Modelling cluster voids and pigment particle size distribution to predict properties and CPVC in coatings. Part II: wet coating analysis
Authors: Sudduth R.D. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeIn part I of this study a new dry coating analysis was developed relating pigment cluster voids and pigment particle distribution to the pigment cluster dispersion coefficient, Cq, and the critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC). Part II of this study has addressed a wet coating analysis to relate pigment particle size distribution and viscosity in a coating formulation to the pigment cluster dispersion coefficient.Design/methodology/approachThis study introduced the relationships for the wet coating by building on the dry coating evaluations introduced in part I of this study. Part II of this study showed that the CPVC for a solvent based coating can be significantly influenced by a change in the viscosity measured interaction coefficient, σ, as influenced by a change in an additive such as the surfactant concentration in the matrix or polymer phase of the coating. The CPVC was also shown to be strongly influenced by a separate analysis of the pigment particle size distribution to modify the coating viscosity.FindingsIt was pointed out recently that an increase in flow additive increased the CPVC but decreased viscosity. Consequently, it was shown theoretically in this study that viscosities compared at the same relative viscosity, η/η0, and at the same filler composition, fi, using the generalized viscosity model would require decrease in the interaction coefficient, σ, to increase the global volume fraction of filler or pigment, ΦF. This implied that a measurement of the interaction coefficient, σ, should be a direct measure of the ability of the CPVC to be modified. A minimum viscosity from the generalised viscosity model also resulted at the maximum packing fraction, which in turn was found to increase the CPVC of the coating. Consequently, part II of this study has yielded a useful relationship between the cluster dispersion coefficient, Cq, and the interaction coefficient, σ, from the generalised viscosity model.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the experimental measurement of the parameters to isolate the clustering concepts introduced in this study may be difficult, it is expected that better quantitative measurement of clustering concepts will eventually prove to be very beneficial to providing improved suspension applications including coatings. The close relationship introduced in this study between clustering concepts and viscosity should provide an improved ability to measure the parameters to isolate clustering in coatings and other suspension applications.Practical implicationsThe theoretical relationship developed in this study between the pigment cluster dispersion coefficient, Cq, and CPVC and the theoretical and experimental relationship between CPVC and the viscosity interaction coefficient, σ, inferred a direct relationship between Cq and the viscosity interaction coefficient, σ. Consequently, it was shown that the theoretical pigment cluster model developed in this study could be directly related to the experimental matrix additive composition controlling viscosity in a coating formulation. The practical implication is that the measurement tools introduced in this study should significantly influence future suspension formulations to provide better measurement and control of clustering and viscosity in coatings and other suspension applications.Originality/valuePart II of this study has shown how a useful relationship can be generated between the interaction coefficient, σ, from the generalised viscosity model and the pigment cluster dispersion coefficient, Cq, developed in part I of this study. In addition, this study also showed that effective control of the CPVC of a coating can be modified by judicious control of the interaction coefficient using pigment particle size distribution and/or viscosity control additives in a wet coating analysis.