Deuteron Matting Agents: Additives for Perfect Surfaces

Polymethylurea-based matting agents are important additives used in inks, paints and coatings. They improve texture and extend application possibilities when traditional matting agents reach their limits. Deuteron matting agents are finely ground powdered organic thermoset urea-formaldehyde polymers. Due to the chemical and physical properties of this material group, their effects cannot be compared and they cannot replace silica-based matting agents. However, they provide special, characteristic properties for the user. With their chemical properties and structure, they can be used alone or in combination in a wide variety of coating materials, with options in different particle sizes. Polymethylurea-based organic matting agents are not substitutes for SiO2 matting agents. However, they offer possibilities for optimization when the limits of traditional matting agents are reached. Their use helps achieve a surface that cannot be obtained with standard matting agents alone, or can only be partially obtained or achieved only in combination with standard matting agents.

Gloss levels of different matting agents in NC varnish.

Scanning electron microscope image of Deuteron MK on a coated surface.

Deuteron matting agents are finely ground powdered organic thermoset urea-formaldehyde polymers. With their chemical properties and structure, they are highly suitable as primary or supplementary matting agents in many coating materials and are used worldwide by our customers thanks to their high performance. Benefit from the versatile application possibilities offered by our matting agents for your inks and coating work.

Advantages at a Glance:

• Good matting effect. • Narrow particle size distribution. • No melting point (thermoset). • Temperature resistant up to 200°C. • Short-term temperatures up to 300°C. • Clear film formation. • High scratch resistance. • High gloss resistance. • Slip-resistant. • Chemical resistant. • No swelling in solvents. • No negative effect on catalysts. • Paintable and printable. • Low effect on viscosity/rheology. • Cleanable and disinfectable. • Good matting in all environmental conditions. • Increases resistance to metal scratching. • "Pleasant" texture – soft touch. • Provides soft texture. • Supports block resistance. • Low "anfeuerung" effect. • Regulating additive for metallic effect pigments. Deuteron matting agents can be used in water-based, solvent-based and UV-cured systems with both reactive and non-reactive systems. Due to their 10-12% moisture content, these products cannot be used in moisture-cured systems. In non-film-forming systems, such as 100% UV coatings, solvent-free epoxy coatings or powder coatings, satisfactory results generally cannot be expected, as with all other matting agents. The particle size and particle size distribution of the matting agent define the matting properties and the smoothness of the surface. In this case, care must be taken as some of the benefits of organic matting agents may be lost. Synergistic effects can also be achieved in some cases. For special applications, combinations with other Deuteron products can be used. In any case, gloss (reflectometer value) is a function of particle size and the structure created by the matting agent on the surface. With Deuteron matting agent types, the matting effect is directly proportional to particle size. With increasing particle size, surface roughness and thus matting increases.

Comparison of particle sizes and d-values frequency.

Gloss level with respect to surface roughness.

  An important advantage of Deuteron matting agents is that they have less effect on viscosity and rheological behavior compared to SiO2 matting agents. From organic matting agents, although the quantities required for the same gloss may be higher in some cases, they allow for more formula development in viscosity adjustments and similar applications. Emir Özçalışkan Expert Biochemist Sales Representative Aykim Sanayi Kimyasalları  

Chemical structure of PMU.

Typical values of organic matting agents.