Selection of dispersants for the dispersion of carbon black in organic medium

The dispersion of the carbon black pigment in non-aqueous medium requires the use of dispersant additives. Two carboxylic dispersants of different chemical nature and molar masses have been investigated regarding this purpose. Their adsorption behavior has been evaluated by means of adsorption isotherms. The molecular interactions taking place at the surface have been inferred from IR and 13C RMN spectroscopies. The rheological behavior of the dispersions has considerably been improved by the presence of the copolymer dispersant of higher molar mass. It might adsorb at the surface by hydrogen bindings while taking a flat conformation with tails and possibly few loops that contributed to the steric stabilization of particles. The consequences of the deflocculation of the suspension on the colorimetric properties are an enhanced tinting strength and improved color stability.