Addivion WET 11 is a wetting and dispersing additive based on a solution of polymeric phosphoric acid ester, formulated for solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings and printing inks. It is designed to stabilize inorganic pigments, particularly titanium dioxide, delivering a strong reduction in millbase viscosity along with improved gloss, color strength, and transparency. The product’s anionic character makes it especially well suited to acid-catalyzed systems such as coil coatings.
Addivion WET 11 Overview
Addivion WET 11 belongs to the family of polymeric phosphoric acid ester wetting and dispersing additives, a chemistry widely recognized for its strong affinity toward inorganic pigment surfaces. The acidic phosphate ester groups anchor onto the pigment surface, while the polymeric backbone extends into the surrounding medium to provide steric stabilization, keeping deflocculated particles apart and preventing re-agglomeration over time.
Supplied as a ready-to-use solution, the product is incorporated directly into the millbase stage of a formulation. Because the additive deflocculates pigments through steric stabilization, the resulting small, well-separated particle sizes translate into higher gloss, stronger color development, and increased transparency or hiding power depending on the pigment system, while also reducing millbase and finished coating viscosity.
Key Features
- Polymeric phosphoric acid ester chemistry: Addivion WET 11 is built on a solution of polymeric phosphoric acid ester, a proven wetting and dispersing additive class for inorganic pigments.
- Strong viscosity reduction: The product delivers a strong reduction of millbase viscosity, supporting higher pigment loading and easier processing.
- Improved optical properties: Coatings formulated with the product show increased gloss, improved color strength, and greater transparency or hiding power.
- Reduced haze in electrostatic spray application: For inorganic pigmented coatings applied using electrostatic high-rotation equipment, the product significantly reduces haze.
- Suited to acid-catalyzed systems: The anionic character of the product makes it particularly well suited to acid-catalyzed systems such as coil coatings.
Typical Applications
Addivion WET 11 is primarily used as a wetting and dispersing additive in solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings and printing inks, where it stabilizes inorganic pigments and especially titanium dioxide across a wide range of formulation types. It is also widely applied in coil coatings and other acid-catalyzed systems, where its anionic character supports compatibility with the curing chemistry.
Beyond general industrial and decorative coatings, the product is valuable in systems applied by electrostatic high-rotation spray equipment, where reduced haze directly improves finished appearance. For complementary pigment stabilization in high-solids or solvent-free systems, formulators often evaluate Addivion DISP 20 alongside this grade. The product also performs well in general industrial and decorative coatings that rely on inorganic pigments for opacity and tint strength, where consistent pigment dispersion supports batch-to-batch color reproducibility.
Technical Specifications
- Composition: Solution of polymeric phosphoric acid ester
- Acid value: 53 mg KOH/g
- Density (20°C): 1.03 g/ml
- Non-volatile matter (10 min., 150°C): 52%
- Solvents: Methoxypropylacetate/alkylbenzenes 1/1
- Flash point: 42°C
- Function: Wetting and dispersing additive for inorganic pigments
Polymeric Phosphate Ester Dispersant Chemistry
Polymeric phosphoric acid ester dispersants such as Addivion WET 11 stabilize pigments through a two-part mechanism: the acidic phosphate groups adsorb strongly onto the surface of inorganic pigments, particularly titanium dioxide, while the polymeric ester backbone extends into the surrounding medium to create a steric barrier against particle reapproach. This mechanism is especially effective for titanium dioxide and other inorganic pigments, where the strong anchoring of the phosphate groups delivers reliable long-term dispersion stability.
Because of its relatively high acid value, the additive can potentially accelerate the reaction of baking systems, so viscosity increase during storage should be monitored in systems where this interaction may be relevant. The product is supplied as a solution in a methoxypropylacetate/alkylbenzenes blend and should be mixed well before use, since separation and turbidity may occur on standing; heating to 30-40°C with stirring will restore a homogeneous solution.
Formulators should note that the strength of the phosphate-pigment interaction is a key differentiator versus more general-purpose dispersants: because the acid groups bind tightly to metal-oxide surfaces, the product tends to be most effective on inorganic pigments and fillers rather than on organic pigment types, where alternative dispersant chemistries may be more appropriate.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture, heat, and foreign material.
- Recommended storage temperature: 0-30°C.
- Mix well before use; if separation or turbidity occurs, heat to 30-40°C and stir until homogeneous.
- Protect from direct sunlight during storage and transport.
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
For optimum performance, Addivion WET 11 must be incorporated into the millbase before the addition of pigments. Recommended addition levels, based on the weight of pigment, are approximately 5-10% for inorganic pigments and 2-4% for titanium dioxide; these levels serve as a starting point, with the optimal dosage determined through a small series of laboratory trials for the target pigment and binder system.
Because the product’s high acid value can interact with certain baking or acid-catalyzed cure chemistries, formulators working in these systems should confirm compatibility and monitor storage viscosity through small-scale trials before full-batch use. For a complementary surface additive addressing air release or leveling alongside pigment dispersion, formulators may wish to evaluate Addivion DEF 06.
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 WET 11: Safety & Handling
Addivion WET 11 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for coatings and printing ink 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 dispersing additives, small-scale compatibility and dosage trials are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm performance in the target pigment and binder system.
Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling information for the product are available upon request. For related additive options, see also Addivion DISP 00 and Addivion DISP 20.