Key Functions And Application Of White Carbon In Coating

As modern coatings evolve toward higher performance, better aesthetics, and eco-friendlier formulations, functional additives play an increasingly crucial role. Among these, white carbon, also widely known as precipitated silica, has become one of the most valuable and versatile materials for coating manufacturers.

With its high purity, controlled particle size, porous morphology, and excellent chemical stability, white carbon provides multiple functional benefits that enhance both the performance and appearance of coatings. Whether used as a matting agent, rheology modifier, anti-settling additive, or anti-blocking component, white carbon enables formulators to meet demanding quality and application requirements.

1.1 Gloss Control & Matting

One of the most important uses of white carbon is as a matting agent. Its controlled particle size creates microscopic surface roughness that scatters incident light, reducing gloss and producing:

Matte finish

Semi-matte finish

Satin finish

Soft-touch matte surface

Compared with traditional matting agents (e.g., wax powders), precipitated silica offers:

Lower gloss at lower dosage

Better transparency

Non-yellowing stability

Improved surface scratch resistance

1.2 Rheology Modification

White carbon increases thixotropy and improves the viscosity profile of coatings. This provides:

Anti-sagging performance

Enhanced brushability and rollability

Better control during spray application

Stability in high-temperature or long-term storage conditions

Its 3D network structure helps achieve ideal flow and leveling properties.

1.3 Anti-Settling and Suspension

In pigmented or metallic coatings, precipitated silica forms a weak gel network that prevents pigments and fillers from settling.

Benefits include:

Uniform color and appearance

Stable viscosity

Reduced hard settling at the bottom of the container

Improved compatibility with metallic flakes

This performance makes silica powder indispensable in automotive refinishing paints, industrial coatings, and water-based systems.

1.4 Surface Hardness & Scratch Resistance

The addition of SiO₂ particles enhances:

Mechanical strength

Abrasion resistance

Surface durability

This is especially valuable in high-wear coatings applied in industrial, automotive, and wood applications.

1.5 Anti-Blocking Performance

White carbon reduces friction between coating layers, preventing sticking or blocking during:

Stacking

Packaging

Processing

Transport

It is widely used in plastic film coatings and UV-curable systems.

1.6 Transparency and Optical Control

Ultra-fine silica grades are engineered to maintain:

High clarity

Optical stability

Minimal haze

This is beneficial in clear coats, varnishes, and transparent protective layers.

2.1 High Purity and Stability

White carbon provides excellent chemical inertness:

Non-reactive with resins and additives

Non-yellowing even after long-term exposure

Helps maintain coating transparency

2.2 Eco-Friendly and Safe

Precipitated silica is:

Free from heavy metals

Non-toxic

Environmentally friendly

Compliant with international regulations such as REACH and RoHS

This makes it suitable for sustainable and low-VOC coating systems.

2.3 Excellent Cost-Performance Ratio

Low consumption dosage combined with high performance characteristics makes precipitated silica one of the most economical coating additives.

2.4 Wide Resin Compatibility

Including:

Acrylic systems

Polyurethane coatings

Epoxy coatings

Alkyd and polyester systems

Waterborne coatings

UV-curable systems

3.1 Wood Coatings

Functional benefits:

Smooth matte effect

Enhanced scratch resistance

Improved tactile feel

Typical dosage: 3%–8%

3.2 Industrial Metallic Paints

Provides:

Anti-settling

Abrasion resistance

Controlled flow behavior

Typical dosage: 3%–10%

3.3 Water-Based Acrylic Paint

Enhances:

Matting

Rheology stability

Typical dosage: 0.5%–2%

3.4 UV-Cured Coatings

Advantages:

High transparency

Good matting efficiency

Enhanced surface strength

Typical dosage: 0.5%–3%

3.5 Automotive & High-Performance Industrial Coatings

Used to improve:

Scratch resistance

Surface hardness

Weatherability

3.6 Plastic Film & Powder Coatings

Improves:

Anti-blocking

Flow and leveling

Thermal stability

4.1 Based on Gloss Requirements

Larger particle size = deeper matte

Smaller particle size = higher gloss/more transparent matte

4.2 Based on Transparency Needs

Ultra-fine silica is recommended for:

Clear coatings

Transparent UV systems

High-end varnishes

4.3 Based on Resin System

Hydrophobic silica for solvent systems

Hydrophilic silica for water-based systems

4.4 Based on Processing Compatibility

Important parameters:

Oil absorption

pH

Moisture content

Particle hardness

Dispersibility

A professional silica manufacturer can provide technical data sheets and customized recommendations to ensure the best match.

5.1 Stable & Consistent Quality

Reliable particle size control and purity ensure predictable performance.

5.2 Advanced Surface Treatment Technologies

Hydrophobic or functionalized silica enhances compatibility with different coating systems.

5.3 Technical Support

Professional formulators can assist in selecting the appropriate silica grade.

5.4 Customization Capabilities

Matting efficiency, particle size, or surface treatment can be tailored to specific needs.

5.5 Global Supply Reliability

Ensures stable delivery and consistent raw material availability.

Growth in green and water-based coatings

Increasing demand for soft-touch matte silica

Development of ultra-low-gloss and anti-glare technologies

Expansion in EV, aerospace, and 3D printing coating applications

Greater adoption of functional SiO₂ in high-performance protective coatings

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