Dispersants are chemical additives used to prevent particle aggregation, improve suspension stability, and enhance the dispersion of solids in liquids. They are widely used in industries such as water treatment, paints & coatings, oilfield chemicals, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. Below are the main categories of dispersant products:
1. Water Treatment Dispersants
Used to prevent scale, sludge, and particulate deposition in cooling towers, boilers, and RO systems.
- Polymeric Dispersants:
- Phosphonates:
- ATMP (Aminotrimethylene Phosphonic Acid)
- HEDP (1-Hydroxy Ethylidene-1,1-Diphosphonic Acid)
- DTPMP (Diethylenetriamine Penta(Methylene Phosphonic Acid))
2. Oilfield Dispersants
Used in drilling fluids, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and production chemicals to prevent asphaltene/sludge deposition.
- Sulfonated Polymers
- Polymeric Surfactants (e.g., ethoxylated nonylphenols)
- Lignosulfonates (used in drilling muds)
- Naphthenic & Fatty Acid Derivatives
3. Paints & Coatings Dispersants
Improve pigment dispersion and stability in formulations.
- Polycarboxylate Ethers (PCE)
- Sodium Polyacrylate
- Ammonium or Potassium Salts of Polyacrylic Acid
- Block Copolymers (e.g., Pluronic® series)
4. Detergent & Cleaning Dispersants
Prevent redeposition of dirt and stains in laundry and industrial cleaners.
- Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) (now being phased out for environmental reasons)
- Zeolites (phosphate-free alternative)
- Polycarboxylates (e.g., Sokalan® CP series)
5. Pharmaceutical & Food Dispersants
Used in drug formulations and food processing to stabilize suspensions.
- Polysorbates (Tween® series)
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
- Lecithin (natural emulsifier/dispersant)
6. Ceramic & Mineral Processing Dispersants
Used to improve slurry flow and prevent particle agglomeration.
- Sodium Silicate
- Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
- Polyacrylamide (PAM)
7. Construction & Concrete Dispersants (Superplasticizers)
Improve workability of cement and reduce water content.
- Polycarboxylate Ether (PCE)
- Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde (NSF)
- Lignosulfonate-based Dispersants
Key Functions of Dispersants:
✔ Prevent agglomeration of particles
✔ Improve stability of suspensions
✔ Reduce viscosity in slurries
✔ Enhance heat transfer (in cooling systems)
✔ Prevent fouling & scaling (in water treatment)