Integrating the three functions of wetting, defoaming and leveling in a single formula faces seemingly contradictory technical challenges. Wetting requires reducing surface tension, while leveling requires maintaining a moderate surface tension gradient; defoamers need to migrate quickly to the interface, while leveling agents need to be evenly distributed in the system. This delicate balance requires a breakthrough at the molecular design level.


The newly developed star-shaped silicone polymer provides a solution. This type of molecule is based on siloxane and grafted with side chains with different functions: the polyether segment is responsible for wetting, the fluorocarbon segment controls leveling, and the introduced nano-silica unit specifically captures bubbles. This structural design enables a single component to achieve multiple functions, avoiding the compatibility issues of traditional multi-component systems. Experimental data show that this star-shaped polymer reduces the coating defect rate by 42% and improves the process stability by 60% in UV coatings compared with traditional three-component systems.


Materials scientists have found through molecular dynamics simulation that the spatial arrangement of functional groups is crucial. The defoaming functional groups are placed on the periphery of the molecule so that they migrate to the air-liquid interface first; the wetting groups are radially distributed to ensure rapid spreading; and the leveling groups form a dynamic network through intermolecular forces. This precise design allows each function to be performed sequentially in the time dimension: wetting first, defoaming at the same time, and leveling at the end. After the technology was applied to a 3C electronic product coating, the production line yield jumped from 85% to 97%, verifying the effectiveness of this molecular engineering strategy.