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Shandong Zhonglian Chemical Precipitated Silica Matting Agent — Full Product Catalog Professional Matting Powder Manufacturer | Coatings, Inks & Leather Solutions | Direct Replacement for Imported Brands Shandong Zhonglian Chemical Co., Ltd. is a professional precipitated silica matting agent manufacturer specializing in the R&D, production and global supply of high-performance matting powders and matte silica. Backed by proprietary pore-forming and surface-modification technologies, the company has built a complete product portfolio spanning general industrial grades to high-end functional matting agents. Its products are widely used in wood coatings, UV-curable coatings, waterborne industrial paints, plastics & 3C coatings, printing inks and leather finishing systems. Zhonglian Chemical delivers performance on par with international leading brands, supported by consistent batch quality, competitive pricing and responsive technical service, and exports to over 50 countries across Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. 1. Industry Background & Core Technology Route As the global coatings industry accelerates toward low-VOC, eco-friendly and functional formulations, matte finishes — valued for low glare, premium texture and improved scratch resistance — continue to gain share in furniture, consumer electronics, automotive interiors and industrial protection. Precipitated silica matting agents are the core functional filler in matte coating systems, and their matting efficiency, film transparency, dispersion stability and compatibility directly determine end-product quality. Traditional generic matting powders commonly suffer from uneven pore structure, broad particle size distribution and poor system compatibility, leaving high-end applications dependent on imported brands. Meanwhile, tightening global microplastic regulations are raising compliance risks for conventional wax-treated matting agents, driving demand for wax-free, high-durability and high-stability solutions. Zhonglian Chemical centers its production on precipitated synthetic silica and leverages three proprietary technologies to precisely control pore volume, pore size, particle size distribution and surface activity: In-situ pore-forming technology — controlled pore structure for stable matting efficiency Narrow particle-size classification technology — uniform distribution for finer film feel and higher clarity Organic functional-group grafting technology — enhanced compatibility, dispersion and shelf stability This enables tailored solutions for different resin systems, gloss targets and performance pain points. 2. Full Matting Agent Product Line (by Grade) 2.1 General-Purpose Series (ZL-G Series) Representative grades: ZL-G200, ZL-G300, ZL-G500 Positioning: Cost-effective baseline for standard industrial matte finishes. Produced via standard precipitated process with uniform pore structure and stable matting efficiency, covering 60° gloss from 5% to 40% Basic dispersibility and anti-settling behavior; readily dispersed under conventional high-speed mixing Consistent batch quality and low impurity content for large-scale industrial supply Compatible systems: Solvent-based industrial paints, anti-corrosion coatings, steel structure paints, general wood primers, coil primers. Typical applications: Construction machinery, steel structure protection, standard furniture primers, low-end plastic part coating. 2.2 High-Transparency Series (ZL-T Series) Representative grades: ZL-T200, ZL-T300, ZL-T600 Positioning: For premium clear coats — eliminates hazing and whitening. High-purity amorphous silica base (SiO₂ ≥ 98%), low impurities to prevent yellowing Refractive index closely matched to acrylic, PU and nitrocellulose resins; film clarity approaches that of the clear binder with no haze, whitening or gloss loss Narrow particle size distribution for smooth film surface, preserving color tone and film build Compatible systems: PU wood clear coats, NC topcoats, high-end plastic clear coatings, furniture topcoats. Typical applications: Premium solid-wood furniture, custom cabinet doors, wood flooring topcoats, transparent plastic housings. 