SOY LECITHIN
Soy Lecithin is a natural phospholipid mixture derived from soybean oil, possessing an amphiphilic (both hydrophilic and hydrophobic) character. It is a versatile surfactant that optimizes formulations in the paint, ink, plastic, and construction chemical sectors. It functions as an excellent wetting agent, dispersing agent, and emulsifier. By reducing the surface tension of pigment particles in resin and solvent systems, it prevents agglomeration, creates a homogeneous distribution, and maximizes the optical and mechanical performance of coating systems.
Key Properties and Advantages
- Excellent Pigment Dispersion: It prevents agglomeration by isolating pigment particles, maximizing color yield and opacity in paint systems.
- Natural Wetting Agent: By reducing surface tension in solvent and water-based systems, it provides excellent surface wetting and adhesion even on challenging substrates.
- Anti-Settling Effect: It extends the shelf life of the product by delaying the phase separation or settling of heavy pigments and inorganic fillers during storage.
- Environmentally Friendly and Biodegradable: Due to its completely natural origin, it is fully compatible with ecologically certified and low VOC (volatile organic compound) sustainable paint formulations.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value / Specification | Unit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Amber Colored Viscous Liquid | - | Visual |
| Acetone Insoluble | min. 60.0 - 62.0 | % | AOCS Ja 4-46 |
| Acid Value | max. 30.0 | mg KOH/g | AOCS Ja 6-55 |
| Moisture Content | max. 1.0 | % | AOCS Ja 2b-87 |
| Hexane Insoluble | max. 0.3 | % | AOCS Ja 3-87 |
| Color Value | max. 14 | Gardner | AOCS Ja 9-87 |
Applications
In the field of industrial chemistry, soy lecithin is extensively used as a pigment dispersant, particularly in water and solvent-based decorative paints, anti-corrosive primers, and printing inks. It is an environmentally friendly release agent formulation component in polyurethane foam production and concrete casting processes. It also has a wide range of industrial applications as a rheology modifier in epoxy and acrylic floor coatings, and as an emulsion stabilizer in agricultural chemicals to ensure the adhesion of active ingredients to the surface.
Storage and Shelf Life
The product must be stored in its original packaging in dry, cool, and well-ventilated indoor storage areas, away from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is between 15°C and 35°C. When the ambient temperature drops, its viscosity may increase, showing a tendency to solidify; in this case, it should be gently heated (max 50°C) without degrading the product structure to render it fluid again prior to use. Under appropriate storage conditions, the shelf life is a minimum of 18 months from the date of manufacture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is soy lecithin preferred as a dispersant in paint formulations?
As a natural and cost-effective phospholipid source, soy lecithin coats the surface of pigments to form a steric barrier. This mechanism prevents pigments from adhering to each other, guarantees homogeneous color distribution, and provides a cost advantage compared to synthetic alternatives.
What technical advantage does soy lecithin offer over synthetic wetting agents?
Unlike synthetic surfactants, it is completely biodegradable. It provides high-performance surface wetting and phase stability in low-emission and environmentally friendly paint/coating systems without generating toxic waste or high VOCs.
How can high-viscosity lecithin be processed before being added to the formulation?
To reduce its viscosity and facilitate homogeneous mixing, soy lecithin can be pre-diluted with aliphatic or aromatic solvents (e.g., xylene or mineral spirits) suitable for the formulation structure before being added to the system.
Related Products
Contact
Contact us for sample and price requests.
Request Quote / Sample / TDS Address: Keresteciler Sanayi Sitesi Saray Mah. 4 Nolu Cad. No: 21 Kahramankazan/ANKARA Email: info@ekvatorkimya.com Tel: +90 312 802 04 88Back to Products