Research on the Application of Diatomite Fillers in the Paint and Coatings Industry

1. Introduction
Diatomite filler is a multifunctional inorganic filler processed from natural diatom fossils. It features a unique micro-porous structure, high specific surface area, and excellent chemical stability. In the paint and coating industry, diatomite filler has attracted extensive attention due to its special physical and chemical properties and is widely used to improve the optical performance, rheological properties, and durability of coatings. This article systematically explores the mechanism of action, application advantages, and future development trends of diatomite filler in coating systems.

2. Characteristics and Advantages of Diatomite Filler
The main component of diatomite filler is silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Its unique microstructure endows it with the following significant advantages in coating applications:
Porous structure: It has a pore size distribution ranging from 0.1 to 100 μm, with a specific surface area of up to 20-60 m²/g.
Chemical inertness: It is resistant to acids and alkalis, corrosion, and does not react with coating components.
Optical properties: It can provide excellent light-diffusing effects and light-scattering performance.
Mechanical properties: It can enhance the hardness and wear resistance of the coating.
Environmental friendliness: It is non-toxic and harmless, meeting the development requirements of eco-friendly coatings.
These characteristics make diatomite filler a highly valuable functional filler in coating formulations.

3. Application Mechanism of Diatomite Filler in Coatings
3.1 Mechanism of Light-Diffusing Effect
The micro-porous structure of diatomite filler can effectively scatter incident light. When light enters the coating, it undergoes multiple refractions and scatterings on the surface and within the pores of diatomite particles, thereby reducing the specular reflection on the coating surface and achieving an excellent light-diffusing effect. Compared with traditional light-diffusing agents, diatomite filler offers more stable light-diffusing performance and better storage stability.
3.2 Rheological Modification Mechanism
The high specific surface area and surface hydroxyl groups of diatomite filler enable it to form hydrogen bonds with resin molecules in the coating system, constructing a three-dimensional network structure and effectively regulating the rheological properties of the coating. This characteristic is particularly suitable for water-based coating systems that require control of sedimentation and sagging.
3.3 Reinforcement Mechanism
The high hardness and special morphology of diatomite filler allow it to be uniformly dispersed in the coating, forming a microscopic reinforcing phase that enhances the mechanical strength and wear resistance of the coating. Additionally, its porous structure can absorb some stress, improving the impact resistance of the coating. 

4. Application of Diatomite Fillers in Different Coating Systems
4.1 Application in Architectural Coatings
In architectural coatings, diatomite fillers mainly play the following roles:
- Provide excellent matting effect to achieve a high-end matte texture
- Improve the construction performance of the coating and prevent sagging
- Enhance the breathability of the coating to prevent bubbling and peeling
- Increase the covering power and stain resistance of the coating
4.2 Application in Industrial Coatings
In industrial protective coatings, the application advantages of diatomite fillers include:
- Enhance the corrosion resistance of the coating
- Improve the wear resistance and hardness of the coating
- Improve the anti-settling performance of the coating
- Serve as a functional filler to replace part of titanium dioxide and reduce costs
4.3 Application in Wood Coatings
In wood coatings, diatomite fillers mainly perform the following functions:
- Provide a uniform and fine matte effect
- Enhance the scratch resistance of the coating
- Improve the sanding performance of the coating
- Increase the filling and sealing properties of the coating

5. Performance Comparison of Diatomite Fillers with Other Fillers
| Performance Index | Diatomite Filler | Calcium Carbonate | Talc | Kaolin |
| Oil Absorption (g/100g) | 80-120 | 15-25 | 30-50 | 40-60 |
| Specific Surface Area (m²/g) | 20-60 | 2-5 | 5-15 | 10-20 |
| Matting Efficiency | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Rheological Control | Excellent | Poor | Good | Good |
| Reinforcement Effect | Good | Poor | Medium | Medium |
From the comparison, it can be seen that diatomite fillers have obvious advantages in matting performance and rheological control, making them an ideal choice for preparing high-performance coatings.

6. Research on the Modification of Diatomite Fillers
To further enhance the application performance of diatomite fillers in coatings, the following modification methods are currently mainly adopted:
6.1 Surface Organic Modification
Surface modification of diatomite is carried out using surface treatment agents such as silane coupling agents to improve its dispersion and compatibility in organic systems. Commonly used modifiers include:
- Amino silane
- Epoxy silane
- Methacryloyloxy silane
6.2 Regulation of Pore Structure
The pore structure of diatomite is regulated through acid treatment or heat treatment to optimize its optical properties and oil absorption value, making it more suitable for specific coating systems.
6.3 Composite Modification
Diatomite is used in combination with other functional fillers, such as with nano-silica to further increase the hardness of the coating, and with mica powder to enhance the weather resistance of the coating.

7. Key Points of Application Process of Diatomite Fillers
7.1 Dispersion Process
The dispersion of diatomite fillers is crucial to the performance of the coating. The following process is recommended:
- Pre-dispersion stage: Use a high-speed disperser (linear speed 15-20m/s)
- Grinding stage: Use a sand mill or bead mill for fineness control
- Post-addition stage: Some diatomite fillers can be added during the paint mixing stage
7.2 Formula Design Principles
When adding diatomite fillers to the coating formula, the following points should be noted:
- The addition amount is generally 3-15% (based on the total formula)
- Balance the matting effect with other properties of the coating
- Pay attention to the synergistic effect with other fillers

8. Future Development Trends
8.1 Functional Development
In the future, diatomite fillers will develop towards multifunctionality, such as:
- Diatomite fillers with photocatalytic function
- Diatomite fillers with thermochromic function
- Diatomite fillers with antibacterial function
8.2 Intelligent Application
In line with the development trend of smart coatings, diatomite fillers with responsive functions will be developed, such as:
- Humidity-responsive diatomite fillers - pH-responsive diatomite filler
8.3 Green Development
Develop low-energy consumption and environmentally friendly diatomite processing techniques to reduce carbon emissions during production and enhance the sustainability of products.

9. Conclusion
Diatomite filler, as a functional filler with excellent performance, has broad application prospects in the paint and coating industry. Through reasonable formula design and process optimization, diatomite filler can significantly improve the matting performance, rheological properties and mechanical properties of coatings. With the advancement of surface modification technology and in-depth application research, diatomite filler is bound to play a more important role in high-performance and environmentally friendly coatings. In the future, functionalization, intelligence and green development will be the main directions for the development of diatomite filler.