Addivion DEF 10 is a controlled flocculating wetting and dispersing additive built on a solution of a low molecular weight, unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer and a polysiloxane copolymer, formulated for solvent-borne, medium- to high-polarity coatings. It is designed to prevent the flooding and floating of titanium dioxide in combination with colored pigments, while its small polysiloxane content also improves surface slip, leveling, and the orientation of matting agents and aluminum pigments.
Addivion DEF 10 Overview
Addivion DEF 10 belongs to the family of controlled flocculation wetting and dispersing additives, in which an unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer builds bridges between individual pigment particles, creating a loose three-dimensional network throughout the film. Unlike deflocculating dispersants that aim to keep pigment particles fully separated, this controlled flocculation approach deliberately links pigment particles together, which is precisely what prevents color separation defects such as flooding and floating.
The additive is particularly suited to medium- to high-polarity solvent-borne systems where titanium dioxide is combined with colored pigments, a combination that is especially prone to flooding and floating without an effective controlled flocculation additive in the formulation.
Flooding and floating occur because pigments of different size, density, and surface chemistry migrate at different rates as a wet film dries, resulting in a mottled or streaked appearance rather than a uniform color. By linking pigment particles together before this differential migration can occur, Addivion DEF 10 addresses the root cause of the defect rather than simply masking its symptoms.
Key Features
- Controlled flocculating chemistry: Addivion DEF 10 is built on a solution of an unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer and a polysiloxane copolymer.
- Prevents flooding and floating: The additive creates three-dimensional pigment networks that primarily prevent flooding and floating, along with settling and sagging.
- Improves anticorrosive performance: In many cases, anticorrosive properties are improved when the additive is used in protective primers.
- Secondary leveling benefit: The small polysiloxane content also prevents Bénard cell formation and improves surface slip and leveling.
- Reduces need for separate silicone additives: In most cases, it is no longer necessary to add the silicone additives that are otherwise required for these effects.
Typical Applications
Addivion DEF 10 is primarily used as a controlled flocculation additive in solvent-borne industrial coatings and protective primers and anticorrosive coatings, where preventing flooding and floating of titanium dioxide and colored pigments is critical to achieving consistent, uniform color. It is particularly effective in TiO2/colored pigment combinations that are otherwise prone to color separation during film formation.
Because the additive has limited compatibility with white spirit, it performs best in medium- to high-polarity coating systems rather than those heavily diluted with white spirit. For complementary leveling performance in the same solvent-borne coating systems, formulators often evaluate Addivion SURF 35 alongside this grade.
Technical Specifications
- Composition: Solution of a low molecular weight, unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer and a polysiloxane copolymer
- Acid value: 150 mg KOH/g
- Density (20°C): 0.95 g/ml
- Non-volatile matter (10 min., 150°C): 50%
- Solvents: Xylene/diisobutyl ketone 9/1
- Flash point: 28°C
- Function: Controlled flocculating wetting and dispersing additive
Controlled Flocculation Mechanism & Anti-Flooding Performance
Controlled flocculation dispersants such as Addivion DEF 10 work by a fundamentally different mechanism than conventional deflocculating dispersants: rather than fully separating and stabilizing individual pigment particles, the unsaturated polycarboxylic acid polymer deliberately bridges particles together into a loose, three-dimensional network. This network structure prevents pigments of different density and particle size, most notably titanium dioxide and colored pigments, from separating and migrating differently during drying, which is the root cause of flooding, floating, and related color inconsistency defects.
Because the same network structure also resists sedimentation and sag, the additive delivers settling and sagging control as a secondary benefit alongside its primary anti-flooding function. The polysiloxane copolymer component further reinforces surface-related performance, suppressing Bénard cell convection patterns that would otherwise disrupt film uniformity and improving the orientation of matting agents and aluminum flake pigments for a more consistent visual finish.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture and extreme temperatures.
- Recommended storage temperature: 0-30°C.
- Separation or turbidity may occur during storage and transportation; warm to 30-60°C and mix well before use.
- Shelf life: Up to 24 months in the original, unopened packaging when stored under recommended conditions.
Documentation & Compliance
Each shipment of the product is supported by standard quality and compliance documentation to help customers manage incoming inspection, formulation approval, and downstream regulatory reporting.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Provided per batch
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Mandatory prior to handling
- Labels: Prepared in accordance with applicable regulations
- Industrial and professional use only
Formulation Guidance
Recommended addition levels, based upon pigment, are 3-10% for inorganic pigments, 0.5-2.5% for titanium dioxide, and 10-20% for organic pigments. These levels serve as a starting point, with optimal dosage determined through a series of laboratory trials for the target system. For optimum performance, the additive must be incorporated into the millbase before the addition of pigments.
Because Addivion DEF 10 has limited compatibility with white spirit, formulators working with white spirit-diluted systems should evaluate compatibility carefully and consider alternative dispersing additives if flooding and floating persist. For complementary deflocculating dispersion performance in aqueous or solvent-borne systems where full pigment separation rather than controlled flocculation is preferred, formulators may wish to evaluate Addivion WET 96.
Packaging & Logistics
- Packaging: Approved industrial packaging
- MOQ: Subject to packaging configuration
- Lead time: Indicative lead time, to be confirmed upon order acceptance
- Incoterms: Quoted case by case
Addivion DEF 10: Safety & Handling
Addivion DEF 10 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for coating and resin additives. Users are advised to review the Safety Data Sheet prior to handling and to implement appropriate personal protective equipment and engineering controls as specified therein. As with all controlled flocculation additives, small-scale compatibility and dosage trials are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm anti-flooding performance and to check for any effect on gloss, leveling, or color uniformity in the target system.
Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling information for the product are available upon request. For related additive options, see also Addivion SURF 35 and Addivion WET 96.