2.3 Organic Surface-Treated Series (ZL-S Series) Representative grades: ZL-S200, ZL-S300, ZL-UV100 Positioning: For eco-friendly coating systems — improved dispersion and storage stability. Organic silicone / polymer grafted surface treatment for superior compatibility with waterborne, UV and 2K-PU systems Fast dispersion: fully developed in 10–15 min under high-speed mixing, no milling required, simplifying production Excellent anti-settling: 6-month room-temperature storage without hard settling, outstanding heat-storage stability with no post-thickening Enhances film smoothness and scratch resistance Compatible systems: Waterborne industrial paints, UV-curable coatings, waterborne wood finishes, 2K-PU topcoats, automotive interior coatings. Typical applications: Eco-friendly industrial component coating, UV furniture finishes, consumer electronics housings, automotive interior parts. 2.4 Specialty Functional Series (ZL-F Series) (1) Soft-Feel / Suede Matting Agent — ZL-F500 Unique gradient pore and particle design delivers a fine suede touch and silky skin feel while maintaining uniform matte appearance. Excellent chemical and abrasion resistance with durable feel, ideal for elastomeric and soft-touch paints to achieve premium frosted or velvet textures. (2) High-Scratch-Resistance Matting Agent — ZL-F600 High-hardness silica core with surface toughening treatment significantly improves coating scratch and wear resistance. Stable matting efficiency and good film build for coil coatings, automotive paints and outdoor industrial finishes requiring high weatherability. (3) Wax-Free Eco Matting Agent — ZL-F700 Amino-silicone-oil modified as a complete replacement for synthetic wax surface treatment, eliminating microplastic release risks and complying with EU and North American microplastic regulations. Chemical-bonded interface delivers excellent alkali, sweat and water resistance without wax migration or hazing — ideal for export-oriented high-end 3C coatings. 3. Typical Technical Data Sheet (Reference Values) Series Grade BET Surface Area (m²/g) Avg. Particle Size (μm) Oil Absorption (g/100g) Loss on Drying (%) pH Surface Treatment Typical Application General ZL-G200 200±20 4.5–6.0 200–250 ≤6 6.0–8.0 Untreated General industrial & anti-corrosion paints General ZL-G300 300±25 3.0–4.5 250–300 ≤6 6.0–8.0 Untreated Wood primers, standard plastic paints High-Clarity ZL-T200 200±20 3.5–5.0 220–260 ≤5 6.5–7.5 Untreated Wood clear coats, transparent topcoats High-Clarity ZL-T300 300±25 2.5–3.5 260–310 ≤5 6.5–7.5 Untreated Premium furniture, plastic clear coatings Organic-Treated ZL-S200 200±20 4.0–5.5 180–230 ≤4 6.0–7.5 Silicone modified Waterborne industrial & UV coatings Organic-Treated ZL-UV100 180±20 5.0–7.0 160–210 ≤4 6.0–7.5 UV-special modified UV-curable coatings & inks Functional ZL-F500 250±20 3.0–4.5 230–280 ≤4 6.0–7.5 Organic grafted Soft-feel, elastomeric paints, leather Functional ZL-F700 220±20 3.5–5.0 200–250 ≤4 6.5–8.0 Amino silicone modified Wax-free eco coatings, premium 3C Reference values only; each batch ships with a formal COA. Custom specifications available on request. 4. Equivalent Replacement Guide for International Brands Zhonglian Chemical matting agents are designed as direct equivalents to leading international products, delivering comparable performance at a more competitive cost with shorter lead times and tailored service — a preferred choice for import substitution. International Brand Equivalent Grade Zhonglian Grade Match Level Key Advantage Grace (USA) SYLOID® 244 ZL-G200 ≥95% Similar matting efficiency, better value, shorter delivery Grace (USA) SYLOID® C803 ZL-T300 ≥92% Comparable clarity, excellent batch consistency Evonik (Germany) ACEMATT® OK 412 ZL-S200 ≥93% Equivalent dispersion & anti-settling for waterborne systems Evonik (Germany) ACEMATT® TS 100 ZL-F500 ≥90% Similar soft-feel effect, superior abrasion resistance Tokuyama (Japan) FINESIL® X-37 ZL-UV100 ≥92% Strong UV compatibility, good heat-storage stability Wacker (Germany) HDK® M5 ZL-G300 ≥94% Balanced general-purpose performance, cost advantage 5. Core Performance Advantages 5.1 Precise Pore Control for High Matting Efficiency Proprietary in-situ pore-forming allows pore volume tuning from 1.2 to 2.0 mL/g with uniform pore-size distribution. Matting efficiency is 10–15% above industry averages, and the combination of particle size and pore volume can be adjusted to hit target gloss levels — full matte, semi-matte or soft-matte. 