Product Details

Course Description

One of the most challenging objectives to paint and coating formulators is to ensure a compatible and stable dispersion of pigments, fillers and matting agents.  In time, particles can re-agglomerate, due to intermolecular attractive forces, and even hard settle because of specific weight.  An understanding of the pigment dispersion process along with the wide array of wetting and dispersing agents available is helpful to achieve optimum color development and stability.  Topics covered will include chemistry, theory, mechanism and concepts including the electric double layer, DLVO theory, depletion flocculation, dispersant types and optimum dispersant concentration, as well as “grinding” equipment.  While targeted to formulating chemists, this course is also well suited for marketing, sales, production and customer service personnel.  Managers and supervisors would also benefit by having a better understanding, and appreciation, of the important role wetting and dispersing agent play to the production of quality paints and coatings.

Course Outline

• Equipment Used to Produce Colorants
• Components of a Colorant Formulation
• The Pigment Dispersion Process
• Pigment Stabilization Mechanisms
• Electric Double Layer and the DLVO Theory
• Optimum Dispersant Concentrations
• Wetting/Dispersing Agent Types and Chemistry

Course Instructor

Sam Morell is a Chemical Engineering graduate of New York University.  With over 50 years in the Chemicals industry, his experience includes both technical and marketing positions at Rohm and Haas, BASF, and Air Products and Chemicals.  Mr. Morell has authored numerous technical articles on additives, pigments, and resins in various publications including PCI Magazine, Modern Paint and Coatings, The American Ink Maker, and Adhesives Age.  He has been invited by various domestic and international industry symposiums, as well as Fortune 500 companies, to present both technical papers and educational courses.  These include The American Coatings Show, The Waterborne Symposium, The European Coatings Show, and Coatings Trends and Technologies.