International Journal of Science and Technology Volume 4 No.

12, December, 2015

Comparative Evaluation of Pigment-Extender Effects of Calcium Carbonate

and Kaolin in Emulsion Paint
Igwebike-Ossi,Clementina Dilim
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B 053, Abakaliki, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
This work investigated the pigment-extender effects of calcium carbonate and kaolin (china clay) in emulsion paint by determining
and comparing some important physical and performance properties of the emulsion paints produced with the two extenders. The
extenders were first sieved to obtain a uniform particle size range of 32-63 microns (µm) used in the formulation of the emulsion
paints. The compositional levels of the extenders in the emulsion paints were varied from 2-12% by weight. The results of the tests
showed that kaolin-filled emulsion paints had higher specific gravity values, higher pigment volume concentration (PVC) values and
higher viscosities than CaCO3-filled at all levels. However, the calcium carbonate-filled emulsion paints had more brilliant whiteness
than those produced with kaolin. The dry films of CaCO3-filled emulsion paints had a noticeable gloss (sheen) while those of kaolin
had a flat (non-glossy) appearance which was in conformity with their PVC values. The performance tests revealed the similarity of
the two paint variants in scrub resistance, but better performance of the kaolin variants in opacity, settling resistance and brushing
properties.

Keywords: Emulsion Paint, Pigment-Extender, Calcium Carbonate, Kaolin, China Clay

1. INTRODUCTION variation often poses colour-match problems, particularly

with regards to white and other light colours and this restricts
In the paints industry, pigment-extenders are widely used to its application in paints. CaCO3, on the other hand, comes in
partially replace true pigments. Pigment-extenders are white and brilliant white grades which promotes its versatility
chemically inert, inorganic compounds that are added to in paint application. It is generally produced from natural
surface coatings in order to increase bulk, reduce cost and chalk or limestone and the different grades are known as
confer some special properties to the paint (Morgans,1990 whiting, precipitated calcium carbonate, calcite and dolomite
;Hughes, 1983). Some are processed minerals while others (CaCO3.MgCO3) (Morgans, 1990). Kaolin, also known as
are prepared chemically. Pigment-extenders, often simply
called ‘extenders’ or ‘fillers’ can be referred to as auxiliary
pigments as they generally augment pigment effects by china clay, is hydrated aluminiun silicate with the formula,
improving paint properties such as consistency, rheology, Al2O3.2SiO2.2H2O and is a useful flatting and thickening
resistance to weathering, gloss, levelling, adhesion and agent for low-sheen paints such as undercoats, eggshell and
coverage( Hughes, 1983 ;Sharma, 2011). Extenders are matt finishes ( Morgans, 1990).Calcium carbonate particles
characterized by narrow range of refractive indices which are are nodular (round and irregular) in shape while kaolin
close to those of oils and resins and consequently contribute particles are generally lamellar (plate-like) in shape(Hughes,
little or nothing to opacity (Morgans,1990). Extenders most 1983). Nodular particles can pack together easily while
commonly used in emulsion paints are calcium carbonate and lamellar particles generally tend to overlap. The shape of the
kaolin (china clay). Combinations of these two in different extender particles imparts certain specific and identifiable
ratios are also used by paint manufacturers. Calcium properties to the paint as was evident in this study.
carbonate is the most widely used extender in paints because The pigment volume concentration (PVC) of paint, which is
it is cheap, readily available and helps to reduce floating of the volume of the paint film occupied by the pigment and
coloured pigments (Hughes, 1983). Research investigations pigment-extenders, is a very important concept, as it controls
have reported the suitability of calcium carbonate as pigment- several paint properties, such as gloss, washability, durability,
extender in textured paint (Igwebike-Ossi, 2012a) and as a reflectance and rheological properties (Sharma, 2011; Austen,
flatting agent in red oxide primer (Igwebike-Ossi, 2012b). 1984). It is defined and calculated using the expression:
Kaolin grades come in different colour shades, which include (Austen, 1984; Sharma, 2002)
off-white, milky white, cream and light brown. This colour

