ICT's non-fluorinated anti-blocking additives for paints & coatings
Last update on Apr 13, 2026
This is a sponsored article by ICT.
An anti-blocking agent in coatings is a type of additive used to prevent the undesirable sticking of two surfaces together when they are in contact under pressure or high temperatures. This is particularly important in applications like paints, varnishes, and plastic films, where the surfaces may stick together during manufacturing, storage, or use, leading to defects or damage.
Anti-blocking agents work by creating a physical barrier or a micro-rough surface on the coated film, which minimizes surface contact and reduces the adhesive forces between the surfaces. These materials are chosen based on their compatibility with the main components of the coating, the desired properties of the final product, and the specific requirements of the application.
Let's explore how ICT's anti-blocking agents prevent surface sticking and enhance the performance of coatings.
Key benefits of ICT's advanced anti-blocking agents
ICT's anti-blocking agents provide enhanced performance with key benefits, including:
- Anti-blocking: ICT's anti-blocking agents are designed to prevent the adhesion of surfaces treated with coatings. This capability is crucial in maintaining the visual and functional integrity of coated materials, ensuring that they remain separate and free from damage during handling, storage, and use.
- Surface tension reduction: These agents effectively reduce surface tension at low dosages, promoting better spreading and coverage of coatings on various substrates. This improvement occurs without the drawback of increased foaming, which is a common challenge with many surfactants.
- Powerful wetting and leveling: The enhanced wetting and leveling properties of ICT's anti-blocking agents ensure that coatings are applied smoothly and evenly. This not only improves the aesthetic quality of the coatings but also contributes to a defect-free finish, reducing the need for reworks and additional material costs.
- Reduced defects & smoother coatings: By minimizing surface imperfections during the coating process, ICT anti-blocking agents help achieve smoother and more attractive surfaces, enhancing the final product's visual appeal and durability.
- Low foaming: The formulation of these agents allows them to perform effectively without creating excess foam. This quality is particularly important in applications where foam can interfere with the application process or the quality of the finish.
- Improved open time: The agents enhance the open time of coatings, providing more flexibility during application. This extended working time is beneficial for achieving optimal finishes, particularly in complex or large-scale coating operations.
- Color and gloss preservation: ICT anti-blocking agents are designed to not alter the color or gloss of coatings. This ensures that the original visual properties of the substrate are maintained after application, important for both aesthetic and compliance reasons.
- Surface-diffusion properties: These products are formulated to offer excellent surface diffusion, which aids in both mold release and blocking resistance. This feature is particularly valuable for paints & coatings, plastics, and composites industries.
- Non-fluorinated: Flexiwet™ CZ products are the preferred choice for industries aiming to comply with stringent environmental regulations.
ICT's product line of non-fluorinated anti-blocking grades
| Product name → / Property ↓ | Flexiwet™ CZ-1000 | Flexiwet™ CZ-1040K | Flexiwet™ CZ-1240K |
| Type | Non-fluorinated surfactant mixture | Neutralized version of Flexiwet™ CZ-1000 | Non-fluorinated surfactant mixture |
| Appearance | Clear viscous liquid (colorless to light amber) | Liquid (colorless to light amber) | Liquid (colorless) |
| % solids | > 94 | 40 - 45.5 | 38 - 42 |
| Ionic character | Free acid (est. 580 mg. KOH/g.) | Slightly alkaline | Anionic |
| Water solubility | Self-dispersible in water (with added IPA or glycol) | Water soluble | Water soluble |
| pH | 0.8 - 2.0 | 5.0 - 8.0 | 5 - 8 |
| Density @ 25°C | 1.13 - 1.17 g/ml | 1.1 - 1.2 g/ml | 1.08 to 1.12 g/ml |
| Boiling point | > 94°C | > 94°C | > 94°C |
| Flash point, closed cup | > 94°C | > 94°C | > 94°C |
| Recommended use | 0.1 - 1.0 wt.% | 0.2 - 2.0 wt.% | 0.2 - 2.0 wt.% |
| Commercial grades | Flexiwet™ CZ-1000 - Request sample | Flexiwet™ CZ-1040K - Request sample | Flexiwet™ CZ-1240K - Request sample |
Practical applications of ICT's innovative anti-blocking agents
ICT's innovative anti-blocking agents are used across various industries, offering improved performance and efficiency in applications such as:
- Paints & Coatings: ICT anti-blocking agents are ideal for enhancing paints and coatings applications by improving the wetting, leveling, uniformity, and longevity of the coatings.
- Adhesives: In adhesives, these agents enhance performance by reducing surface tension and improving wetting properties, which in turn helps with stronger and more durable bonding.
- Mold Release: Used as release agents in mold applications, these surfactants ensure easy removal of products from molds, reducing the risk of product damage and enhancing production efficiency.
- Polishes and lacquers: Enhance the performance and durability of polishes and lacquers with specialized additives designed to prevent sticking and improve application smoothness.
- Surfactant for HI&I cleaning formulations: In household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products, the superior wetting properties of these agents make them effective components, enhancing the cleaning action and efficiency of the formulations.
ICT’s range of non-fluorinated anti-blocking agents represents forward-thinking solutions to modern material challenges, offering enhanced performance, safety, and environmental benefits across multiple industries.
Conclusion
ICT anti-blocking agents, including the Flexiwet™ CZ series, are designed to optimize the performance of coatings by enhancing their anti-blocking, leveling, and wetting properties. These non-fluorinated additives are ideal for applications in paints & coatings, where they help achieve smoother, defect-free finishes and improve adhesion on challenging surfaces.
With formulations that are easily dispersible or soluble in water, these agents can be integrated seamlessly during various phases of production. Flexiwet™ CZ series not only improves the aesthetic and functional qualities of coatings but also ensures better application efficiency, making them a key component in the production of high-quality industrial and consumer products.
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