How Matting Agents in Coatings Build Low-Gloss Coating Surfaces: Mechanisms, Formulation Trade-Offs, and Product Selection

1. The Core Function of Matting Agents: Weakening Specular Reflection and Forming a Low-Gloss Surface

The gloss of a coating surface is mainly related to how light is reflected. A high-gloss coating film has a relatively smooth surface, so incident light tends to be reflected in a concentrated, specific direction. To the human eye, this appears as a bright, clear, highly reflective surface. A matte coating film has fine surface irregularities, which scatter incident light in multiple directions. As specular reflection weakens, the surface appears softer, less dazzling, and less reflective. The formation of a low-gloss coating is usually associated with surface micro-roughness and increased scattered reflection.

The core function of a matting agent is not to absorb light, nor is it simply to make the color darker. Instead, it regulates the microscopic morphology of the coating film surface, weakens directional specular reflection, increases scattered reflection, and thereby reduces surface gloss.

Low-gloss coatings are used in wooden furniture, wall coatings, plastic housings, automotive interiors, leather finishing, industrial topcoats, and electronic product housings. They not only provide a soft appearance but also reduce glare, visually reduce the visibility of minor scratches, fingerprints, oil stains, and substrate unevenness to some extent, and can be combined with stain resistance, wear resistance, anti-blocking properties, and tactile design to create a surface that offers both decorative value and user comfort. Studies on low-gloss coatings have pointed out that high-gloss surfaces can produce strong reflections and highlight surface defects, while matte surfaces help create a soft and natural visual effect.

2. Development of Matting Agents: From Rough Fillers to Engineered Surface Particles

In early coatings, people had already observed that certain fillers, waxes, or rough particles could reduce the gloss of coating films. Materials such as diatomaceous earth, talc, calcium carbonate, natural waxes, and synthetic waxes may all reduce gloss by increasing surface roughness or changing surface slip. At this stage, matting relied more on empirical practice, and appearance, transparency, and batch-to-batch stability were difficult to control precisely.

With the development of synthetic silica technology, matting agents gradually evolved from ordinary fillers into designable functional particles. Modern synthetic silica for coatings usually regulates performance by controlling particle size, particle morphology, surface treatment, and degree of densification. Engineered silica is used not only for matting but also for rheology control, suspension stability, reinforcement, and improvement of surface performance.

Modern matting technology has further developed toward low gloss and high performance. Traditional silica matting agents are effective, economical, and often provide good wet-film transparency. However, at high addition levels, they may cause increased scratch sensitivity, increased water sensitivity, stress cracking on flexible substrates, difficulty in powder incorporation, and hard settling during storage. Research by the American Coatings Association on inherent matte polyurethane dispersions also points out that developing resins with intrinsic matte film-forming ability is one way to reduce the side effects of externally added powders.

Coating matting technology has gone through three levels:

Stage	Main Approach	Key Features
Empirical matting	Coarse fillers, waxes, inorganic powders	Reduces gloss, but transparency, tactile feel, and stability are difficult to control
Particle-engineered matting	Synthetic silica, organic matting particles	Regulates gloss through particle size, pore volume, surface treatment, and dispersion state
Surface structure design	Surface-treated silica, wax synergy, self-matting resins, composite systems	Simultaneously controls low gloss, tactile feel, scratch resistance, stain resistance, and application stability

3. Matting Mechanism: Micron-Scale Irregularities Determine Macroscopic Gloss

The formation of a matte surface by matting agents usually involves three processes.

3.1 Dispersion in the Wet Film

The matting agent is first dispersed in the coating. The wetting, dispersion, and stability of the particles determine whether the later surface will be uniform. If dispersion is insufficient, coarse particles, mottling, and local gloss unevenness may occur. If excessive grinding destroys the effective particle size, matting efficiency may also decrease.

3.2 Redistribution During Film Formation

Water or solvent evaporation, resin crosslinking, coating film leveling, and volume shrinkage all affect the position of particles in the coating film. Traditional particle-type matting agents often rely on film-formation shrinkage, which allows particles to move closer to the surface and form surface irregularities. Studies have shown that particles at the scale of several micrometers can form a matte surface in coatings that undergo relatively large volume shrinkage, while silica gel-type matting agents can be adapted to different applications through different particle sizes, pore volumes, and surface treatments.