% PVC = x 100

The volume of pigment in the paint is determined from the coatings are as follows: flat paints, 50-70%; semi-gloss
expression: weight of pigment + extender / S.G of pigment+ paints, 35-45% and gloss paints, 25-35% (Sharma, 2002).
extender. The value for non-volatile constituents in the paint Generally, the paint gloss decreases as the PVC increases.
is obtained from the product of weight % of resin used in the This is due to the fact that when the volume of pigment
paint and its total solids content. The PVC values for various increases relative to the non-volatile vehicle, gloss decreases
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 International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) – Volume 4 No. 12, December, 2015

until the gloss of the paint becomes flat (Sharma, 2002). The The raw materials used to formulate the emulsion paints were
viscosity of paint, which is also controlled by the PVC, is an grades designed for paint production and were all obtained
important quality parameter as it affects the flow and from assured suppliers/ importers of paint raw-materials.
application properties of the paint and was also determined in They all met the required specifications when subjected to
this study. standard Quality Control tests.

Calcium carbonate and kaolin are known to be used as 2.2 Methods

pigment-extenders in paints and other surface coatings.
However, an extensive literature review revealed no 2.2.1 Preparation of Extenders for Paint Production
published work on their effects on emulsion paint properties.
The calcium carbonate and kaolin samples were passed
This is probably because such specialized investigations are
through a standard sieve of aperture 63 microns (µm) to
usually carried out by Paint development teams of large-scale
ensure a uniform particle size range of 32-63µm in the
paint manufacturing companies and the findings thereof
extenders as is required in the production of emulsion paints
confined to the investigating paint industry. The main
(CAP Plc,2010)
objective of this study is to determine and compare the effects
of calcium carbonate and kaolin (china clay) as pigment- 2.2.2 Determination of specific gravity of CaCO 3 and
extenders on the physical and performance properties of Kaolin Powders ( Hickling, 2008)
emulsion paint. The findings from this work will provide
important basic information to researchers in related areas, The weight of a 100cc measuring cylinder was obtained. 10g
paint technologists, existing and prospective paint of the extender was put into the cylinder and kerosene poured
manufacturers and workers interested in exploring this area of into the cylinder until the 100cc mark was reached. The
research. weight of the empty cylinder was subtracted to obtain the
weight of known volume of extender and kerosene (W2).The
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS weight of the extender (10g) was subtracted to give the
weight of kerosene used (W1). The volume of kerosene (V1)
2.1 Materials was obtained by dividing its specific gravity by its mass (W1)
and the volume of extender (V2) was calculated by
2.1.1 Equipment for Production and Testing of Paint subtracting V1 from 100cc. The S.G of extender was then
Samples calculated by expressing the mass (10g) over the volume
(V2).
Mini stirrer (Diaf A/S Copenhagen NV. Denmark) ; I.C.I
Digital Rotothinner Viscometer (Sheen 455N); pH meter 2.2.3 Formulae for Production of White Emulsion Paints
(Mettler Toledo MP 220); Washability Tester: (Elcometer (CAP Plc,2010)
1720 ); K – bar (Sheen) ; Digital Weighing scale (Sauter); Wt
per litre (specific gravity) cup (Sheen), standard stainless The formulae for the white emulsion paints produced using
steel sieves (BS410) calcium carbonate (CCWEP) and kaolin extenders (KWEP)
are presented in Table [Link] Table shows the different
2.1.2 Paint Raw Materials components of the white emulsion paints, their functions and
weight percentages of extenders used in formulating the
paints.
Table 1: Formulae for Production of White Emulsion Paints using 2 to 12% by weight of CaCO3 and kaolin

Components (in weight %) of CaCO3 and kaolin White Emulsion

Paints
Component Function 2 4 6 8 10 12

Water Solvent/diluent 43.15 41.15 39.15 37.15 35.15 33.15

Calgon PT Wetting/water- softening 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15
agent
Acticide Bx Preservative 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Berol 09 Emulsifier/surfactant 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Antifoam Defoamer 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Coatex Dispersant 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
CaCO3/kaolin Extender, thickener 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00

