Polyether silicone oil (polyether modified silicone oil), with its unique molecular structure, has demonstrated excellent performance in the field of coating leveling and has become a key additive to improve coating quality.Its core mechanism of action and typical application scenarios are as follows：


1. Leveling performance optimization mechanism
Surface tension regulation
Polyether silicone oil reduces the surface tension of the coating to 20-25mN/m through the siloxane chain (much lower than traditional leveling agents), which enables the coating to spread quickly on complex substrates (such as metals and plastics), eliminating defects such as shrinkage and pinholes.For example, DY-ET333 polyether modified silicone oil can reduce the surface tension of water-based coatings to 22mN/m, significantly improving the adaptability to difficult-to-wet substrates.
Molecular orientation arrangement
In its molecular structure, the polydimethylsiloxane segments are arranged in a directional manner on the surface of the coating film to form a smooth and smooth layer, while the polyether segments are dissolved in the resin, which synergistically reduces the friction coefficient of the coating film.Experimental data show that adding 0.5% polyether silicone oil can reduce the friction coefficient of the coating film by 60% and increase the scratch resistance by 3 times.
Rheological improvement
By reducing the friction within the coating molecules, polyether silicone oil can reduce the viscosity of the system and promote the flow of the coating.In the epoxy resin system, adding 1% polyether silicone oil can shorten the flow time by 40%, while maintaining the gloss of the coating film ≥85 (60° angle).
2. Typical application scenarios
Water-based coating system
 By compounding silicone paste and polyether, excellent defoaming and leveling balance is achieved.In building exterior wall coatings, adding 0.3% of this product can shorten the coating film flow time from 15 minutes to 6 minutes without affecting the recoating properties.
High solid content/solvent-free coating
For high-viscosity systems, polyether silicone oil promotes self-leveling of coatings by reducing surface tension.In the original automobile paint, adding 0.2% polyetheramide modified silicone oil can increase the orange peel index (DOI) of the coating film from 75 to 92, achieving a mirror effect.
Special functional paint
Anti-adhesion coating: Adding polyether silicone oil to the polyurethane coating can make the surface contact angle of the coating film >110° to achieve self-cleaning and anti-adhesion.
Antistatic coating: By introducing ethylene glycol groups, polyether silicone oil can impart antistatic properties (surface resistance <100Ω) to the coating film, which is suitable for packaging coatings of electronic components.
3. Process optimization recommendations
Timing of addition: It is recommended to add it in the final stage of coating production to avoid the attenuation of defoaming performance caused by high temperature shear.
Dosage control: The recommended amount of solvent-based coatings is 0.05-0.3%, and the water-based system can reach 0.5-1%. Laboratory tests are required to determine the best ratio.
Compounding technology: When combined with acrylic leveling agents, it can synergistically improve the leveling and anti-adhesion properties, but the total addition amount needs to be controlled ≤1.5%.
Fourth, the trend of technological development
Current research focuses on environmentally friendly synthesis processes, such as the use of silicone-based RAFT reagents instead of chloroplatinic acid catalysts to achieve no heavy metal residues.At the same time, by regulating the EO/PO (ethylene oxide/propylene oxide) ratio, a new type of polyether silicone oil with ultra-low surface tension (<18mN/m) and high compatibility has been developed, and its application in emerging fields such as UV-curable coatings and 3D printing photosensitive resins has been further expanded.