10.1 INTRODUCTION

Earlier chapters have described the central function of polymers in the chemistry of film formation. However, a successful coating usually requires properties that cannot be provided by any one component alone. The role of the paint formulator is to bring together the required constituents in a stable, cost-effective composition that can be conveniently applied to the substrate. No small challenge!

Paint consists of a dispersion of a pigment or a mixture of pigments, extenders, etc., in a binder or polymer. Other materials may be present to achieve specific properties. They may be organic solvents or water to give the required viscosity, suspending agents to keep the paint in good condition during storage, driers and accelerators which provide for rapid cure of the polymer, flow aids, and so on. These materials will be described in this chapter.