Titanium dioxide White pigment 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00
Styrene-acrylic Binder 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00
resin
Natrosol Cellulosic thickener 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Ammonia pH adjuster 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Texanol Coalescing agent 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

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 International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) – Volume 4 No. 12, December, 2015

2.2.4 Procedure for Production of Emulsion Paints [Link]. Determination of Viscosity of Emulsion Paints at
±270C (NIS, 1990)
The production method described is the same for all levels of
extender but the quantities specified in the procedure are for The paint sample was poured into a sample can to a level of
the production of 300g of the emulsion paint which is about 2.5cm from the top of the can. The can was then placed
obtained by multiplying the % by weight of each component on the turntable of the rotothinner after it had been switched
by 3. on. The disc was immersed into the emulsion paint inside the
(i)The following components (weights in g) were loaded into sample can. The disc was allowed to rotate inside the paint
a plastic vessel: Water (part), (15.15) ,Calgon PT (0.45) sample until the peak viscosity value was obtained. The
Acticide Bx (1.50), Berol 09 (0.60), Antifoam (0.30) and viscosity reading was taken from the graduated scale around
Coatex (0.60) (ii) They were stirred at low speed by means the turntable. The disc was raised and the sample can
of a mini stirrer until Calgon PT dissolved. (approx 5 mins) removed, following which the disc was thoroughly cleaned
(iii) The following ingredients were added into the same pot with a brush and water.
with low-speed stirring: RHA (24.00) Titanium dioxide
(57.00) (iv) The mixture was then stirred at high speed [Link]. Determination of Dry Film Appearance of
(pigment dispersion stage) for about 20mins while Emulsion Paints
intermittently scraping the sides of the vessel. When the
dispersion was satisfactory, the stirring speed was reduced The paint was first thinned with water then applied by means
and the following components were added with slow stirring: of a brush on brush- out cards (6”x 4”). The first coat was
Styrene - acrylic resin (99.00), Water (26.00) (vi) Slurry of allowed to dry for 1hr after which the second coat was
the following was prepared in a separate container and added applied and allowed to dry. The dry paint films were
with stirring to the main pot: Water (70.35), natrosol (1.5). observed for degree of gloss/sheen.
(vii)The following components were finally added and the
mixture stirred until natrosol dissolved (approx 25mins): [Link]. Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC) Values of
Antifoam (part) (0.30), Ammonia (0.30), Texanol (3.00).(iii) Emulsion Paints
The paint was finally checked for satisfactory dispersion of
the pigment with the aid of a small piece of a 100-mesh sieve The PVC values of the emulsion paints were calculated from
and stored in sample cans. their specific gravity values using the mathematical
expression provided in Section 1
2.2.5. PHYSICAL TESTS .
2.2.6 Performance Tests
Physical tests were carried out on white emulsion paints
produced with kaolin (KWEP) and CaCO3 (CCWEP). The The white emulsion paints were subjected to opacity, scrub
tests were carried out using standard testing methods (NIS, resistance, settling resistance and brushing tests.
1990; NIS, 2008) with some modifications where necessary.
The tests include in-can assessment, pH, wt per litre (specific [Link]. Determination of Opacity of Emulsion Paints
gravity) and viscosity.
The paint sample was scooped with a palate knife and spread
[Link]. In-Can Appearance evenly across the width of a Morest chart (black and white
The emulsion paint samples were put in plastic sample cans, striped paper) about 4cm from the edge of the paper. The
gently and thoroughly stirred, then visually observed for paint was then evenly applied down the length of the paper by
colour, homogeneity/consistency and smoothness. means of the K-bar (stainless steel bar) and left to dry. A
second coat was applied using the same application technique
[Link]. pH Determination
but with a space of 5cm left from the edge of the first coat.
The opacity was assessed by the extent to which the black
The pH meter was switched on and the pH electrode was
and white stripes were covered by the paint.
standardized with a buffer solution of pH 7.0. The glass
electrode was rinsed with distilled water and dried with tissue
[Link]. Determination of Scrub resistance (Washability)
paper. It was then dipped into the emulsion paint and the pH
reading taken.
This test is used to determine the number of wet brushing
[Link]. Determination of weight per litre (specific gravity) cycles that the emulsion paint film can withstand before any
Values of Emulsion Paint scratch is observed on the film. Two coats of the emulsion
paint were applied to an asbestos panel of dimension 6”x 12”
The weight per litre cup was first weighed empty on a digital using a brush. The paint was allowed to dry under ambient
weighing scale. The value obtained was ‘tared’. The paint conditions and allowed to age for seven days. The test panels
sample was poured into the cup and any excess paint cleaned were mounted on the washability (scrub resistance) testing
off from the hole in the lid. The cup with the paint was machine fitted with nylon brushes. The machine was set at
weighed to obtain the wt per litre value of the paint. 5,000 cycles to determine if the paint would be washed off
the asbestos panel after brushing the surface 5,000 times.

