ABSTRACT

This study examined the utilization of different filler materials. The use of only specific filler materials has been successfully formulated with other ingredients for the production of emulsion paints. In the formulation of water-based paints known as emulsion paints, calcium carbonate which is the most common filler material used was completely replaced with other filler materials like kaolin, titanium dioxide and talc. The physio-chemical properties were observed and concrete comparisons were made.Five different samples for the comparison studies were used comprising of different filler materials like calcium carbonate, kaolin, titanium dioxide, talc and a combination of calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide in equal ratios. Some non-conventional fillers in paint formulation were tested for their performance and efficacy, the characteristics of these fillers were also compared with the conventional ones. Filler blends were also examined.The results revealed that some of the properties examined were pH, drying time, opacity and specific gravity using standard methods. The results also revealed that blended fillers had better properties in terms of opacity, drying time and cost effectiveness then others. The drying time was also observed by the order of Titanium dioxide < Calcium carbonate + Titanium dioxide filler blend < Kaolin < Talc < Calcium carbonate. The conclusion drawn is that the filler blend of titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate is best used in paint formulation compared to single filler samples and it has the best opacity and cost effectiveness along with drying time which is of great importance where emulsion paint is applied on surfaces that want to be used in the shortest amount of time.