Precision Drying and VOC Flexibility for Coatings and Inks with Luna-nol
Achieving the right balance between film formation, drying time, and VOC compliance is a constant challenge for coatings and inks formulators. Selecting the right coalescent plays a critical role in ensuring smooth film formation, performance consistency, and regulatory alignment.
To support these needs, DKSH Performance Materials introduces the Luna-nol range, a versatile portfolio of coalescents designed to give formulators greater control over drying behaviour and final coating performance.
What is the Luna-nol Range?
The Luna-nol series consists of high-performance coalescents used to optimize film formation in coatings and inks.
A coalescent (also called a coalescing aid or film‑forming agent) is a formulation component used in water‑based latex coatings and inks to help dispersed polymer particles fuse into a continuous film as water evaporates. Coalescents act as temporary plasticizers: they soften polymer particles during the critical fusion stage, then (depending on volatility) may partially leave the film so the coating can recover hardness and block resistance.
By controlling the drying rate, Luna-nol helps improve coating integrity, appearance, and overall application performance. Luna Nol can be used in the range of applications below:
Why do water‑based coatings and inks struggle with film formation?
In water‑based systems, the binder is present as polymer particles dispersed in water. As drying proceeds, the film formation process typically progresses through concentration → compaction → coalescence, where particles pack, deform, and finally interdiffuse to form a coherent film. If drying occurs below the binder’s minimum film‑forming temperature (MFFT), full coalescence may not happen, increasing the risk of defects such as poor integrity, reduced durability, and inconsistent appearance.
How do coalescents influence drying time and film quality?
Coalescents can improve film formation by supporting one or more of the following effects:
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Lowering the effective Tg / MFFT of polymer particles during drying (temporary plasticization)
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Reducing inter‑particle repulsion so particles can pack and deform more effectively
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Supporting capillary-force driven deformation by controlling evaporation behavior and local mobility at the particle boundary
In practical terms, formulators use coalescents to reduce common film‑formation issues such as:
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Poor film continuity at low temperature
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Roughness / reduced leveling
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Weak early film integrity (leading to reduced resistance or print issues)
Because coalescents interact strongly with binder chemistry, selection should be based on binder Tg/MFFT, application temperature window, substrate, and performance priorities
What properties matter most when selecting a coalescent?
Key selection criteria typically include:
1) Coalescing efficiency (MFFT reduction)
A coalescent’s efficiency is often assessed by its ability to reduce MFFT and deliver transparent, coherent films across the intended temperature range.
2) Water solubility and partitioning
Partially water‑soluble coalescents may be especially efficient because they can concentrate at the polymer particle boundary during drying, supporting effective coalescence.
3) Evaporation profile
A coalescent should evaporate more slowly than water to remain present during fusion, but not so slowly that it permanently softens the film.
4) Odor and VOC contribution
Odor sensitivity and VOC targets can strongly influence selection, particularly for interior architectural coatings and regulated markets.
How can the Luna‑nol® range help with controlled drying and formulation flexibility?
The Luna‑nol® range from DKSH Performance Materials is positioned as a portfolio of coalescents used to optimize film formation by giving formulators control over drying behavior and supporting performance consistency in coatings and inks.
Within this range, different grades are described for different formulation needs:
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Luna‑nol® C‑12: described as a “classic coalescent technology” to support film formation and overall paint performance.
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Luna‑nol® C‑16: described as low odor and non‑VOC due to a higher boiling point, supporting low‑VOC strategies while maintaining performance.
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Luna‑nol® C‑295: described as low toxicity and biodegradable, intended for environmentally driven formulation goals.
(Note: final suitability depends on binder type, dosage, and local VOC definitions/testing methods.)
FAQ: Coalescents, drying control, VOC, and Luna‑nol®
1) Is a coalescent the same as a plasticizer?
: Not exactly. A coalescent is typically intended to function as a temporary plasticizer during film formation; some portion may evaporate so the film can regain hardness. Traditional plasticizers may remain and keep films softer long term.
: Not exactly. A coalescent is typically intended to function as a temporary plasticizer during film formation; some portion may evaporate so the film can regain hardness. Traditional plasticizers may remain and keep films softer long term.
2) Why does film formation fail at low temperatures?
: If application/drying occurs below the binder’s MFFT, particles may not deform and interdiffuse sufficiently to form a coherent film, leading to defects. Coalescents can help by reducing the effective MFFT during drying.
: If application/drying occurs below the binder’s MFFT, particles may not deform and interdiffuse sufficiently to form a coherent film, leading to defects. Coalescents can help by reducing the effective MFFT during drying.
3) Do higher‑boiling coalescents always reduce VOC?
: Many VOC frameworks relate to volatility/boiling point, but VOC definitions are not globally uniform, so classification should be confirmed for the target region and method.
: Many VOC frameworks relate to volatility/boiling point, but VOC definitions are not globally uniform, so classification should be confirmed for the target region and method.
4) Which Luna‑nol® grade is positioned for low‑odor and low‑VOC strategies?
: The draft positioning describes Luna‑nol® C‑16 as low odor and non‑VOC due to higher boiling point, intended to support low‑VOC formulation strategies.
: The draft positioning describes Luna‑nol® C‑16 as low odor and non‑VOC due to higher boiling point, intended to support low‑VOC formulation strategies.
5) Which Luna‑nol® grade is positioned for environmentally driven formulations?
: The draft positioning describes Luna‑nol® C‑295 as low toxicity and biodegradable, intended for sustainability-driven formulation needs
: The draft positioning describes Luna‑nol® C‑295 as low toxicity and biodegradable, intended for sustainability-driven formulation needs
How DKSH Supports Your Formulations
With DKSH Performance Materials, customers benefit from more than just product supply. Our team works closely with you to:
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Identify the right coalescent for your VOC and performance targets
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Optimize drying behavior and film formation
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Support formulation adjustments for regulatory and market needs
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Provide reliable supply and technical expertise
Find the Right Luna-nol for Your Needs
Whether you are optimizing for performance, compliance, or sustainability, the Luna-nol range offers a solution tailored to your formulation.
Connect with DKSH today to explore the right product, request samples, and receive expert guidance for your coatings and inks applications.