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 International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) – Volume 4 No. 12, December, 2015

[Link]. Determination of Settling Resistance calcium carbonate, calcite, dolomite and kaolin respectively(
Morgans, 1990) Fig. 1 shows a chart of the S.G values of
The emulsion paint samples were thoroughly stirred then kaolin and CaCO3 at various particle size ranges. The
poured into 500ml plastic jars which were tightly covered. disparity in S.G between CaCO3 and kaolin at the different
The samples were left to stand for a period of four weeks at particle size ranges is evident.
the end of which they were stirred to check the presence of
hard settlement.

[Link]. Brushing Properties

The ease of application of the paint (after thinning) was

determined using a brush. The brush was first wetted and
excess water squeezed from it. It was then used to apply the
paint on asbestos cement panels (300x100mm size) and the
brushing/application properties observed.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The levels of CaCO3 and kaolin were varied from 2-12%, in
the paint formulations, but the higher levels (8-12%) had
more pronounced effects on paint quality and form the basic
framework for this discussion.

3.1. Particle Size of Extenders Fig.1 Plot of specific gravity of extender

against emulsion type
The particle size of the extender affects the properties of
paint, thus the particle size range of the extender is usually The lower S.G values of CaCO3 and kaolin obtained
specified for paints and other surface coatings. An extender experimentally can be attributed to sieving of the extenders
particle size not exceeding 75µm is usually required for to obtain a smaller and narrow particle size range of 32-
emulsion paint formulation (CAP,Plc, 2010). It was necessary 63µm before the determination of their S.G values. The
to maintain the same particle size range of 32-63 microns literature values, however involve a wider distribution of
(µm) in calcium carbonate and kaolin for the purpose of particle sizes, including much larger particle sizes. This
effective comparison of their pigment-extender properties. combination, invariably gives higher S.G values. The S.G of
the extenders is an important physical parameter as it affects
3.2. Specific gravity of CaCO3 and Kaolin Powders the pigment volume concentration (PVC) of the emulsion
paint which controls several paint properties such as
The specific gravity (S.G) of pigments and extenders used viscosity, gloss, rheology, washability and durability
affect the pigment volume concentration (PVC) of paint, ((Sharma, 2011; Austen, 1984)
which controls several paint properties. Consequently, it was
necessary to determine the S.G of the sieved extenders at 3.3. In-can Appearance
various particle sizes in order to determine the effect of
particle size on the S.G of the extender, which was used in The two emulsion paint samples were homogeneous, viscous
calculating the PVC values. Table 2 shows the experimentally liquids with a smooth consistency. However, KWEPs were
determined S.G values of the extenders at different particle off-white in colour while CCWEPs had a more brilliant
size ranges. The values show that the S.G increases with whiteness. This difference in degree of whiteness can be
increase in particle size of the extenders. attributed to the colours of the extenders. The kaolin grade
used had an off-white colour while the CaCO3 grade used was
Table 2. Experimentally Determined Specific brilliant white in colour. This difference was observed only in
Gravity Values of CaCO3 and Kaolin at Different white emulsion paints while for other colours, there was no
Particle Size ranges noticeable difference between the extenders. This suggests
that on the basis of appearance, kaolin can be used to produce
Extender Particle size range Determined S.G of Extender all colours of paint except brilliant white while CaCO3 can be
CaCO3 Kaolin used to produce all colours.
32-63µm (for emulsion paint) 2.24 1.76
32-106 µm 2.26 1.80 3.4. pH Values of Formulated Emulsion Paints
32-212 µm 2.28 1.88
The pH values (at ±270C) obtained for the emulsion paints at
The experimentally determined specific gravity (S.G) values 2-12% levels of kaolin and CaCO3 are presented in Table 3.
of 2.24 and 1.76 obtained for calcium carbonate and kaolin at The pH values of KWEPs ranged from 9.0-9.5 while those of
a particle size range of 32-63microns (µm) are lower than the CCWEPs were in the range of 9.05-9.50 thus, both extenders
literature values of 2.7, 2.8, 2.87 and 2.6 for precipitated
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 International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) – Volume 4 No. 12, December, 2015

