CASE Additives

Does chemistry excite you? Chemistry excites us!

Here at Stepan, we believe that the right chemistry, at the right dosage, is critical for performance. We do not believe in a one-size-fits all approach. Instead, we look to understand each product’s structure-function relationship. In other words, the “WHY” something happens. Presenting data, or the “what” happened, is easy. Explaining the mechanics as to why it happened is not. We leverage our structure-function expertise to build our extensive range of surfactants for C.A.S.E. (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers). From multifunctional paint additives to pigment dispersants or from emulsifiers to functional monomers for emulsion polymers, Stepan can help you find the right chemistry for your project.

Emulsion Polymerization

Choosing the right surfactant for latex manufacturing is crucial. Stepan makes it easy with the POLYSTEP® line of phosphate esters, alkoxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, ether sulfates, as well as other specialty surfactants and functional monomers. Stepan's expertise and broad portfolio provide a wide range of functionalities for many applications, including paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.

In addition, markets are currently facing significant technological challenges, and formulators are looking to Stepan to help improve adhesion, water resistance, corrosion resistance, block resistance and reduce leaching. One such product is the POLYSTEP TSP-16PE30, a "bulky" emulsifier designed to designed to deliver enhanced adhesion and improved water resistance. Its functionality is enabled through the reduced mobility of the surfactant due to its “bulky” nature.

To learn more about POLYSTEP TSP-16PE30 and our other EP products, visit the POLYSTEP Solutions Portal.

Pigment Dispersants

Whether your application is paint or ink, we have the chemistry and the science behind it to improve the performance of your dispersion.

Stepan has developed a new, high-performance polymeric dispersant for organic pigments and carbon black to improve the performance of your water-borne dispersions. It is VOC-free and self-wetting (no wetting agent required), reduces milling time and improves color strength. Learn more about STEPSPERSE® 61 for architectural colorants and industrial applications.

Learn more about our new high-performance polymeric dispersant by accessing our technical article in the May issue of PCI Magazine. Or, simply contact us to discuss this new, developmental dispersant chemistry. We would love to talk to you.

We have other chemistries for your dispersions as well.

View All Pigment Dispersants

Wetting Agents

You have many choices when it comes to improving your product's performance. Stepan challenges you to think differently about solutions and consider a multifunctional additive to tackle your toughest formulation challenges. Our new STEPCOTE™ line of multifunctional wetting agents are designed to provide sustainable and functional solutions for waterborne acrylic systems in architectural and industrial applications. Each STEPCOTE product is free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE-Free) and uses proven chemistries from Stepan's broad manufacturing network, including phosphate esters, ethoxylates, propoxylates, and sulfonates. In addition, the STEPCOTE line of products lower surface tension while improving key formulation properties such as: