Investigation of Three-Dimensional Structure and Pigment Surrounding Environment of a TiO2 Containing Waterborne Paint

Abstract

Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) has been used to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a cured waterborne paint containing TiO2 pigment particles, and the surrounding environment of the TiO2 pigment particles in the cured paint film was also discussed. The 3D spatial distribution of the particles in the paint film and their degree of dispersion were clearly revealed. More than 55% of the measured TiO2 particles have volumes between 1.0 × 106 nm3 and 1.0 × 107 nm3. From the obtained 3D images, we proposed that there are three different types of voids in the measured cured waterborne paint film: voids that exist in the cured paint themselves, voids produced by particle shedding, and voids produced by quasi-liquid phase evaporation during measurement. Among these, the latter two types of voids are artefacts caused during SBFSEM measurement which provide evidence to support that the pigment particles in the cured paint/coating films are surrounding by quasi-liquid environment rather than dry solid environment. The error caused by particle shedding to the statistical calculation of the TiO2 particles was corrected in our analysis. The resulting 3D structure of the paint, especially the different voids are important for further systematic research, and are critical for understanding the real environment of the pigment particles in the cured paint films.

Implementation of the process by slurry and concentrate of pigments in latex-type paint formulas. Challenges and opportunities for planning

“…Likewise, CaCO3 had a small average particle size that was similar to the particle size of TiO2, so the dispersion effect was favorable [6]. This fact agrees with Yang et al, in their research it was found that the groups of TiO2 particles clusters in the cured paint film can be reduced and the quasiliquid phases or voids in the coating, likewise, the demand for TiO2 particles decreases [30]. In this way, it contributes to reduce the manufacturing cost of the paint, and improves the physical and chemical performance of the cured paint.…”

Effects of Grinding Aids Used in Grinding Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) Filler on the Properties of Water-Based Interior Paints

“…At the end of the road started in the mid-1960s to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic chemicals in traditional solvent-based paints, today water-based paints have become the most widely used paints globally [9]. Waterborne paints use water as a solvent, which is cheap and non-toxic to human beings and the environment, making this type of paint one of the ideal choices for paint manufacturing in the modern coating market [10]. However, there are still technical problems in manufacturing water-based paints that can cause aesthetic issues and application disadvantages [11].…”