Optimising carbon black dispersion, properties, and processing to achieve high-quality deep black shades
The demand for deep black coatings is rising, particularly in industrial, and high-end product applications where deeper black shades are associated with premium quality. The term "jetness" describes a deep black with blue undertones.
Formulating high jetness black requires balancing carbon black properties, dispersing agents, and milling conditions to ensure the highest jetness for high-end coatings and inks. On the pigment side, small particle size, high surface area, and optimised structure contribute to maximising light absorption and achieving a deep black appearance. However, its dispersion and its stabilization presents a challenge due to strong Van der Waals forces, which lead to agglomeration and increased viscosity.
The opacity and undertone of carbon black are influenced by pigment load and processing parameters such as milling time, bead size, and applied shear, all of which play a critical role in determining the final jetness level.
Benefits:
Our formulation development shows that superior jetness and a deep, bluish-black appearance can be optimised through:
- Raw material compatibility: Using fine-particle carbon blacks with high pigment surface area and controlled porosity, along with compatible dispersing agents tailored to surface activity.
- Formulation & processing optimisation: Adjusting dispersant dosage based on carbon black surface area to ensure complete wetting and stabilisation, and applying high-energy milling techniques (e.g., bead milling) to break agglomerates and enhance jetness.
- Application considerations: Optimising layer thickness to control opacity and undertone, and fine-tuning drying and curing conditions to maximise black intensity.
Key materials:
Raw materials to achieve superior jetness and a deep, bluish-black appearance include:
- High jetness carbon black pigments: Fine particle size and high surface area maximise jetness and blue undertone.
- Surface treatments of carbon black pigments: Enhance dispersibility in polar paint and ink systems, improve viscosity control and stability.
- Dispersing agents: Improve pigment stabilisation, prevent agglomeration, and optimise dispersion.
Formulation support:
Developed in our laboratories, our formulations use the best-performing raw material combinations to meet market and customer requirements, ensuring optimal performance for different applications and conditions.
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