Managing surface behavior in formulations

Industrial formulations often combine pigments, fillers, binders, and functional additives. For these systems to perform consistently, the interaction between liquids and solid materials must be carefully controlled.

Challenges that may occur during formulation or processing include:

  • Incomplete wetting of pigments or substrates
  • Foam formation during mixing or application
  • Uneven dispersion of solid particles
  • Surface defects caused by trapped air or bubbles
  • Instability in water-based systems

Caldichem SU surfactants

Caldichem SU surfactants are based on acetylene diol chemistry, which combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements within the same molecular structure.

This structure allows the surfactant to reduce surface tension and influence foam behavior in liquid systems.

One example is Caldichem SU 320, which contains the active ingredient 2,4,7,9-Tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (TMDD). It functions as a wetting, dispersing, and defoaming agent in formulations such as industrial coatings, adhesives and paints.

Through these functions, surfactants support improved interaction between liquids and solid materials in industrial formulations.  

Functional characteristics

  • Wetting

    Reducing surface tension supports improved interaction between liquids and solid surfaces.

  • Dispersion

    Maintaining a stable distribution of particles helps support uniform mixtures.

  • Foam control

    The surfactant structure can destabilize foam and reduce bubble formation during mixing.

  • Surface leveling

    Improved flow behavior can contribute to smoother surfaces during application.

Formulation compatibility

Caldichem SU surfactants are commonly used in water-based systems, where they help support wetting, dispersion, foam control, and surface behavior across a wide range of industrial formulations. Their performance makes them relevant in processes where stable mixtures, controlled application, and consistent surface interaction are important to overall formulation behavior.

Depending on formulation requirements, Caldichem SU surfactants may also be incorporated into solvent-based or solvent-free systems. This gives formulators added flexibility when working across different product types, processing conditions, and end-use applications, while maintaining focus on stable performance during production and application.

 

Applications

  • Paints and coatings

    Supports pigment wetting and dispersion in coating systems.

  • Adhesives and inks

    Used in formulations where controlled wetting and dispersion are required.

  • Printing and paper processing

    Applied in dampening solutions and paper coatings.

  • Industrial fluids

    Used in metalworking fluids, industrial cleaners, and oilfield chemicals.

  • Pigment and dye production

    Supports dispersion during pigment processing.

  • Textiles and cement processing

    Used in formulations where stable mixtures are required.

Textiles and cement processing

Used in formulations where stable mixtures are required.

Caldichem SU surfactants are commonly used in water-based systems and may also be incorporated into solvent-based or solvent-free formulations.

Technical support from Caldic

At Caldic, our teams support customers with product information, technical documentation and guidance related to Caldichem SU surfactants.

If you would like to learn more about product specifications or application considerations, our specialists are available to assist.

Connect with our specialists

Contact our team to learn more about Caldichem SU surfactants and their role in industrial formulations.