Binders

Depending on their molecular weight, binders can vary in their ability to wet or encapsulate pigments, and this can effect CPVC. In general, low molecular weight materials tend to wet pigments better. But the type of binder also has a significant effect on the pigment wetting properties. Dispersants and surfactants are used to improve the wetting and stabilizing of pigment dispersions.

One notable exception is the effect of flattening pigments such as the fumed and pyrogenic silicas; small additions of these pigments significantly reduce gloss. This is commonly seen in semi-gloss varnishes that can have a PVC as low as 5.