3.3 Formation of a Scattering Structure on the Dry Film Surface

After the dry film forms, micron-scale height differences appear on the surface that are difficult to distinguish directly with the naked eye. When light strikes this type of surface, specular reflection decreases, scattered reflection increases, and gloss is reduced.

Summary: Matting agents create a controllable micro-rough surface, so light is no longer reflected in a concentrated direction.

4. Main Types of Matting Agents and Their Functional Differences

Different matting agents can all reduce gloss, but they create surface structures in different ways and may introduce different side effects.

Type	Representative Materials	Main Function	Formulation Considerations
Silica matting agents	Precipitated silica, silica gel-type silica, surface-treated silica	Forms a micro-rough surface and reduces specular reflection	Particle size, pore volume, surface treatment, transparency, viscosity, settling
Inorganic filler-type matting agents	Diatomaceous earth, talc, calcium carbonate, etc.	Increases surface roughness and volume filling	Transparency, tactile feel, hiding power, stain resistance, cost
Wax-based matting and surface additives	Polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, amide waxes, etc.	Regulates surface slip, anti-blocking, and wear resistance, and can assist in gloss reduction	Recoatability, intercoat adhesion, scratch resistance, surface migration
Organic polymer matting agents	Polymer microparticles, polymethylurea-type materials, etc.	Forms fine surface irregularities or scattering structures through organic particles	Flexibility, tactile feel, dispersibility, chemical resistance
Self-matting resins	Self-matting polyurethane dispersions, self-matting acrylic systems, etc.	Forms a low-gloss surface through the resin’s own film-forming behavior	Film formation, stain resistance, hardness, cost, system compatibility
Composite matting systems	Combinations of silica, waxes, organic particles, and resins	Multiple mechanisms jointly control gloss and tactile feel	Formulation stability, application properties, batch consistency

In coating formulations, silica is one of the more widely used matting materials because its particle size, pore volume, and surface treatment can be adjusted, and its refractive index is close to that of many resins, which is favorable for developing transparent matte clear coatings. Wax materials are commonly used to improve slip, wear resistance, anti-blocking performance, and tactile feel. In powder coatings and wood coatings, wax additives can also help control appearance, tactile feel, scratch performance, and powder processing stability.

5. Key Factors Affecting Matting Efficiency

Adding more matting agent is not always better. The real effect is determined by the surface structure jointly formed by particles, resin, film formation, and application conditions.

5.1 Particle Size: Determining the Scale of the Rough Structure

Matting agents with larger particle sizes are more likely to form obvious surface irregularities, and their matting efficiency is usually higher. However, if the particles are too large, the surface may develop a sandy feel, reduced transparency, increased scratch sensitivity, and dirt retention. Smaller-particle matting agents help create a finer tactile feel and better transparency in clear coatings, but matting efficiency may be insufficient, requiring a higher addition level.

5.2 Pore Volume: Affecting Efficiency, Oil Absorption, and Viscosity

The higher the pore volume of porous silica, the more pronounced the volume effect and surface interaction provided per unit mass, which often helps improve matting efficiency. However, high pore volume may also lead to higher oil absorption, causing coating viscosity to increase, leveling to worsen, and the application window to narrow. Therefore, high pore volume is suitable for systems seeking high matting efficiency, but it is not necessarily suitable for high-solids systems, spray applications, or systems with strict low-viscosity requirements.

5.3 Surface Treatment: Determining Compatibility and Stability

The surface of silica is relatively polar. If untreated, it may increase viscosity, water absorption, and the risk of hard settling. After organic treatment, wax treatment, or silane modification, the wetting, dispersion, settling behavior, and transparency of the matting agent in the resin may change.

The significance of surface treatment is not simply to improve tactile feel, but to regulate the interfacial relationship between particles and resin. In studies on UV-curable coatings, acrylate-related surface modification of silica can improve compatibility with acrylate systems and produce low-gloss, high-transparency, and relatively low-viscosity coatings at lower addition levels.

5.4 Coating Film Shrinkage: Determining Whether Particles Can Form Surface Irregularities

Solvent-based coatings and some waterborne coatings undergo obvious volume shrinkage during drying, allowing particles to move closer to the surface and form a rough structure. In high-solids, solvent-free, and 100% solids UV-curable systems, film thickness shrinkage caused by volatilization is relatively small. Relying solely on particles to form surface irregularities through film thickness shrinkage is usually difficult, so matting is more challenging. Powder coatings are also affected by melt flow, resin compatibility, curing reactions, and texture design, so they cannot be judged only by the evaporation-shrinkage logic used for liquid coatings.

