As environmental regulations continue to push the coatings industry toward lower VOC (volatile organic compound) formulations, many formulators have adopted a proven strategy: increasing the solids content of the formulation. This approach effectively reduces VOC content, but it comes with its own set of challenges, most notably, managing viscosity and maintaining the desired visual appearance of the coating.

The Balancing Act: High Solids vs. Viscosity
Raising solids, especially through the addition of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), can significantly increase a coating’s opacity and brightness while reducing VOC levels. TiO₂ is a standout pigment due to its low oil absorption and fine particle size, making it ideal for high solids applications.

But there’s a catch: pushing solids too high without the right viscosity modifier can turn the coating into an unworkable paste, impacting flow, application ease, and surface finish.

Lecithin: A Viscosity Reducer with a Yellow Problem
Lecithin, a common ingredient in both food and industrial applications, has long been used as a cost-effective viscosity reducer. It lowers both apparent viscosity and yield stress, enabling higher pigment and extender loadings.

However, lecithin introduces a significant downside in coatings: its amber color. When used in white or light-colored formulations…especially those with heavy TiO₂ loading, it increases the yellowness index, degrading the brightness and whiteness of the final product.

Enter TALLICIN® K-2: Viscosity Control Without Color Compromise
Pflaumer’s TALLICIN® K-2 solves the performance and aesthetic tradeoff faced by formulators. Designed specifically for high solids coatings, TALLICIN® K-2 is a highly effective wetting and dispersing agent that:

  • Achieves superior viscosity reduction—even more efficiently than lecithin
  • Does not impart yellow or amber color to the coating
  • Supports increased TiO₂ and pigment loading
  • Maintains coating brightness and whiteness
  • Enhances flow, leveling, and optical clarity

Broad Compatibility and Proven Performance
TALLICIN® K-2 is suitable for nearly every common vehicle system using petroleum or oxygenated solvents, including:

  • Alkyds
  • Acrylics
  • Drying oils
  • Saturated polyesters
  • Epoxy esters
  • Two-component epoxies
  • Oil-modified urethanes
  • Vinyls
  • Amino resins

It also works across both organic and inorganic pigments, offering a powerful solution for tough-to-disperse colors like phthalo blue, phthalo green, and carbon black. With TALLICIN® K-2, issues like flocculation, flooding, and floating are dramatically reduced, ensuring better color acceptance and consistency.

Your Brightest White Starts Here
If you’re formulating for high solids and low VOC while preserving optical brightness and workability, TALLICIN® K-2 is the advanced wetting agent your coatings need. Say goodbye to unwanted yellowing, and hello to brighter, more consistent finishes.

 

Request your sample of TALLICIN® K-2 today and discover how it can improve your next formulation.