • • Broad compatibility multimedia colorants

Solsperse™ M386 50% Solvesso 100 • • • • • Broad compatibility multimedia colorants

Solsperse™ M387 100% • • • • • • • • High solids multimedia colorants

Solsperse™ M388 50% PM Acetate • • • • • High performance multimedia colorants

Solsperse™ M389 50% Butyl Acetate • • • • • High performance multimedia colorants

Solsperse V320
™
100% • • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse V350
™
40% Tert-Butyl Acetate • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse V360
™
50% Aromatic 100 • • • • Automotive and industrial coatings

Solsperse W100
™
40% Water • • • • • Broad compatibility resin free colorants
High performance water-borne coatings
Solsperse™ WV400 40% Water • • • • • and colorants
Solsperse™ X300 100% • • • • Acrylate functional dispersant

9
 DISPERSANTS FOR GRAPHIC ARTS AND DIGITAL inks

For a polymeric dispersant to be effective, it must be soluble in the solvent into which the pigment or filler is
being dispersed. The solvent medium used during dispersion is therefore the main criteria used in dispersant
selection. Solsperse™ hyperdispersants available for use in graphic arts and ink applications are highlighted in
the following product selection chart for a range of solvents and their corresponding application areas.

Publication Gravure UV Curable Offset or Flexographic

Toluene Acrylate Monomer

39000
13240
75000
19200 74000 88000

16000 32000 78000

Offset UV Curable - Digital
Lithographic 13940
71000 33000 Acrylate Monomer
Aliphatic
16000 J180
36000 35000
36000
J200 39000
17000 3000 41000
74000

organic inorganic pigment

41000 J180 32000
40000
46000 J200 33000
Packaging 27000 Solvent - Digital
W100
Water 35000
41000 Ester, Ketone,
76400 Glycol Ether
20000 34750

Solsperse™ 5000S Synergist

54000 72700
72700 Solsperse™ 12000S Synergist
Solsperse™ 22000 Synergist

Flexographic Packaging Gravure

Alcohol Ethyl Acetate

With certain organic pigments, it may be advantageous to include the use of a Solsperse™ synergist in
combination with the polymeric Solsperse hyperdispersant. The synergist agents help to improve the interaction
between the polymeric agent and the surface of certain organic pigments (e.g. phthalocyanine blues, greens)
and carbon black pigments. The synergist dispersants include:

Solsperse™ 5000S - For use on organic blues/greens and carbon black pigments in solvent based systems

Solsperse™ 12000S - For use on organic blues/greens and carbon black pigments in water and alcohol based systems

Solsperse™ 22000 - For use on certain organic red and yellow pigments in solvent based systems

10
DISPERSANTS FOR GRAPHIC ARTS AND DIGITAL INKS
SOLVENT RECOMMENDATION PRIMARY
APPLICATIONS

Eco solvent / glycol ether

INORGANIC PIGMENT
ACRYLATE MONOMER

Organic Pigments

Titanium Dioxide
CARRIER SOLVENT

ESTER / ACETATE

Carbon Black
ESTER KETONE
AROMATIC
ALIPHATIC

Alcohol
ACTIVITY

WATER

SILICA
PRODUCT NAME KEY ATTRIBUTES
Solsperse 3000
™
100% • • • • Non polar inks and dispersions

Solsperse 5000S
™
100% • • • • • • • Synergist for phthalo blue, violet and black pigments

Solsperse™ 12000S 100% • • • • • • • Synergist for phthalo blue, violet and black pigments

Solsperse 13240
™
40% Toluene • • • Publication inks

Solsperse 13940
™
40% Aliphatic Distillate • • • Non polar inks and dispersions

Solsperse™ 16000 100% • • • • Litho and publication inks

Solsperse 17000
™
100% • • • • Low polarity dispersions

Solsperse 19000
™
100% • • • • Litho and publication inks

Solsperse™ 19200 50% Toluene • • • Dilution of Solsperse™ 19000

Solsperse 20000
™
100% • • • • Alcohol and acetate packaging inks - NC

Solsperse 22000
™
100% • • • • • • • Synergist for organic yellow and orange pigments

Solsperse™ 24000SC 100% • • • Publication and packaging inks

Solsperse 27000
™
100% • • • • Water-borne packaging inks and dispersions

Solsperse 32000
™
100% • • • • • • Energy cured offset and solvent digital inks

Solsperse™ 33000 100% • • • • • • Energy cured and solvent digital inks

Solsperse 34750
™
50% Ethyl Acetate • • • • Acetate packaging inks

Solsperse 35000
™
100% • • • • • Energy cured and solvent digital inks

Solsperse™ 36000 100% • • • • • Energy cured coatings and inks

Solsperse 39000
™
100% • • • • • • Energy cured offset, flexo, and digital inks

Solsperse 40000
™
85% Water, DEA • • • • Water-borne packaging inks and dispersions

Solsperse™ 41000 100% • • • • • • • Energy cured inks and coatings

Solsperse 43000
™
50% Water • • • • • Resin-free water based inks and dispersions

Solsperse 45000
™
100% • • • • • • • Water-borne inks and dispersions - metallics

Solsperse 46000
™
50% Water • • • • • Water-borne inks and dispersions

Solsperse 54000
™
100% • • • • Alcohol and acetate packaging inks - polyamide

Solsperse™ 71000 100% • • • • • • • Energy cured coatings and inks

Solsperse 72700
™
40% Ethyl Acetate • • • • • Universal dispersant for packaging inks

Solsperse 74000
™
100% • • • • • • Energy cured and solvent inks

Solsperse™ 75000 100% • • • • • Energy cured and solvent inks

Solsperse 76400
™
50% PM Acetate • • • • • • • Solvent-borne digital inks

Solsperse 78000
™
40% EO-TMPTA • • • Energy cured inks - transparent pigments

Solsperse™ 79000 100% • • • • • • Broad compatibility - TiO2 and metallics

Solsperse 88000
™
100% • • • • • Dispersion of transparent organic pigments

Solsperse J180
™
100% • • • • Energy cured and solvent digital inks

Solsperse™ J200 100% • • • • • Energy cured and solvent digital inks

Solsperse J400
™
40% Water • • • • • Water-borne digital inks

Solsperse W100
™
40% Water • • • • • Broad compatibility resin free dispersions

Solsperse™ X300 100% • • • • • Acrylate functional dispersant

11
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Brecksville, OH 44141 USA
+1.800.380.5397

Europe
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PO Box 42, Hexagon Tower
Blackley, Manchester
M9 8ZS United Kingdom
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