5.5 Curing Speed: Affecting the Time Available for Surface Structure Formation

UV-curable systems cure quickly, and the coating film is rapidly locked by a crosslinked network, leaving limited time for matting agent particles to migrate, orient, and form a surface structure. This is especially true in 100% solids UV-curable systems, where the absence of obvious film thickness shrinkage caused by water or solvent evaporation makes it more difficult to form a rough surface. Such systems often require higher matting agent addition levels or the use of surface-treated, reactive, or composite particles. However, increasing the addition level may also lead to excessive viscosity, poor leveling, and reduced transparency. Although waterborne UV-curable systems still have shrinkage caused by water evaporation, particle size, film thickness, curing speed, and burnish resistance also need to be considered.

5.6 Dry Film Thickness: Affecting Gloss Stability

The particle size of the matting agent must match the dry film thickness. In thin coating films, overly coarse particles can easily produce a grainy feel and appearance defects. In thick coating films, particles that are too fine may not effectively influence the surface. Fluctuations in applied film thickness can also cause gloss differences in different areas of the same formulation. Therefore, matting agent screening should not be tested only at a single film thickness; it should be verified together with the actual application method and target dry film thickness.

6. Main Trade-Offs in Matting Formulations

Low gloss is not the only objective. A successful matting formulation must also meet requirements for appearance, application, and durability.

Trade-Off	Main Issue	Formulation Judgment
Gloss vs. transparency	As matting agent addition increases, clear coatings may become hazy, whitish, or grayish on dark substrates	Clear coatings should be evaluated for gloss, haze, wood grain clarity, and color depth on dark substrates
Gloss vs. tactile feel	Coarse particles provide high matting efficiency but may create a sandy feel	High-end surfaces need to balance particle size, wax additives, and surface fineness
Gloss vs. viscosity	High-pore-volume or high-addition silica increases viscosity	Spray, roller, and high-solids systems should prioritize rheology control
Gloss vs. stain resistance	An overly rough surface can increase dirt retention and burnishing risk	Ultra-low-gloss systems require stain resistance, burnish resistance, and cleanability testing
Gloss vs. scratch resistance	Protruding particles may become starting points for scratches	Scratch whitening, burnishing, and wear resistance need to be evaluated
Gloss vs. storage stability	Powder settling or re-agglomeration can cause batch-to-batch gloss drift	Heat storage, standing stability, redispersion, and retesting of gloss are needed
Gloss vs. recoat adhesion	Wax migration to the surface may affect intercoat adhesion	Recoatable systems should control wax dosage and conduct intercoat adhesion testing

Gloss measurement also requires selection of the appropriate angle. International standards specify that coating gloss can be measured using 20°, 60°, and 85° geometries. The ASTM test method for specular gloss also covers 60°, 20°, and 85° geometries. For low-gloss systems, 85° measurement is usually more sensitive to differences in low gloss. For high-gloss systems, 20° measurement provides better resolution. The 60° angle is commonly used as a general-purpose geometry.

The measurement angle should always be reported together with the gloss result. For clearly textured surfaces, transparent substrates, clear coatings with strong haze, or samples with relatively high surface roughness, a single gloss value may not fully describe the appearance. Haze, distinctness of image, surface roughness, and visual evaluation should also be considered together.

7. Matting Formulation Design Workflow for Coating Engineers

7.1 First Define the Target Surface

Before formulation design, answer seven questions:

1. What is the target gloss?

2. Should the surface be evaluated at 20°, 60°, or 85°?

3. Is the system a clear coating, colored coating, primer, or topcoat?

4. Is it waterborne, solvent-based, high-solids, UV-curable, or a powder coating?

5. What is the target dry film thickness?

6. Is the application method spray coating, roller coating, brush coating, flow coating, or curtain coating?

7. Which secondary performance requirement is most important: transparency, tactile feel, scratch resistance, stain resistance, water resistance, chemical resistance, or storage stability?