produced emulsion paints with pH values slightly higher than Table 3: pH Value of CCWEPs and KWEPs at 2-
specification of 7.00-9.00 for emulsion paints (NIS,2008 ) 12% Levels of Extender
pH Values of CCWEP and KWEP at 2-12%
Extender Level
2 4 6 8 10 12

CCWEP 9.51 9.49 9.05 9.45 9.39 9.25

KWEP 9.21 8.96 9.15 9.13 9.44 9.47

Plots of pH values against extender level shown in Fig. 2

reveal that increased levels of extenders had little or no effect
on the pH of CCWEP, as the values were quite close except
for the lower value of 6%. In the case of KWEP, there was a
slight increase in pH at higher extender levels (10-12%).

Fig.2 Plots of pH values of Emulsion paints versus extender level

This trend is probably due to the fact that pH values of Table 4: Weight per litre (Specific Gravity) Values of
emulsion paints are affected by several factors such as the pH Emulsion Paints
of the resin, additives and other components of the paint as
well as amount of ammonia used. Thus, the slight variation in Weight per Litre Values of CCWEP and KWEP at
pH values of CCWEPs and KWEPs is attributable to a 2-12% Level
combination of the said factors.
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
3.5. Weight per Litre (Specific Gravity) Values of
Emulsion Paints CCWEP 0.98 0.99 1.03 0.93 1.03 1.04

The weight per litre values (equivalent to specific gravity) of KWEP 1.04 1.08 1.10 1.15 0.99 1.01
CCWEP and KWEP are presented in Table 4. KWEP had the
highest values in the range of 1.01-1.15 while CCWEP values Control 1.17
were in the range of 0.98-1.04. It is evident that the S.G of the
extenders had little or no effect on the S.G of the emulsion
paints otherwise CCWEPs would have had higher S.G values
than KWEPs since CaCO3 has a higher S.G than kaolin.

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 International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) – Volume 4 No. 12, December, 2015

