Superior Quality, Excellent Service!
Contact us for additional information or to explore partnership opportunities.
Ethylene Bis-Stearamide: An Important Additive for Powder Coatings
In the world of coatings, powder coatings stand apart as a unique and highly effective approach. They offer many advantages over traditional liquid paints, including: improved efficiency, environmental-friendliness, and excellent durability. However, they also have their own set of challenges. One of these challenges is the tendency of powder coatings to be brittle and fragile. In order to address this issue, formulators often use additives to create more flexible coatings. One of the most important of these additives is ethylene bis-stearamide (EBS).
What is EBS?
EBS is a synthetic wax that is often used as a lubricant, dispersant, and release agent in coatings, plastics, and other applications. It is made by reacting ethylenediamine with two molecules of stearic acid. The resulting molecule has a long hydrophobic tail (the stearic acid), which provides good lubrication and release properties, as well as a polar head (the ethylenediamine), which makes it effective as a dispersant.
Why is EBS important for powder coatings?
Powder coatings are applied in a dry form, using electrostatic charge to attract the powder particles to the surface of the substrate. The powder is then melted and cured to form a smooth, hard, and durable finish. However, the applied coating can be brittle and prone to cracking or chipping. This is where EBS comes in.
EBS is used in powder coatings to improve their flexibility, impact resistance, and adhesion. It does this by acting as an internal lubricant, reducing the friction between the powder particles during the melting and curing process. This allows the particles to flow and fuse together more easily, creating a more uniform and continuous film. EBS also acts as a dispersant, helping to keep the pigments evenly distributed throughout the powder, which can improve color consistency and overall performance.
Five ways EBS improves powder coatings
1. Improved Flexibility
EBS acts as a plasticizer in powder coatings, which means it can increase their flexibility and impact resistance. This is particularly important for coatings that will be exposed to harsh conditions, such as outdoor environments or high traffic areas.
2. Better Adhesion
The dispersant properties of EBS help to promote better adhesion between the coating and the substrate. This can lead to improved performance and longevity, as well as better resistance to chipping and peeling.
3. Increased Flow
The internal lubricating properties of EBS can help to improve the flow and leveling of the powder coating. This can lead to a smoother, more uniform finish, with fewer defects such as orange peel or sags.
4. Improved Rheology
EBS can help to improve the rheology of powder coatings, which refers to their ability to flow and spread over a surface. This can lead to improved coverage, reduced waste, and better overall efficiency.
5. Enhanced UV Resistance
EBS can help to improve the UV resistance of powder coatings, which can help to prevent fading and discoloration over time. This is particularly important for outdoor applications, where exposure to sunlight can cause significant damage.
In conclusion, EBS plays an important role in the formulation of powder coatings, helping to improve their flexibility, adhesion, flow, rheology, and UV resistance. It is a multi-functional additive that offers many benefits for coatings formulators, and its unique properties make it an essential component of many high-performance powder coatings.
Copyright © 2019 Qingdao Sainuo Chemical Co., LTD. | All Rights Reserved
Hello, please leave your name and email here before chat online so that we won't miss your message and contact you smoothly.