Citroflex™ Coalescing Agents for Coatings

Citroflex™ is a range of citric acid esters from Aurorium with multiple functionalities and performance benefits for polymer systems. Citroflex™ products are commonly known as plasticizers and plastics additives, but they are also very effective coalescing agents used in paints and coating formulations.
 

What is a Coalescing Agent?

 
A coalescing agent's primary role is to soften the polymer, allowing a solid uniform continuous film as the paint dries. They are stabilizers or temporary plasticizers that provide an even dispersion for polymer or resin. Coalescing agents help form polymeric films at ambient temperatures and stabilize the coating when the water or solvent evaporates.  

Criteria for selecting a Coalescent Agent

Compatibility

• The coalescent agent additives must be compatible with the base polymer of the paint or the coating formulation.

 

Efficiency

• Coalescent agents additives are used to decrease the MFFT of the polymer-coalescent system. The coalescing aid is selected based on the base polymer glass-transition (Tg) temperature, which defines the baseline minimum film formation temperature (MFFT).

 

Evaporation Rate

• Coalescent agent additives with low evaporation rates are more effective coalescents, especially in formulations of water-based and low VOC coatings.

 

Water and Polymer Solubility Balance

• It is vital to select a coalescent agent with low water solubility and high polymer solubility. The optimal solubility ensures the film formation stability and prevents the coalescent from evaporating with the solvent (water).

 

Why Citroflex™ Coalescing Agents for Your Paints and Coatings

 

Low evaporation rate and Low VOC of < 0.5%   Exceptional efficacy in Tg recovery   Excellent hardness development and superior anti-blocking properties   Broad compatibility with polymers, binders, and a variety of substrates   Resistance to dirt pick-up and staining for paints and coatings   Citroflex™ offers both hydrophilic and lipophilic esters    Nontoxic and Eco Complaint: not classified as VOC material in Europe (1999/13/EC) and 2004/42/CE) and not as HAP in the U.S. (Clean Air Act 1990)