87 Multicolor Coatings 87.1. Introduction 87-1 87.2 Practice of the Art 87-1 Continuous Phase» Dispersed Phase» Combining Dispersed Robert D. Athey, Jr and Continuous Phases Aiey Technologies References 87-2 87.1 Introduction A standard paint is a single shade attained by a mixture of many finely ground pigments so that one perceives alhomogencous shade. But natural products are seldom homogeneous in color. They ate striped. and spotted with dark and light regions of varying size. To reproduce this appearance in a painted surface, ‘multicolor coatings are used that yield a multicolor appearance in one coat. Zola! discusses multicolor coatings of a natural appearance, with striations from brush application and motling from roller or spray application, Multicolor paints are used as interior architectural coatings for public buildings and have been used in automotive trunk interiors. 87.2 Practice of the Art Lite is published on the practice of formulation or making the multicolor coating. Zola patents show ‘multicolor formulations* The major sources of information are the patents and publications™> and. the commercial brochures describing the products used and specific formulation technology. 87.2.1 Continuous Phase ‘The continuous phase in a colloidal mixture is called the dispersion medium (eg, water in milk, air supporting the droplets of water in a fog). The continuous phase must be a fluid that has a sufficiently low viscosity at high shear rates to allow easy application of the paint. IF it is too stiff the drag on the brush will tite the painter, othe fluid will not be properly atomized in a spraying application. However, at low shear rates, the viscosity must be sufficiently high to slow the setting out or the agglomeration coalescence of particles, Colloidal additives are used to protect such dispersions. Protective colloids are added to increase storage stability, Methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and various nonionic surfictants are the most offen used. protective additives. These materials absorb onto the surface ofthe suspended materials to forma jllylike layer that inkibits coagulation. Another approach isto induce an electrical charge on the globule surface, so that the globules will epel each other. Ionic surfactants, salts or charged clay particles are commonly. added to induce surface charges. ‘The stabilization of suspended globules is absolutely necessary to prevent the coalescence and mixing of different colors. This ability must extend during the coating drying as well: the individual spots must have distinct boundaries with the next spot of a different color. This requires that the paint dry quickly. 871872 Coatings Technology Handbook, Third Edition 87.2.2 Dispersed Phase ‘The suspended materials should not coalesce within the globule. The viscosity of the paint globules must be sufficiently high to maintain the pigment dispersed and to inhibit coalescence of adjacent globules. ‘The pigment dispersion medium and the polymeric binder used must be insoluble in the continuous- phase liquid. Pigment binder must be chosen to yield a sprayable system that does not cobweb during spraying. Usually the formulation requires a slowly evaporating solvent or a low molecular weight binder, or both. The polymeric binder should be curable to yield the solvent resistance and scrubbability needed. in a wall coating, 87.2.3 Combining Dispersed and Continuous Phases Formulations for dispersed and continuous phases are made separately. The phases should remain separate after combining, and that requires incompatibility between the components of separate phases, An ingredient in one phase should not be extracted by the other phase. Both phases should be of nearly equal density to minimize settling or creaming of the dispersed phase, which might encourage coalescence of the dispersed-phase globules. References J.C. Zola, Mod, Paint Coat, August, 17 (1973). S. Grasko and S. S. Kane, U.S. Patent 3,370,024, ©, Zola, US. Patent 3,458,328. Zola, US. Patent 3,573,237. Zola, US. Patent 3,811,904. ©. Zola, German Patent 1,261,974; Chem. Abstr, 68,88261y. Zola, US. Patent 2,591,904. ©, Zola, US. Patent 3,725,089. Petty, US. Patent 3,058,932. 10. R.L. Seas, US. Patent 3,138,568 LL. D.K, Lesser, US. Patent 3,809,119. 12. EE Gourion, French Addn, 88224; Chem. Abst. 67,65475q, 1B. C,H. Coney, US, Patent 3,356,312. 4, R. Rutkowski, German Patent 1,723,730; Chem. Abstr, 80, 60081m. 15. Y. Shiota et a, Japanese Patent 79,87738; Chem. Abstr, 92, 24442. 16. Nippon Carbide Industrial Co. Ltd. Japanese Patent 7i6i, 2487; Chem. Abstr, 85, 79787} 17. D.A. Hilliard, US. Patent 3,038,869. 18, B.Talley, Paint Ind, 74(5), 10 (May 1959). 19. D.A. Hilliard, Off. Dig, June, 4 (1960). 20. E.W. Flick, Solvent Based Paint Formulations. Patk Ridge, NI: Noyes Data Corp., 1977, p. 415. 21. M, Sehiwefsky, U.S. Patent 2,658,002, 22. K. Nelson, US. Patent 3,024,124. 23. H. Hondo and Y. Nakamuro, U.S. Patent 3,360,487,