Leveling agent is a type of additive added to coatings, inks, adhesives and other systems to improve the smoothness of the coating surface, reduce orange peel phenomenon, enhance glossiness and coverage.

Leveling agents can be mainly divided into two categories: organic and inorganic. Organic leveling agents include polymer types (such as polyacrylic esters, polydimethylsiloxane, etc.) and surface active dosage forms (such as fluorocarbon surfactants, modified polyethers, etc.); Inorganic materials mainly include fine powders such as wollastonite and talc powder. In addition, there is a type of composite leveling agent that combines the advantages of multiple components.

The mechanism of action of leveling agents is complex and diverse, mainly improving the surface quality of coatings through the following aspects: firstly, reducing surface tension, enhancing the fluidity of liquid coatings, making the coating easier to spread and level on the substrate. Adjust the viscosity of the coating. During the drying process, the leveling agent can control the change of the coating viscosity and avoid the surface roughness caused by premature gelation. Promote wetting, improve the wettability of the coating to the substrate, and reduce defects such as pinholes and shrinkage. Adjust the drying rate by affecting the solvent evaporation rate, so that the surface and internal drying speed of the coating tend to be consistent, reducing the orange peel phenomenon.

Leveling agents are widely used in multiple industries, including automotive coatings, to improve the smoothness and glossiness of automotive body paint surfaces. Wood coatings make the surface coating of wood uniform and smooth, enhancing visual effects. Ink printing improves the spreading and printing clarity of ink on substrates such as paper and plastic. Architectural coatings, industrial coatings, adhesives, etc. all require leveling agents to optimize coating performance.

The global leveling agent market continues to grow, mainly due to the promotion of environmental regulations, the increasing demand for high-quality products from consumers, and the expansion of emerging application areas. In the market, high-performance and environmentally friendly leveling agents are gradually becoming mainstream, and companies are constantly increasing their research and development investment to meet market demand.