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Every high-quality coating — from architectural paints to industrial primers — depends on a hidden ingredient that makes everything blend perfectly: the surfactant.
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A surfactant (short for “surface-active agent”) is a compound that reduces surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid. In coatings, surfactants help disperse pigments, improve wetting, stabilize emulsions, and enhance the overall appearance and durability of the paint film.

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Without surfactants, coatings would separate, foam uncontrollably, or fail to cover surfaces evenly. This article explains what surfactants are, how they work at the molecular level, and why phosphate ester surfactants — like those from Donghong Chemical — are critical in modern coating systems.
What Is a Surfactant?
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At its core, a surfactant is a molecule with two opposite personalities.
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Each surfactant molecule has a hydrophilic head (water-loving) and a hydrophobic tail (oil-loving). This dual nature allows surfactants to act as a bridge between substances that normally don’t mix — such as water and organic resins in coating formulations.
Basic Structure:
- Hydrophilic (Polar) Group: Attracts water molecules.
- Hydrophobic (Non-Polar) Tail: Attracts oils, resins, or pigments.
By aligning themselves at interfaces, surfactants lower surface tension and create a uniform, stable mixture — essential for both waterborne ug solvent-based coatings.

How Surfactants Work in Coating Formulations
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The magic of surfactants lies in how they influence surface tension and particle interaction.
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When added to a paint or coating formulation, surfactants reduce the energy required for wetting, dispersion, and stabilization. They ensure pigments spread evenly, films flow smoothly, and the product remains stable over time.
Key Mechanisms:
- Wetting:
Surfactants help the coating spread uniformly over the substrate by reducing surface tension.
→ Result: Improved adhesion and coverage. - Dispersion:
Surfactants surround pigment and filler particles, preventing them from clumping together.
→ Result: Stable color, smooth texture, and higher gloss. - Emulsification:
In waterborne systems, surfactants keep resin droplets evenly dispersed in water.
→ Result: Stable emulsions that don’t separate during storage. - Leveling and Flow:
Surfactants improve surface smoothness by preventing craters, orange peel, and brush marks.
→ Result: Better film uniformity and visual appeal. - Anti-Static and Anti-Corrosive Effects (Phosphate Esters):
The phosphate group can bond to metal substrates, forming protective films that resist corrosion.
In short: surfactants make coatings more efficient, more stable, and more beautiful.
Different Types of Surfactants Used in Coatings
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Not all surfactants behave the same — their chemistry defines their role.
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| cURL Too many subrequests. | Negative | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. |
| Nonionic | Walay | cURL Too many subrequests. | Fatty alcohol ethoxylates |
| Cationic | Positive | cURL Too many subrequests. | Quaternary ammonium compounds |
| Amphoteric | Dual (positive/negative) | cURL Too many subrequests. | cURL Too many subrequests. |
Phosphate ester surfactants, such as AEO-3 ug NP-10 cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests. uban cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests.

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Functions in Coating Applications:
- Wetting Agent: Helps the paint penetrate and adhere to the substrate.
- Dispersant: Prevents pigment aggregation and flocculation.
- Anti-Corrosion Additive: Creates phosphate-metal bonds that protect the substrate.
- Leveling Agent: Improves gloss and smoothness.
- Emulsion Stabilizer: Ensures long-term storage stability.
Advantages of Phosphate Ester Surfactants:
- Low foaming, ideal for high-speed mixing.
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- Compatible with various resin systems (acrylic, epoxy, PU).
- Biodegradable and APEO-free.
Donghong Chemical’s AEO-3 ug cURL Too many subrequests. are used worldwide in architectural, automotive, and industrial coatings for their stability and performance.
How Surfactants Affect Paint Performance
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A good surfactant can make a paint easy to apply and long-lasting — but the wrong one can ruin it.
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Surfactant concentration, type, and purity all influence key paint properties such as gloss, leveling, adhesion, and water resistance.
| Propiedad | Effect of Surfactant | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wetting and Spreading | Lowers surface tension | Better coverage and adhesion |
| Color Strength | Improves pigment dispersion | Richer, more uniform color |
| Gloss and Leveling | Enhances film flow | Smooth, defect-free finish |
| Foaming Control | Low-foam surfactants prevent defects | Stable surface without craters |
| Storage Stability | Keeps emulsion uniform | Longer shelf life |
| Corrosion Resistance | Phosphate bonding effect | Increased substrate protection |
Important Tip:
In coatings, surfactants should be added cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests.
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Donghong Chemical provides cURL Too many subrequests. cURL Too many subrequests.
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cURL Too many subrequests. high-purity (≥99%) phosphate esters from Donghong Chemical are trusted worldwide for advanced coatings.
Quality Parameters:
- Purity ≥99%
- Acid Value ≤0.3 mgKOH/g
- Color ≤30 APHA (water-clear)
- Moisture ≤0.1%
- Excellent batch-to-batch consistency
Donghong Chemical’s Quality Advantage:
- Fully automated esterification and filtration systems.
- Closed-loop solvent recovery (>95% efficiency).
- ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified production.
- REACH & RoHS compliance for EU exports.
Conclusion: Surfactants — The Science Behind Perfect Coatings
Surfactants are the invisible engineers of the coating world — ensuring smooth application, bright color, and long-term stability.
Among them, phosphate ester surfactants offer unmatched versatility, combining wetting, dispersing, and anti-corrosion functions in a single molecule.
By choosing high-purity surfactants from Donghong Chemical, coating manufacturers gain consistent performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability — all essential for modern formulations.
For product inquiries, technical data, or sample requests:
📧 Email: dohollchemical@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86 139 0301 4781
Donghong Chemical — Trusted manufacturer of phosphate esters and surfactant additives for coatings, textiles, and industrial applications worldwide.
