High Throughput Testing enhances Precision and Speed in Additive Selection for Pigment Formulation

The selection of the optimum dispersant for a pigment or extender and the optimum addition rate can be a difficult and time-consuming task. A composite method has been developed which provides an efficient route to achieve this (Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP), Optimal Dispersion Content (ODC) and High Throughput Formulation). High Throughput (HT) is a valuable tool to automatically prepare formulations in parallel with high precision. In order to be flexible in various formulation preparations as in this project, the Chemspeed robotic workstation was used that adds liquids, viscous and solid materials gravimetrically whilst processing, which is a proprietary feature of Chemspeed Technologies and is key for virtually unlimited formulation methodologies. The optimized process consists of first establishing the Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) of a particle, select dispersants based on HSP and then obtain the optimum dispersant concentration. Those dispersants whose solubility parameters are closest to that of the pigment can be expected to give the best performance. This procedure was applied to find the best dispersants for a hydrophobic talc in waterborne systems. The technical paper was published in the European Coating Journal by Sander van Loon et al. (Van Loon Chemical Innovations (VLIC) About Van Loon Chemical Innovations (VLCI) VLCI provides boosting R&D services to the formulation industry, like paint & coatings, personal/beauty care, household, pharmaceuticals and polymers. A creative company, performing innovative R&D services with a practical approach since 2008. VLCI is the formulation center which combines applied formulation science with High Throughput (HT) on project basis. By combining our knowledge/experience and HT, we can generate for you new and better products in a shorter time. VLCI has its own proven concept: Various introduced products up to 5 times faster in the market. This also results in cost savings in R&D projects at our customers. Additional information