Fig .3. Plots of Weight per litre values of Emulsion paint versus Extender level

The little or no impact of the S.G of extender on emulsion Table 5. Viscosity Values (poises) of CCWEPs
paints S.G can be attributed to the presence of other and KWEPs at different Extender Levels
components in the emulsion paint as well as other factors.
Such factors that can affect the S.G of the emulsion paint Viscosity(poises) of CCWEP and KWEP at 2-
include specific gravity of pigment, level of pigment 12%
dispersion, presence and amount of air bubbles and amount of
foam generated during blending of the paint. Thus the S.G of 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
the emulsion paint varies but the variation usually falls within
the range of ±0.2. The S.G of the Control (1.17) which had no CCWEP 2.6 3.2 3.5 3.6 4.0 5.0
extender also substantiates this observation as it is higher than
the values of the emulsion paints containing extender. The KWEP 2.8 3.4 4.1 4.4 5.0 5.9
high S.G of the Control can be attributed to the high S.G of Control 2.8
4.6 of titanium dioxide ([Link]) used as
pigment in the paint. The addition of an extender of lower The emulsion paints showed a gradual increase in viscosity at
S.G evidently reduced the impact of the high S.G of TiO2. lower extender levels (2-6%) but sharp increases at higher
The two extenders, however, did not show much variation in levels (8-12%), which implies that higher levels of extenders
S.G with increasing extender levels. are required in the paint formulation for a pronounced
increase in the viscosity of the emulsion paints.
3.6. Effect of Calcium Carbonate and Kaolin on Viscosity
of Emulsion Paints

The viscosity of emulsion paint is an important paint property

as it affects the consistency, flow and application properties
of the paint. The viscosity of CaCO3- and kaolin-filled
emulsion paints are presented in Table 5. Plots of viscosity
values of the emulsion paints against extender levels are
shown in Fig.4.

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 International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) – Volume 4 No. 12, December, 2015

Fig. 4 Plots of Viscosity (poises) of emulsion paint versus extender Level

The superiority of kaolin to CaCO3 in thickening performance The calculated PVC values of CCWEP and KWEP obtained
can be attributed to its having a lower S.G than CaCO3 of the at 2-12% extender levels are presented in Table 6. Plots of
same particle size range. The low S.G of kaolin results in a calculated PVC values versus extender levels for CCWEP
higher pigment volume concentration (PVC) of KWEPs due and KWEP are shown in Fig.5
to the inverse relationship between S.G and PVC of paint. .
This increase in the volume of pigment/extender particles in Table 6. Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC)
the paint, implies that more kaolin particles are dispersed in values of Extenders
the paint which invariably results in a proportionate increase
PVC Values of CCWEP and KWEP at 2-12% Levels
in its resistance to flow, which is described as ‘viscosity’ of
the paint. The Control which had 0% extender had a value of
2 4 6 8 10 12
2.8 poises which is the same as that for 2% KWEP, and
slightly higher than that of 2% CCWEP. This suggests that CCWEP 25.49 28.39 31.05 33.52 35.77 37.99
low levels of CaCO3 and kaolin have little effect on paint
viscosity. KWEP 26.30 29.84 33.09 36.05 38.73 41.22

a). Pigment Volume Concentration (PVC) Values of

Emulsion Paints

Fig. 4. Plots of PVC versus Extender Level (%)

63 microns (µm) than 2.24 for CaCO3. CCWEPs, on the other
KWEPs have higher PVC values (26-41%) at all the extender hand, have lower PVC values that range from 25-38 %. This
levels due to its having a lower specific gravity of 1.76 at 32- trend can be attributed to the inverse relationship between

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 International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST) – Volume 4 No. 12, December, 2015

