How silicone gloss & shine enhancers
work
Silicones improve the gloss or shine of products two ways: 1) through their
ability to completely wet a substrate, and 2) through their ability to absorb
or reflect light.
Wetting and spreading
A formulation or coating has to cover a surface evenly to achieve good gloss
or shine. Uneven coverage creates a streaky, blotchy effect. Silicones promote
complete and continuous coverage.
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Because they have such low surface tension (20.4 mN/m) and very little
internal friction, silicones flow easily over all kinds of substrates and
surfaces.
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And because their critical surface tension of wetting is somewhat higher
(24 mN/m), silicones are able to create microscopically thin, self-leveling
films.
Playing with light
A silicone’s ability to absorb or reflect light is a function of its
refractive index.
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Silicones with refractive indices of approximately 1.4 increase gloss and
depth of gloss; when used in car and furniture polishes they more clearly
reveal and enhance the appearance of the surface.
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Silicones with refractive indices of 1.5 or more add shine; when used in
hair care products, they call attention to the light being reflected from the
surface of the hair, giving it the lustrous appearance consumers want.
The refractive index of a polydimethylsiloxane fluid is typically ~1.4. But
if some of the methyl groups on the molecule are replaced with phenyl groups,
the refractive index can be increased!
Do you want gloss? Or do you want shine?
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Gloss
Silicones that promote gloss let light pass through, so the light
illuminates and reflects the substrate.
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Shine
Silicones that promote shine reflect the light before it reaches the
substrate, so the light dazzles the eye.
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Silicone benefits for gloss and shine
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The ability to wet many different substrates, from glass and metal to wood,
skin, and hair
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Self-leveling capability for even coverage
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The ability to form very thin films that do not interfere with the bulk
properties of the product or substrate
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The availability of a variety of refractive indices to achieve the best
degree of gloss or shine for the applications
Typical gloss and shine applications
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Paints and
coatings
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Beauty and
personal care products, including color cosmetics
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Polishes, waxes, and dressings for household and auto care
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Textile coatings that improve the depth of color and intensify pattern
details
Learn how
other types of silicones work.
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| Did you know ... silicones do not always make
things shiny! Certain silicone paint additives, for example, can actually
reduce the shininess of the paint surface, imparting a dull matte finish. |
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Explore your material options
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Get answers
Have a question about how silicone gloss and shine enhancers work?
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