Recently, research in the field of coating technology has revealed the core role of leveling agents in achieving a mirror-like finish similar to "piano baking paint". Known as the "peacemaker" in coatings, this additive effectively solves common defects such as orange peel, craters, and brush marks during application through precise molecular structure design, providing technical support for high-end coating. As amphiphilic molecules, leveling agents possess both lipophilic and hydrophilic (or air-loving) properties. Different types of leveling agents perform their respective functions with unique chemical structures. Silicone-based agents, with Si-O as the main chain, can significantly reduce surface tension and help the wet film spread quickly; acrylic-based agents rely on C-C main chains and multiple functional groups to smooth the surface tension gradient of the paint film; polyester-based agents fill micro-pores and crosslink through long-chain structures to improve coating fullness; fluorocarbon-based agents overcome wetting problems with ultra-low surface energy advantages. In practical applications, different coating defects correspond to exclusive solutions: silicone-modified polyether is preferred for orange peel and brush marks with an addition amount of only 0.05%-0.3%; fluorocarbon-acrylic composite is needed for craters and fisheyes with an addition amount of 0.1%-0.5%; high-molecular-weight acrylic is suitable for pinholes and bubbles; and hydroxyl polyester is relied on to enhance fullness. Experts also provide practical suggestions: short-chain low-silicon silicone is suitable for spraying systems, and polyester products are preferred for high-temperature baking systems. This technological breakthrough indicates that the selection of leveling agents does not depend on experience but on scientific matching based on molecular structure. By precisely regulating key links such as surface tension, eliminating tension gradients, and filling micro-pores, a mirror-like coating effect can be achieved, which is widely used in high-end fields such as wood coating and automotive refinishing. With the development of molecular design technology, the coating industry will usher in more efficient and environmentally friendly coating solutions.
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