Expancel® XS200 Microspheres

Enhancing performance in thin-layer interior paint

Infusing the magic of microspheres into interior paint

The groundbreaking Expancel® XS200 microspheres provide unmatched advantages for paint formulations, particularly in thin-layer applications such as interior and decorative paints, establishing a new industry benchmark.

As our first extra-small microsphere tailored for the global interior paint sector, Expancel® XS200 empowers paint formulators to now seamlessly integrate the magic of microsphere technology into paint products. This innovation reduces paint density, resulting in lighter products per can and significant cost savings.

Expancel® XS200 microspheres infuses the magic of expandable microspheres into interior paint, without compromising the properties of the paint layer.

The extra small particle size

With a particle size of just 10 micrometers the Expancel® XS200 microspheres redefines paint formulations by delivering substantial advantages previously unattainable with larger microsphere particle sizes.

With a particle size significantly smaller than the paint layer thickness, Expancel® XS200 microspheres enables formulators to achieve significantly lower paint density compared to traditional fillers, while meeting rigorous surface property requirements, ensuring a smooth surface finish, high scrub resistance, and excellent cleanability.

 

Expancel® XS200 microspheres features an exceptionally small particle size of just 10 micrometers.

Expancel® XS200 microspheres in thin-layer interior paint

Weight reduction

Achieve substantial bucket weight reduction by replacing traditional heavy fillers.

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Cost efficiency

Reduce overall cost when reformulating paint with Expancel® XS200 microspheres.

Boosted hiding power

Enhance opacity and achieve a higher gloss finish with XS200 due to its small particle size.

Experiments in paint formulations

Our recent study examines the effects of integrating Expancel® XS200 microspheres, specifically grade WEA10, into various traditional interior paint formulations.

We concluded:

  • 23% in paint density reduction when replacing traditional filler with Expancel® XS200 microspheres resulting in a lighter product and a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions
  • A potential cost savings of 3% to 5% when reformulating with XS200
  • Enhanced opacity and higher gloss finish due to the small particle size
Replacing traditional filler with Expancel® XS200 microspheres reduces paint density by 23%, resulting in a lighter product and lower carbon emissions. This reformulation can also yield a cost savings of 3% to 5%.

The experiment

Formulations were developed as per the specifications in Table 1 (Ref). Given the significantly lower density of Expancel® XS200 WEA10 compared to other paint components, adjustments were made based on volume percentages. In formulation 2, traditional fillers such as CaCO3 and Calcined clay were replaced with Expancel® XS200.

Binder reduction
Expancel® XS200 WEA10, with its reduced surface area relative to CaCO3 and Calcined clay, leads to lower binder absorption.

In formulations 3 through 7, binder content was reduced from 60% to 57.5% by volume, redistributing the volume to other components and increasing their respective percentages.

In formulation 4, the volume percentage of Expancel® XS200 WEA10 was decreased to match formulation 2, with the reduction compensated by adding Calcined clay.

Reduced TiO2
To evaluate opacity, the TiO2 volume percentage was reduced by 5.6% in formulations 5 to 7 compared to formulations 3 and 4.

Formulations 6 and 7 further decreased the volume of Expancel to align with formulation 2, incorporating Calcined clay in formulation 6 and CaCO3 in formulation 7.

 

Key surface properties

Opacity

In paint, opacity refers to its capacity to conceal the underlying surface. High opacity ensures effective substrate coverage, reducing the number of coats needed for a uniform finish.

The superior reflective properties of Expancel® XS200 WEA10 enhance opacity when traditional fillers are replaced with this microsphere grade, as demonstrated in formulation 2.

While reducing the binder content in formulation 3 slightly impacts opacity, substituting part of Expancel® XS200 WEA10 with Calcined clay in formulation 4 results in a minor opacity decrease.

A 5.6% reduction in TiO2 volume has minimal effect on opacity across formulations 4, 5, and 6. However, replacing part of Expancel® XS200 WEA10 with CaCO3 leads to a noticeable reduction in opacity.

Opacity and gloss remain largely unaffected by reductions in binder and TiO2 content, though scrub resistance is compromised with less binder.

Scrub resistance

Scrub resistance in paint indicates how well a surface withstands cleaning and scrubbing without damage. High scrub resistance ensures durability and preserves the paint's appearance in frequently cleaned areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Paint incorporating Expancel® XS200 WEA10 (formulation 2) exhibits scrub resistance equivalent to the reference paint, indicating no adverse effect from Expancel. The reduced scrub resistance observed in formulations 3 through 7 is attributed to the decreased binder content.

 

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We look forward to hearing from you.
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