7.2 Then Build a Screening Matrix

In small-scale testing, the following variables should be included at minimum:

Variable	Purpose
Matting agent type	Compare differences among silica, waxes, organic particles, and self-matting resins
Addition level	Identify the range where gloss decreases and side effects begin to appear
Particle size	Balance matting efficiency, tactile feel, and transparency
Surface treatment	Compare dispersibility, settling, viscosity, and compatibility
Film thickness	Determine how application fluctuations affect gloss
Curing or drying conditions	Determine whether the film-forming window affects matting efficiency
Storage conditions	Determine stability after heat storage, standing, and redispersion

7.3 Finally Conduct Grouped Evaluation

A matting formulation should not be evaluated by gloss alone. The following indicators should be placed in the same evaluation table:

Evaluation Item	Purpose of Judgment
Wet coating viscosity	Determine whether production and application are affected
Dispersion fineness	Determine whether agglomerates or coarse particles are present
Application leveling	Determine whether orange peel, cratering, or brush marks occur
Gloss	Determine whether the target low gloss is achieved
Haze and transparency	Determine whether clear coatings become whitish or dark colors become grayish
Tactile feel	Determine whether the surface is fine, slippery, or sandy
Scratch resistance and wear resistance	Determine whether the surface roughness structure is easily damaged
Stain resistance and burnish resistance	Determine whether low gloss can be maintained over time
Storage stability	Determine whether settling, re-agglomeration, or gloss drift occurs
Recoat adhesion	Determine whether waxes or surface migration affect intercoat bonding

8. Product Selection Guide for Coating Matting Agents: From Surface Microstructure and Wax Synergy to Silane Modification and Dispersion Stability

Research or Experimental Objective	Suggested Table to Start With	Why Start With This Table	Suggested Related Tables	Selection Guidance
Build a basic understanding of coating matting agent materials	Table 1	Table 1 lists silica, diatomaceous earth, calcium silicate, talc, kaolin, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, and other materials, which can be used to understand the basic differences among particle-type matting, filler-type matting, and surface roughening	Tables 2 and 4	First distinguish main matting particles, auxiliary fillers, and rheology-stabilizing materials, then determine whether the goal is gloss reduction, tactile improvement, or dispersion stabilization
Study how silica matting agents form low-gloss surfaces	Table 1	Table 1 includes fumed silica, mesoporous silica, hydrophobically modified silica, and silica gel-related materials, which can be used to compare the effects of particle size, pore structure, surface treatment, and adsorption behavior on coating film scattering	Tables 3 and 4	First establish evaluations of gloss, haze, viscosity, and settling around silica particles, then decide whether surface modification or dispersion stabilization support is needed
Compare the effects of inorganic fillers on gloss, hiding power, and tactile feel	Table 1	Calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, sericite, barium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and other materials in Table 1 can be used to observe how filler morphology, whiteness, particle size, and loading affect the appearance of matte coating films	Table 4	Suitable for colored coatings, primers, industrial coatings, and wall coating systems; clear coating experiments should also evaluate transparency, haze, and surface roughness
Design a matting system for transparent matte clear coatings	Table 1	Transparent matte clear coatings usually start with silica particles, focusing on gloss, transparency, wood grain clarity, haze, and tactile feel	Tables 2, 3, and 4	First determine the matting efficiency of silica, then use waxes or organic polymer particles to adjust tactile feel and scratch resistance; if necessary, improve stability through surface modification and anti-settling systems
Study the synergistic role of wax materials in matte surfaces	Table 2	Table 2 lists polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, fatty acid amides, ethylenebis(stearamide), and other materials, which can be used to analyze slip, anti-blocking, scratch resistance, and burnishing behavior	Tables 1 and 4	Wax materials should not be evaluated only by matting effect; recoat adhesion, surface migration, wear resistance, stain resistance, and tactile changes should also be examined
