Functional Fillers in Paint Applications: Blanc Fixe

Günkem A.Ş.

Blanc Fixe is a "synthetic barium sulfate" obtained by subjecting barium salts with very high purity values and sulfuric acid solutions to chemical reaction and applying specific particle-size adjustment and coating technology. Thanks to the methods applied in the production process (coating application, particle-size adjustment, purity and whiteness control calibration, pH value, oil absorption and similar parameters), its use as a filler or even additive in all wet and powder paint applications is highly suitable. In summary, it is frequently used in general industrial paints, pastes/pigments, can and coil coatings, wood paints, powder paints, anti-corrosive paints, and marine paints production. By using appropriate types of Blanc Fixe products manufactured by Yillong Chemical Group Ltd. in the mentioned product groups, the following is generally achieved: • Aging/weathering resistance increases, • Chemical resistance increases, • Gloss is adjusted (fine-particle bright product, coarse-particle matte-semi-matte product), • Film mechanical resistance is enhanced, • High-quality filler properties are provided, • Excellent dispersion and flow properties are exhibited (especially in powder paint production), • Rheological properties improve, • Mohs hardness is low, therefore wear and deformation do not occur during processing. Different applications require different properties. Film thickness, gloss, mechanical strength, etc. Using the Blanc Fixe series products, you can obtain either brighter or less bright results. As shown in the graph, as particle size decreases, gloss increases, whereas as particle size increases, gloss decreases.

Functional Filler: Titanium Dioxide/Pigment Savings

With our Blanc Fixe series products, 20% savings can be easily achieved from the titanium dioxide or colored pigments included in formulations, and Blanc Fixe series products can be added in place of expensive pigments. Cost advantage is provided without performance loss in properties such as gloss and durability, which are of primary importance for applications. Higher amounts of Blanc Fixe can be introduced taking performance qualities into consideration, and cost advantage can be increased.

Particle Size and Coating Technology

The particle sizes of our Blanc Fixe series products range in a very wide spectrum, starting from "D50 max. 0.3 micron" to "D50 1.2 micron". Products are manufactured at very high purity and whiteness levels in production facilities with high technology and fully automatic systems. All products are micronized. That is, the particle-size distributions are very close to the stated D50 value. For the effect of particle size, moving within the price/expectation/performance triangle at this point is the correct approach. The refractive index (light transmission) of Blanc Fixe ranges between 1.62 and 1.66. The refractive index of water is 1.33 and that of titanium dioxide in rutile and anatase types ranges between 2.75 and 2.50. While titanium, the opaque pigment with the highest known opacity, achieves these values, Blanc Fixe ranges between 1.62 and 1.66. That is, as particle size decreases, light rays pass more easily through the molecules, increasing transparency and translucence, whereas as particle size increases, opacity and coverage increase.

Blanc Fixe L

Blanc Fixe L is a conventional standard-type synthetic barium sulfate. Blanc Fixe L, which can be safely used in all types of powder and wet paint applications, has an average particle size of 1.0 micron. It is recommended for bright, semi-bright, and matte applications. It provides 20% titanium savings without affecting opacity and gloss values. It contributes to the rheology of the final product and disperses easily. Its electrical conductivity is below 150 μS/cm.    

Blanc Fixe XL

Blanc Fixe XL is a premium-grade filler/additive material obtained by extending the production process of conventional-type Blanc Fixe by a few additional steps. In particular, it delivers perfect performance in terms of easy dispersibility, superior flow properties, and low electrical conductivity values, which are expected by powder paint manufacturers. It has electrical conductivity maintained below 100 μS/cm and, with its micronized particle characteristic, an average particle size of 0.9-1 micron.

BlancFixe 302

BlancFixe 302 is an appropriate type for applications where high gloss is desired, with an average particle size of 0.3 micron. It has approximately 2% Si-Al coating around it. Due to this, despite its very fine particle size, it does not cause problems during dispersion. It supports both titanium and colored pigments. It can be used in place of titanium/pigment with 5-15% performance loss.

BlancFixe 306

BlancFixe 306 is an appropriate type for applications where high gloss is desired, with an average particle size of 0.3 micron. It has approximately 6% organic or inorganic coating around it. Due to this, in addition to its superior dispersion properties, it does not cause frequently encountered problems such as suspension/settling. It supports both titanium and colored pigments. It can be used in place of titanium/pigment with 5-15% performance loss.

Blanc Fixe 702

BlancFixe 702 is a type recommended for applications where both gloss and opacity are desired, with an average particle size of 0.7 micron. In addition to its easy dispersibility property, it provides titanium savings of 10-20% without performance loss. Its use is suitable in semi-bright to bright applications.

BlancFixe 808W

BlancFixe 808W is a micronized type with an average particle size of 0.8 micron. The most important characteristic of this product is that barium sulfate molecules (approximately 92-93%) are coated with titanium dioxide (approximately 7-8%). It is ideal for applications where high whiteness, high opacity, and high gloss are expected. In some applications (especially where high impact resistance and mechanical strength are desired), it can be used in place of 100% titanium.

BlancFixe Microfine

BlancFixe Microfine is a very special micronized type with an average particle size of max. 0.3 micron. The most important characteristic of this product is that it has a very fine particle size. It is recommended especially for automotive topcoat applications where very high gloss is desired. As the Günkem family, with the "BlancFixe – Synthetic Barium Sulfate" product group from Yillong Chemical Group Ltd., which has been reliably preferred by both wet paint and powder paint manufacturers for years, we meet the market's high-quality filler/additive needs. We are here for the best! Doğuhan Türker Çelik Business Development Specialist Save