Process aids and intermediates for Paints & Coatings

Surface active agents, or short surfactants, are usually organic compounds that are amphiphilic, meaning they contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups and are therefore soluble in both organic solvents and water. They reduce the surface tension of a liquid by adsorbing at the liquid-gas interface, allowing easier spreading, and lower the interfacial tension between two liquids, e.g., between oil and water, by adsorbing at the liquid-liquid interface. Surfactants are used as emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersants and stabilizers for different chemical and industrial applications.

Application areas include e.g.,

• Emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization
• Wetting agents for coatings, e.g. in building, construction, textile and paper