The improvement of silica on the performance of coatings is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Enhance hiding power and adhesion

As a pigment filler, silica can significantly improve the hiding power and adhesion of coatings. Its tiny particle size and high specific surface area enable the coating to adhere more closely to the surface of the substrate, forming a uniform and firm coating, thereby improving the overall performance of the coating.

2. Improve weather resistance

Silica can enhance the weather resistance of coatings, including UV resistance, aging resistance, and salt spray resistance. The improvement of these properties enables the coating to maintain stable performance in harsh environments and extend its service life. For example, in outdoor coatings, silica can reduce the penetration of ultraviolet rays and reduce the oxidation rate of the coating, thereby extending the service life of the coating.

3. Thixotropic properties

Silica has thixotropic properties, which makes the coating easy to flow and apply under shear force, while maintaining a certain shape and stability when stationary. This property helps to eliminate droplet sedimentation, improve the suspension and stability of the coating, and facilitate construction. At the same time, the thixotropic property can also make the coating easier to operate and control during the construction process, improving the construction efficiency.

4. Improve the leveling property

Silica can improve the leveling property of the coating, making the coating smoother and flatter. This helps to reduce brush marks and orange peel phenomenon, and improve the decorativeness and aesthetics of the coating. At the same time, good leveling can also make the coating more uniform, improve the hiding power and adhesion of the coating.

5. Matting effect

The refractive index of amorphous silica is 1.457, which is similar to the refractive index of conventional resin coatings, so it is the first choice for high-end coating matting agents. Adding silica to varnish can produce matte and matte effects, and enhance the decorativeness of the coating. This matting effect makes the coating softer and more natural, and is suitable for high-end decoration and art painting.

6. Improve wear resistance

In functional coatings, such as anti-corrosion coatings, wear-resistant coatings, etc., silica can significantly improve the wear resistance of the coating. Its high hardness and wear resistance enable the coating to maintain good integrity when subjected to friction and wear, extending the service life of the coating.

7. Environmental performance

As an inorganic silicon compound, silica is non-toxic, odorless, non-combustible, and has good environmental performance. The use of silica in coatings helps to reduce the emission of harmful substances and meets modern environmental protection requirements. This makes silica have a wide range of application prospects in environmentally friendly coatings and green building materials.

In summary, silica improves the performance of coatings in many aspects, including enhancing hiding power and adhesion, improving weather resistance, thixotropic properties, improving leveling, matting effect, improving wear resistance and environmental performance. The improvement of these properties makes the application of coatings more extensive and in-depth in various fields.