Nonaqueous dispersion paints stabilization

The preparation of nonaqueous sterically stabilized polymer latices was pioneered by Osmond and coworkers at ICI Paints Division. Their work is summarized in a comprehensive monograph (Barrett, 1975) that provides actual recipes for the successful generation of nonaqueous dispersions. Only the most general considerations need therefore be mentioned here. 

Lessons learned from paints and inks in achieving complete wetting of powders and separation of particles to micron levels with dispersion stability to forestall settling and caking are quite applicable to aqueous and nonaque-ous flowables. 

The use of surfactants (ionic, nonionic and zwitterionic) and polymers to control the stability behavior of suspensions is of considerable technological importance. Surfactants and polymers are used in die formulation of dyestuffs, paints, paper coatings, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, printing inks, etc. They are particularly robust form of stabilization which is useful at high disperse volume fractions and high electrolyte concentrations, as well as under extreme conditions of high temperature, pressure, and flow. In particular, surfactants and polymers are essential for the stabilization of suspensions in nonaqueous media, where electrostatic stabilization is less successful. 

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