Build a low-gloss and scratch-resistant surface formulation	Table 2	PTFE powder, amide waxes, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, and polyolefin materials in Table 2 can be used to study the relationship among low friction, wear resistance, scratch resistance, and low-gloss retention	Table 1	Silica can be used as the main gloss-adjusting component, while waxes and fluorinated micropowders can be used as surface durability modifiers; focus on burnishing, whitening marks, and tactile changes after rubbing
Study organic particle-type matting or self-matting concepts	Table 2	Table 2 contains waxes, fluorinated micropowders, amide additives, and some organic resin reference materials, which can be used to compare the effects of organic materials on slip, scratch resistance, anti-blocking, and matte appearance	Tables 1 and 4	General-purpose resin-grade materials are suitable only as references; organic particle matting experiments should use micropowder or microsphere materials with clearly defined particle size, morphology, and dispersion compatibility
Carry out surface modification experiments on silica or inorganic fillers	Table 3	Table 3 lists dimethyldichlorosilane, hexamethyldisilazane, chlorotrimethylsilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, octyltriethoxysilane, methacryloxy silane, epoxy silane, and mercapto silane, which can be used to study surface polarity and reactive interfaces	Tables 1 and 4	First clarify whether the modification goal is hydrophobization, reactive fixation, improved compatibility, reduced water uptake, or improved settling control, then select the corresponding silane route
Study the matting challenges of UV-curable or low-shrinkage systems	Table 3	In low-shrinkage and fast-curing systems, particle matting efficiency is often limited; reactive silanes in Table 3 can be used for pre-treatment of silica or inorganic fillers, focusing on compatibility, particle fixation, and retention of surface microstructure	Tables 1 and 2	Reactive silanes should be used according to powder pre-treatment or interfacial modification logic, and should not be simply understood as direct-addition materials that automatically form reactive matting agents in coatings
Solve matting agent settling, re-agglomeration, and gloss unevenness	Table 4	Table 4 lists polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene oxide, bentonite, and hydrogenated castor oil, which can be used for particle dispersion, suspension, anti-settling, and rheology stabilization experiments	Tables 1 and 2	When hard settling, re-agglomeration, brush marks, spray orange peel, or gloss drift occurs, the dispersion state of the matting agent, thixotropic system, and application viscosity should be examined together
Carry out formulation experiments for waterborne matte coatings	Table 4	In waterborne systems, the wetting, dispersion, suspension, thickening, and leveling of matting agents directly affect the matte appearance; Table 4 can be used to establish waterborne particle stability and application rheology evaluations	Tables 1 and 2	First stabilize the dispersion of silica or inorganic fillers, then adjust wax-based tactile feel and scratch resistance; gloss, haze, viscosity, leveling, and storage stability should be recorded together during evaluation
Design a comprehensive evaluation system for industrial matte topcoats	Tables 1 and 2	Industrial matte topcoats usually require low gloss, application stability, wear resistance, stain resistance, and batch consistency; Table 1 provides matting and filling components, while Table 2 provides surface durability synergistic materials	Table 4	Gloss, film thickness sensitivity, spray leveling, settling, scratch resistance, stain resistance, and burnishing should be evaluated in one system rather than comparing only initial gloss
Study powder coatings or textured low-gloss surfaces	Tables 1 and 2	Powder and textured systems often rely on fillers, waxes, polyolefin materials, and differences in surface flow to jointly form low gloss or textured surfaces	Table 4	Focus on melt flow, surface texture, wear resistance, slip, and gloss stability after curing; inorganic fillers and wax materials should be evaluated together with application temperature and film thickness
Establish troubleshooting experiments for matting formulations	Tables 1 and 4	Table 1 can trace particle type, particle size, pore structure, and filler effects, while Table 4 can trace dispersion, anti-settling, thixotropy, and application stability issues	Tables 2 and 3	Poor gloss reduction, whitening, sandy feel, settling, burnishing, and reduced recoat adhesion usually require simultaneous troubleshooting of particles, waxes, surface modification, and rheology systems

