Wetting agents play a crucial role in coatings and paints, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Wetting agents belong to surfactants, consisting of hydrophilic and oleophilic groups. When wetting agents come into contact with solid surfaces in coatings and paints (such as pigment particles, substrates, etc.), lipophilic groups adhere to the solid surface, while hydrophilic groups extend outward into the liquid. This mechanism can significantly reduce the surface tension or interfacial tension of water, making it easier for coatings and paints to wet the solid surface and spread out on it. The effect of improving wetting and spreading is crucial for enhancing the uniformity and adhesion of coatings.

Substrate wetting agent is a commonly used wetting agent in coatings and paints, mainly used to improve the surface tension and permeability of coatings, enabling them to better wet substrates. Especially when coating on low surface energy substrates (such as certain metals, plastics, etc.), substrate wetting agents can significantly improve the wetting and spreading properties of the coating on the substrate, thereby enhancing the smoothness and flatness of the coating surface and preventing adverse phenomena such as shrinkage and edge shrinkage caused by low surface tension of the substrate. These improvement measures help to enhance the adhesion of the coating and ensure a strong bond between the coating and the substrate.

In addition to substrate wetting agents, wetting dispersants are also commonly used wetting agents in coatings and paints. It not only improves wetting and spreading properties, but also assists in dispersing fillers and pigments. Wetting and dispersing agents, through their unique molecular structure, can stabilize the dispersion state of pigments and fillers in coatings, prevent aggregation and settling of pigments and fillers, thereby improving the stability and application performance of coatings. In addition, wetting and dispersing agents can also improve the coloring and covering power of coatings, making them more uniform and full during the coating process.

The addition of wetting agents can also improve the overall performance and quality of coatings and paints. By improving key indicators such as wetting, spreading, and adhesion of coatings, wetting agents can help reduce the defect rate of coatings during the coating process and improve the glossiness and smoothness of the coating film. At the same time, wetting agents can enhance the physical properties of coatings such as weather resistance and water resistance, extending the service life of coatings.

In summary, wetting agents play multiple key roles in coatings and paints, including improving wetting and spreading properties, enhancing adhesion, assisting in the dispersion of pigments and fillers, and improving the overall performance and quality of coatings and paints. These functions collectively promote the widespread application and sustainable development of coatings and paints in various fields.