Different Binders for Different Substrates

By: Joanne Bednar, Lab and Quality Manager

Mixing pigments together to develop a particular color is as much an art as it is science. Formulating a color for a particular application and desired performance on a specific substrate dramatically increases the challenge in creating the desired product. A company’s technical engineering capabilities will define the quality of color dispersions and performance it can provide each of those markets.

All ingredients must be compatible serving their intended function independently as well as collectively. Otherwise, undesirable physical characteristics develop like a non-pumpable paste or a dispersion with a storage/shelf life of hours or days instead of months.

Amerimulch formulates to color mulch (wood fibers), crumb rubber and aggregates (stones). The pigments used remain fairly constant but the binder (resin/polymer) and chemical additive combinations change to meet different functional requirements. In mulch, the binder serves as surface area for the pigments so the color adheres to the surface of the mulch but is not totally absorbed into the wood.

The binder for color coating crumb rubber creates a film coating on the rubber. The pigment to binder ratio becomes much more critical. We use base chemicals that closely resemble the natural rubber matrix, and the chemical modifications allow them to crosslink (tangle) onto the rubber substrate.

An aggregate binder again forms a film over the substrate that is very durable. The stones should be washed so the colorant doesn’t adhere to the dust and dirt.

Engineering the desired formulation to meet environmental and regulatory concerns, cost and desired performance, to name a few factors, is the true art in designing the best colorant for each and every end product application. Amerimulch has those capabilities and supporting cast to apply our expertise to color any substrate. We look to further these techniques and talents by providing all markets we serve with Real Tangible Value©.