Table 1 | Silica, Silicates, and Inorganic Filler Products Related to Matting

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Porous siliceous auxiliary matting filler	61790-53-2	D304166	Diatomaceous earth	Filter aid	Its porous siliceous framework can be used in low-gloss, oil absorption, surface micro-roughness, and traditional mineral filler matting reference experiments, suitable for observing the effects of filler pore structure on coating gloss, tactile feel, and settling.
Carbonate extender filler	471-34-1	C111980	Calcium carbonate	AR, ≥99%	Can be used in colored coatings, primers, and wall coatings for filling, hiding power, and gloss adjustment experiments, helping compare the effects of extender filler loading on coating gloss, viscosity, sandability, and cost.
High-whiteness inorganic filler	21645-51-2	A110530	Aluminium hydroxide	≥99.8%, high whiteness, 10 μm	High-whiteness fine powder can be used to evaluate filling, flame retardancy, surface fineness, and hiding performance in light-colored matte coatings, suitable for examining the effects of inorganic fillers on low gloss and whiteness retention.
Layered silicate filler	1332-58-7	K431903	Kaolin	Anhydrous grade	Its layered structure can be used in wall coatings, primers, and industrial colored coatings to adjust gloss, hiding power, sandability, and coating film texture, suitable for comparing the effects of platelet fillers on surface reflection and application rheology.
Platelet mica filler	12001-26-2	S1456576	Sericite	Natural, cosmetic grade	Its platelet mineral structure can be used for studies on soft gloss, smooth tactile feel, barrier properties, and surface fineness, suitable for observing the orientation and reflection-modulating role of platelet fillers in matte coating films.
Hydrophobically modified silica	68611-44-9	S304386	Silane, Dichlorodimethyl-, Reaction Products with Silica	≥99.8%	Hydrophobically treated silica can be used to study the effects of surface treatment on matting efficiency, resin compatibility, viscosity, settling, water resistance, and gloss uniformity.
Fumed silica rheology and auxiliary matting material	112945-52-5	S491206	Silica, fumed	≥99%	Can be used for thixotropy, anti-settling, anti-sagging, and surface structure adjustment. Under suitable particle size, structure, and surface treatment conditions, it can also participate in matting or appearance adjustment. In low-gloss formulations, viscosity, dispersion state, leveling, transparency, and gloss stability should be evaluated together.
Powder moisture absorption and drying-state reference material	112926-00-8	S743367	Silica gel with moisture indicator	Reagent grade	Can be used as a reference for powder moisture absorption, drying state, and storage conditions, helping observe the effects of powder moisture uptake on agglomeration, dispersion, and gloss stability. Because it contains color-indicating components, it is not recommended for direct use as a coating matting agent in appearance evaluation formulations.
Mesoporous silica mechanism reference material	7631-86-9	S433664	Silica, mesostructured	≥99% metals basis, SBA-15	Its ordered mesoporous structure can be used to study the effects of silica pore structure, adsorption behavior, and surface modification on coating film haze, scattering, and gloss. When used for matting formulation evaluation, dedicated matting silica should still be used to further verify particle size, dispersibility, viscosity, and gloss stability.
Porous silicate filler	1344-95-2	C1505308	Calcium silicate	SiO2/CaO: 0.99–1.15	Porous silicate can be used in experiments on oil absorption, filling, low gloss, and coating film rheology, suitable for comparing the appearance and application differences between porous mineral fillers and silica matting agents.
Coarse-particle texture and mineral particle reference material	14808-60-7	S121694	Common quartz sand	SiO2 ≥90%, 0.105 mm–0.71 mm	Can be used as a reference for coarse texture, anti-slip properties, wear resistance, or crystalline silica identification. It should not be used as the main matting material for transparent matte clear coatings or conventional low-gloss coating formulations, and is suitable for distinguishing amorphous matting silica from coarse mineral fillers.
High-purity extender filler	7727-43-7	B112376	Barium sulfate	PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis	High-purity extender filler can be used to compare gloss, hiding power, chemical resistance, and formulation cleanliness in industrial colored coatings, and often works together with matting agents to influence coating film compactness and surface reflection.
Platelet silicate auxiliary matting filler	14807-96-6	T109494	Talc	800 mesh	Platelet filler can be used in matte colored coatings, primers, and industrial coatings to reduce gloss, improve sandability, and enhance surface slip, suitable for observing the effects of particle size and platelet structure on haze, settling, and tactile feel.
Lightweight carbonate filler	546-93-0	M193868	Magnesium carbonate	—	Lightweight carbonate can be used in experiments on adsorption, filling, low gloss, and surface texture adjustment, suitable for comparing the effects of carbonate fillers on coating viscosity, hiding power, and tactile feel.