specific gravity and PVC; the lower the S.G of the extender,
the greater its volume and the higher the PVC value of the 3.12. Brushing Properties
paint. Thus, kaolin with a lower S.G produced emulsion
paints with higher PVC values than CaCO3. The PVC values KWEPs displayed better brushing properties than those of
of KWEP correspond to those of exterior house paints which CCWEP, in terms of ease of application, flow and spread of
have a low-gloss or flat appearance while the PVC values of the paint on the substrate when applied with both brush and
CCWEP fall within the category of semi-gloss paints [6,7]. roller. This is probably due to the difference in their particle
shapes. The lamellar (plate-like) shape of kaolin particles
3.8. Dry Film Appearance of Emulsion Paints promotes ease of application better than the nodular (round)
shape of the CaCO3 particles.
The PVC values of the emulsion paints reflected in the
appearance of the dry paint films when applied on a substrate.
CCWEP had a noticeable gloss (sheen) while KWEP had a 4. CONCLUSION
rather flat appearance. This effect has substantiated the ‘semi-
gloss’ category of SFWEP and the ‘exterior house paint’ The results of the study revealed that KWEPs had higher
category of RHAWEPs based on PVC values. viscosities than CCWEPs at all extender levels. The pigment
volume concentration (PVC) values of KWEP were higher
3.9. Opacity of Emulsion Paints than those of CCWEP at all extender levels due to the lower
specific gravity of kaolin. The PVC values were evident in
The opacity of the paint, which is also known as the hiding or the dry film appearance of the emulsion paints such that the
obliterating power, is largely dependent on the nature and dry films of CCWEPs had a noticeable gloss (sheen) while
amount of pigment in the paint. However, KWEPs were those of KWEP were rather flat (non-glossy). Kaolin-filled
observed to be slightly better than CCWEP in opacity at 8- emulsion paints showed better performance in opacity,
10% level. Although, they both covered the Morest chart in settling resistance and brushing properties than CaCO3-filled.
two coats, KWEP was found to obliterate the black and white The findings suggest that for a glossy appearance as well as
stripes on the chart slightly better than CCWEPs. This brilliant white colours, calcium carbonate is preferable to
suggests that kaolin contributes to opacity which conforms kaolin. However, if a glossy finish is not required, kaolin
with literature finding (Morgans, 1990). Since extenders have might be a better choice because of the additional benefits in
little or no effect on opacity, the hiding power of the white viscosity, opacity and brushing properties. Further research
emulsion paints is due mostly to the presence of titanium work will explore effects of combinations of kaolin and
dioxide pigment,which has excellent hiding power. CaCO3 in different ratios on emulsion paint properties.

3.10. Scrub Resistance (Washability) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The CCWEPs and KWEPs showed, excellent scrub resistance The author is most grateful to Chemical and Allied Products
of over 5000 cycles at all extender levels. This implies that Plc, Lagos, Nigeria (a former subsidiary of Imperial Chemical
the dry paint films can be washed (scrubbed) over 5000 times Industries, UK) for the use of the research facilities and paint
without loss of the paint from the substrate. This shows that raw materials in her Paints Development Laboratory for this
the paint is of premium (high) quality. The excellent scrub study.
resistance is attributable to the type of resin (styrene-acrylic
copolymer) and level of resin (33%) used in the formulation. REFERENCES
Styrene-acrylic has very good binding properties which was
evident in the strong adherence of the paint film to the Austen, G.T.( 1984). Shreve’s Chemical Process Industries,
substrate and resultant high resistance to scrubbing. This 5th ed., McGraw-Hill Book Company, Singapore, p. 424.
factor is largely dependent on the type of resin used. The two
far exceeded the specification of a minimum of 501 cycles for Chemical and Allied Products (CAP) Plc.( 2010) Paints
premium quality emulsion paint (NIS, 2008). Laboratory, Handbook of Decorative Paint Formulation and
Testing Methods.
3.11. Settling Resistance
Hughes, R.G. (1983) Paints Technical Information Booklet,
KWEPs showed greater resistance to settling as there was Imperial Chemical Industries (I.C.I), Plc (Paints), p.1-82,
little hard settlement at the bottom of the container compared
to CCWEP which had more hard settlement when the paint Igwebike-Ossi, C.D., (2012). Rice Husk Ash as New
samples were stirred. This can be attributed to the nodular Extender in Textured Paint, ,Journal of Chemical Society of
shape of the CaCO3 particles which makes them capable of Nigeria, Vol. 37, no.1 pp. 72-75.
packing together easily resulting in hard settlement unlike the
lamellar shape of kaolin particles (Hughes, 1983) which tend Igwebike-Ossi, C.D.,( 2012). Rice Husk Ash as New Flatting
to aid overlap of particles. In addition, the lower density of Extender in Red Oxide Primer, Journal of Chemical Society
kaolin particles makes them more likely to remain suspended of Nigeria, Vol. 37, no.2, pp. 59-64.
in the resin while the CaCO3 particles which are denser are
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