When using amino silicone oil to produce brighteners, the suitable viscosity range is typically between 500 - 5000 mPa·s. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Low Viscosity (150 - 1000 mPa·s)
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Low-viscosity amino silicone oil features good fluidity, making it easy to emulsify and disperse in brightener formulations. It can penetrate the surface of treated objects more effectively, which is suitable for application scenarios requiring rapid drying and the formation of a thin, uniform bright film.
- For example, in automotive brighteners, low-viscosity amino silicone oil can quickly spread on the car paint surface to form a uniform protective film, enhancing the gloss of the paint without causing excessively long drying times or sagging due to high viscosity.
2. Medium Viscosity (1000 - 3000 mPa·s)
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Medium-viscosity amino silicone oil balances film-forming properties and permeability.
- When producing leather brighteners, medium-viscosity amino silicone oil can form a protective film with a certain thickness and toughness on the leather surface, not only increasing the leather's gloss but also improving its softness and wear resistance. Meanwhile, it can penetrate the leather interior to moisturize and maintain the material.
3. High Viscosity (3000 - 5000 mPa·s)
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High-viscosity amino silicone oil has excellent film-forming properties, and the resulting bright film is tougher and more durable, suitable for brighteners with high durability requirements.
- For instance, in synthetic wood brighteners, high-viscosity amino silicone oil can form a hard protective film on the wood surface, effectively preventing the wood from external environmental erosion while providing long-lasting gloss.
Key Considerations for Viscosity Selection
The viscosity of amino silicone oil should be comprehensively determined by factors such as:
- Amino value: When the amino value is low, a higher-viscosity amino silicone oil may be needed to balance product performance.
- Other formula components: The compatibility with solvents, emulsifiers, or functional additives in the brightener.
- Production process: High-viscosity oils may require higher shear forces during emulsification, while low-viscosity oils need to avoid excessive volatility.
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Application scenarios:
- Automotive brighteners prioritize quick-drying and high gloss;
- Leather brighteners emphasize softness and friction resistance;
- Wood brighteners focus on wear resistance and long-term protection.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all viscosity; it requires precise adjustment based on the amino silicone oil's chemical structure (e.g., amino substitution degree, molecular weight distribution), the brightener's target performance (gloss, durability, feel), and the process feasibility. Laboratory trials (such as emulsification stability tests, film gloss measurements, and wear resistance evaluations) are essential to determine the optimal viscosity range for specific applications.
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