Table 2 | Waxes, Organic Polymers, and Scratch-Resistance Synergistic Materials

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Amide wax slip additive	110-30-5	N486148	N,N′-Ethylenebis(stearamide)	Beads, <840 μm	Can be used in matte coatings to reduce surface friction, improve anti-blocking and scratch resistance, and observe how combinations of amide wax and silica matting agents affect gloss, tactile feel, and recoat adhesion.
Fluorinated wear-resistant micropowder	9002-84-0	P434335	Poly(tetrafluoroethylene)(PTFE)	Powder, particle size ≤12 μm	Fluorinated micropowder can be used to evaluate wear resistance, scratch resistance, low friction, and burnishing performance in matte coatings. When combined with particle-type matting systems, it can improve surface durability and slip.
Polyolefin resin reference material	9002-88-4	P434354	Polyethylene(PE)	Medium density, melt index 3.5 g/10 min (190°C/2.16 kg)	Can be used as a reference for polyethylene waxes, polyolefin micropowders, and surface slip additives, helping evaluate the effects of polyolefin materials on anti-blocking, coefficient of friction, and gloss retention in matte coating films.
Transparent polymer resin reference material	9011-14-7	P141444	Poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)	General-purpose injection grade	Can be used as a transparent polymer material reference to observe its effects on coating film haze, hardness, surface fineness, and low-gloss appearance.
Thermoplastic polymer resin reference material	9003-53-6	P107087	Polystyrene	General-purpose type III, high-strength, extrusion grade, food grade	Can be used as a thermoplastic polymer material reference to observe its effects on coating film hardness, surface texture, compatibility, and matte appearance.
Polypropylene resin reference material	9003-07-0	P110850	Polypropylene(PP)	Melt index 12 g/10 min	Can be used as a reference for the flow behavior, compatibility, and surface feel of polyolefin materials in matte coatings, powder coatings, or surface modification studies. This specification should not be directly equated with polypropylene wax, micronized wax, or coating surface additives.
Hydrocarbon wax slip additive	8002-74-2	P434228	Paraffin wax	Melting point ≥65°C (ASTM D 87)	Can be used to study coating film slip, anti-blocking, water repellency, and auxiliary matting, suitable for evaluating the effects of hydrocarbon wax migration on surface gloss, recoat adhesion, and burnish resistance.
Natural hard wax surface additive	8015-86-9	C104040	Carnauba wax No. 3 yellow	Melting point: 82.5°C, dark yellow	Natural hard wax can be used to improve surface slip, wear resistance, anti-blocking, and dry tactile feel in matte coating films, suitable for evaluating the effects of high-melting waxes on burnishing, scratching, and surface feel.
Urea-formaldehyde resin reference material	9011-05-6	U304906	Urea formaldehyde	Solid content 60%	Can be used as a reference for studying the relationship between urea-formaldehyde resin and low-gloss coating films, focusing on the effects of hardness, surface fineness, wear resistance, and tactile feel on matte appearance. This specification should not be directly equated with urea-formaldehyde micropowder or polymethylurea-type matting agents.
Ethylene copolymer resin reference material	24937-78-8	P432376	Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)(PEVA)	Vinyl acetate 12 wt.%, melt index 8 g/10 min (190°C/2.16 kg)	Ethylene copolymer can be used in studies on wax modification, flexible surfaces, anti-blocking, and matte tactile feel, suitable for comparing the effects of polar copolymer structures on slip, recoating, and coating film toughness.
Fatty amide slip additive	124-26-5	S161124	Fatty acid amide（Contains C16, C18 amides）	≥90%, contains C16, C18 amides	Can be used to adjust surface slip, anti-blocking, low friction, and tactile feel in matte coatings, suitable for observing the effects of amide additive migration on gloss, scratch resistance, and intercoat adhesion.

Table 3 | Silane Products for Surface Modification of Silica and Inorganic Fillers

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Silane for silica hydrophobization	75-78-5	D104811	Dimethyldichlorosilane	Chemical pure (CP), ≥96%	Can be used for silica surface hydrophobization pre-treatment under anhydrous or controlled-water conditions, comparing differences between hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles in dispersion, settling, water resistance, and gloss. It hydrolyzes readily in water and is not suitable for direct addition to waterborne coating systems.
Silica silanization reagent	999-97-3	H106017	Hexamethyldisilazane（HMDS）	AR, ≥98%	Can be used in studies on silanization treatment of silica, silica gel, and inorganic fillers, suitable for evaluating how changes in surface hydrophobicity affect matting agent water absorption, agglomeration, storage stability, and resin compatibility.
Trimethylsilyl end-capping reagent	75-77-4	C104814	Chlorotrimethylsilane (TMCS)	≥99% (GC)	Can be used for silanol end-capping and hydrophobic modification of silica under anhydrous or controlled-water conditions, examining how changes in surface polarity affect dispersion, viscosity, water resistance, and transparent matte appearance. It hydrolyzes readily in water and is not suitable for direct addition to waterborne coating systems.
Vinyl-functional silane	2768-02-7	V162969	Vinyltrimethoxysilane	≥98% (GC)	Can be used for vinyl-functional modification of inorganic fillers and silica, suitable for studying how reactive interfaces affect coating film crosslinking, particle fixation, and low-gloss durability.
Long-chain alkyl hydrophobic silane	2943-75-1	T476221	Triethoxy(octyl)silane	≥97%, ≥99.99% metals basis, deposition grade	Long-chain alkyl silane can be used to increase the hydrophobicity of silica or inorganic filler surfaces, suitable for studying the effects of low-surface-energy interfaces on wetting, water resistance, stain resistance, and matting uniformity.
Methacryloxy reactive silane	2530-85-0	S111153	3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate	≥97%, contains 100 ppm BHT stabilizer	Can be used for reactive surface modification of silica in acrylic and UV-curable systems, suitable for evaluating the effects of particle–resin network bonding on low gloss, transparency, and burnish resistance.
Epoxy-functional silane	2530-83-8	G107576	3-Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane	≥97%	Can be used for interfacial modification in epoxy, polyurethane, and hydroxyl-containing filler systems, suitable for studying the role of functionalized silica in adhesion, water resistance, particle fixation, and matting stability.
Mercapto-functional silane	4420-74-0	M100619	(3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane	≥95%	Can be used in studies on mercapto-functionalized silica and reactive matting agents, suitable for UV-curable systems, thiol reactions, and particle fixation and surface microstructure control in low-shrinkage systems.

