Category overview

Fillers / Fibers for Coatings and Inks: Overview

Based on 2314 products - Last update on the Jul 21, 2026

Fillers and fibers appear as fine powders, granules, or fibrous reinforcements. Common fillers such as calcium carbonate, silica, and talc enhance film thickness and rheology, while fibers like glass, aramid, and cellulose provide reinforcement against cracking and abrasion. Their ability to improve scratch resistance, thermal stability, and barrier properties makes them indispensable in industrial, protective, and architectural coatings. 

The industry trend is shifting toward functionalized fillers, including surface-treated minerals and bio-based fibers. Alternatives such as nano-fillers and polymeric microspheres offer similar benefits with improved dispersion and lower density, catering to lightweight, high-performance applications. Sub-types include natural and synthetic fillers. Regulatory bodies like REACH and the EPA promote the use of low-dust and non-toxic fillers.

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AERODISP® WK 7330

by Evonik

AERODISP® WK 7330 by Evonik is a cationic, aqueous dispersion of fumed silica and a fumed mixed oxide with high solids content and a positive zetapotential. It is used as a sizing or coating pigment for inkjet paper to enhance color strength (gamut and optical density), print uniformity (mottle and grain), print resolution (line growth, raggedness, and blur), water fastness, and coefficient of friction. <br> <ul style="padding-left: 40px;"><li>It is also suitable for modifying electrophoretically deposited metal layers.</li> <li>It enables excellent dot sharpness and resolution, crucial for high-quality digital printing.</li> <li>In order to achieve high-quality results, it is necessary to control the spreading behavior and fixation of the inks on the substrate.</li> <li>It provides positively charged solid particles, nano-sized primary particles, superior rheological behavior and high formulation flexibility and ease of handling.</li> <li>AERODISP® WK 7330 is compatible with non-ionic and cationic binder systems, making them the first choice for primers such as textile inks.</li></ul>
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AERODISP® W 7520 WF

by Evonik

AERODISP® W 7520 WF by Evonik is an anionic, silicon dioxide-based grade. It is designed to improve waterborne inkjet ink receptive coatings. It enables excellent dot sharpness and resolution, crucial for high-quality digital printing. In order to achieve high-quality results, it is necessary to control the spreading behavior and fixation of the inks on the substrate. AERODISP® W 7520 WF is recommended for food packaging and decorative applications as it is compatible with non-ionic and anionic binder systems.
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AERODISP® W 630

by Evonik

AERODISP® W 630 by Evonik is a cationic, aqueous dispersion of hydrophilic fumed aluminum oxide. It is used in inkjet coatings for film and paper. It enables the development of formulations with high solids content and creates transparent, high-gloss, microporous coatings. <br> <ul style="padding-left: 40px;"><li>It also enables excellent dot sharpness and resolution, crucial for high-quality digital printing.</li> <li>In order to achieve high-quality results, it is necessary to control the spreading behavior and fixation of the inks on the substrate.</li> <li>It significantly shortens ink drying times (“Instant Dry”), optimizes print resolution for photo-quality applications, and provides excellent colorant fixation for both dye- and pigment-based inks. </li> <li>Additionally, it enhances rub and smudge resistance and improves water resistance. </li> <li>It provides positively charged solid particles, nano-sized primary particles, and superior rheological behavior.</li> <li>AERODISP® W 630 is compatible with non-ionic and cationic binder systems, making them the first choice for primers such as textile inks.</li></ul>
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FAQs

Why would a formulation include fibers instead of just particulate fillers?

Fibers add mechanical reinforcement particulates can't, like bridging small cracks, resisting sagging on vertical surfaces, and improving impact or tensile strength, all valuable for textured or protective coating systems.

Are natural fibers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers?

Natural fibers like cellulose can offer a lower footprint and biodegradability vs. synthetic or glass fibers, but may not match them on durability or moisture resistance. The trade-off depends on intended service life.

Can too much filler or fiber affect flexibility or application?

Yes. Overloading can increase viscosity, cause spray clogging, and make the dried film brittle or prone to cracking. Fillers and fibers work best within a tested loading range rather than added in excess for cost savings alone.

Are fibers commonly used in specific types of coatings?

Yes, textured coatings, elastomeric roof coatings, and fireproofing or protective systems where crack-bridging and reinforcement matter most. Less common in smooth, high-gloss decorative coatings where texture is undesirable.

Do fillers only reduce cost, or can they also improve performance?

Both. Cost reduction is a common motivation, but well-chosen fillers can also improve corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, sandability, or sheen control. They are picked for function first.

Fillers / Fibers