predisperse

Predisperse refers to pigments, fillers, or other solid particulates that have been dispersed in a liquid medium before being incorporated into a final product. A predispersed material is supplied as a stable suspension or slurry with a defined particle size distribution and stabilizing agents, enabling easier and more predictable incorporation into coatings, inks, plastics, or adhesives without requiring extensive on-site milling.

Production and composition: Predispersions are produced by high-energy milling or high-shear mixing in the presence of dispersants or surfactants, and sometimes binders. The process breaks up agglomerates and creates a stable dispersion with smaller, more uniform particles. Predispersions may be in water or organic media and can carry dispersants that improve compatibility with a target resin or binder.

Advantages and use: Using predispersed materials can reduce equipment wear, shorten processing times, and lower energy consumption while delivering more uniform color or properties and predictable rheology. Predispersions help minimize re-agglomeration during processing and reduce variability in final appearance, gloss, or mechanical performance.

Considerations: Selecting a predispersion requires matching solvent or medium, dispersant systems, and particle size to the intended resin or binder. Poor compatibility can lead to settling, viscosity changes, or degraded optical properties. Cost, shelf life, and the presence of residual solvents or additives are also important considerations.

Applications: Predispersed pigments and fillers are common in paints and coatings, inks, polymer compounds and masterbatches, and some cementitious or concrete formulations, where they streamline formulation and improve process consistency.