Inorganic Polyphosphates for Latex Stability

Manufacturer: We have been advised to use inorganic polyphosphate to enhance the stability of our latex. How does this work?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Polyphosphates have been used successfully as deflocculating agents for the dispersion of pigments. They have a mild surface active property and are usually added as the alkali salts.

The alkali polyphosphates have the ability to sequest heavy metal ions and are therefore very useful in countering the destabilizing effect of calcium and magnesium ions that might be present in hard water used in diluting the latex.