Table 4 | Products Related to Dispersion, Anti-Settling, Thixotropy, and Waterborne Stability

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Waterborne dispersion-stabilizing polymer	9003-39-8	P110608	Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)	Average molecular weight 8000, K16–18	Can be used to evaluate the dispersion, suspension, and film-forming effects of silica, polymer microparticles, and inorganic fillers in waterborne matting systems, helping reduce agglomeration, re-agglomeration, and gloss unevenness.
Anionic dispersion-stabilizing material	9003-04-7	P434409	Poly(acrylic acid, sodium salt) solution(PAAS)	Average Mw ~8000, 45% in H2O	Can be used in experiments on inorganic particle dispersion, viscosity adjustment, and settling control in waterborne coatings, suitable for evaluating the effects of dispersant dosage on matting agent stability, leveling, and low-gloss uniformity.
Waterborne rheology and dispersion auxiliary material	68441-17-8	P1375281	Polyethylene oxide (PEO)	Viscosity: 10000 mPa·s	Can be used to adjust viscosity, particle suspension, leveling, and film formation behavior in waterborne systems, suitable for observing the effects of polyether materials on silica matting agent settling, brush marks, and gloss uniformity.
Organobentonite anti-settling and thixotropic material	1302-78-9	B102861	Bentonite	Bentone SD-2, suitable for medium- to high-polarity solvents	Can be used for suspension, anti-settling, anti-sagging, and thixotropic adjustment in matting agent and high-filler systems, suitable for evaluating redispersion after storage, application leveling, and dry-film gloss stability.
Hydrogenated oil thixotropic anti-settling material	8001-78-3	H196306	Hydrogenated Castor Oil(HCO)	—	Can be used in solvent-based, solvent-free, and some high-solids systems for thixotropy, anti-settling, and anti-sagging studies, helping stabilize the dispersion state of silica, wax powders, and inorganic fillers. Its anti-settling and thixotropic effects should be verified together with system polarity, shear dispersion, and activation conditions.

Note: The products listed above are representative Aladdin products. Additional product specifications can be searched on the Aladdin website by product name, CAS number, or catalog number.

References

[1] Fletcher, T. E. A simple model to describe relationships between gloss behaviour, matting agent concentration and the rheology of matted paints and coatings. Progress in Organic Coatings, 2002, 44(1): 25–36.

[2] ISO 2813:2014. Paints and varnishes — Determination of gloss value at 20°, 60° and 85°.

[3] ASTM D523-25. Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss.

[4] Reader, C. Jim; Nargiello, Maria. The Use of Engineered Silica to Enhance Coatings. CoatingsTech, 2020.

[5] Carson, Terri; Schoondermark, Mario; Dimmers, Markus; Folkman, David. Inherent Matte Polyurethane Dispersions as Matting Agents. CoatingsTech, 2016.

[6] Calvez, Ingrid; Szczepanski, Caroline R.; Landry, Véronic. Preparation and characterization of low gloss UV-curable coatings based on silica surface modification using an acrylate monomer. Progress in Organic Coatings, 2021, 158: 106369.

[7] Calvez, Ingrid; Davoudi, Sorour; Szczepanski, Caroline R.; Landry, Véronic. Low-gloss UV-curable coatings: Light mechanisms, formulations and processes — A review. Progress in Organic Coatings, 2022, 171: 107039.

[8] Riazi, Hossein; Peck, K. Michael. Hurdles and Solutions to Matting of UV Wood Coatings: Part 1. UV+EB Technology, 2024.

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