5.2 High-Clarity Formulation, Zero Film-Quality Loss High-purity silica source and narrow-size classification keep the refractive-index gap to mainstream resins within ≤0.02, with haze increase <3% after addition. No hazing, whitening or gloss loss — preserving film color and build for demanding clear-coat applications. 5.3 Easy Dispersion & Long Shelf Life Covalently grafted surface treatment delivers a robust modifier layer that does not wash off. Dispersion speed in waterborne and UV systems improves by 30% with no milling required. Heat-storage viscosity change after 7 days at 50°C is <15%, and room-temperature storage for 6 months shows no hard settling — cutting production and warehousing costs. 5.4 Strong Interfacial Bonding for Better Film Mechanics Surface functional groups chemically bond with the resin, turning the matting agent from a passive filler into an active part of the coating network. Scratch resistance improves by over 20%, and water, alkali and chemical resistance outperform physically coated alternatives — no migration, no exudation, stable long-term performance. 5.5 Unmatched Batch Consistency Fully automated production lines with SPC process control keep key indicators (particle size, oil absorption, BET) batch-to-batch variation below 5% — well below industry averages — meeting the strict consistency requirements of large-volume coating manufacturers and eliminating reformulation costs caused by raw-material fluctuation. 6. Application Solutions by Segment & Usage Guide 6.1 Wood Coatings Recommended grades: ZL-T200 (primer), ZL-T300 (topcoat), ZL-S200 (waterborne) Typical dosage: 3–8% on total formula weight Usage: In solvent-based systems, add together with pigments/fillers and disperse at high speed for 15–20 min. For waterborne systems, prefer organic-treated grades and control pH at 7–9 for best results. Benefits: Uniform matte finish, high clarity, preserves wood grain, excellent yellowing resistance across furniture, flooring and doors. 6.2 Industrial & Anti-Corrosion Coatings Recommended grades: ZL-G200, ZL-G300, ZL-S200 (waterborne) Typical dosage: 2–6% Usage: Can be dispersed together with anti-corrosion pigments and fillers under conventional dispersion; for heavy-duty systems, pair with suitable anti-settling additives. Benefits: Stable matting efficiency, good weatherability, no adverse effect on corrosion protection, outstanding cost performance for steel structures, construction machinery, containers and pipelines. 6.3 UV-Curable Coatings Recommended grades: ZL-UV100, ZL-S300 Typical dosage: 4–10% Usage: Avoid over-milling that could damage the pore structure and reduce matting efficiency; pre-mix with UV monomers and resins before dispersion. Benefits: Good compatibility with UV resins, no cure-rate interference, strong heat-storage stability, no post-thickening or hazing — ideal for UV furniture, plastic coatings and UV inks. 6.4 Plastic & 3C Coatings Recommended grades: ZL-F500 (soft-feel), ZL-T300 (clear), ZL-F700 (wax-free) Typical dosage: 5–12% Usage: For elastomeric systems, pair with a suitable toughening resin to maximize suede feel. Benefits: Fine texture, scratch and abrasion resistance, excellent sweat and chemical resistance — delivering frosted, suede and skin-feel effects. 6.5 Printing Inks Recommended grades: ZL-G200 (general inks), ZL-S200 (waterborne inks) Typical dosage: 2–5% Usage: For high-fineness gravure inks, extend dispersion time or use light milling. Benefits: Good dispersion and printability, uniform matte finish, abrasion resistance for packaging, screen and gravure printing. 6.6 Leather Finishing Recommended grades: ZL-F500, ZL-G300 Typical dosage: 3–8% Benefits: Natural matte effect without reducing leather softness, good abrasion and flex resistance for footwear, furniture and garment leather. 7. Global Compliance & Quality Control International Certifications (Market Access) EU: REACH-registered full formulation, RoHS 2.0 compliant, restricted heavy metals and harmful substances free North America: Complies with FDA 21 CFR 175.300 for food-contact coatings Middle East / Southeast Asia: Halal certified for food-contact and daily-chemical packaging coatings South America: Meets Brazilian ANVISA environmental requirements for Brazil, Argentina and other Latin American markets General: Low-VOC, APEO-free, formaldehyde-free, meeting global eco-coating formulation requirements End-to-End Quality Control 1.Raw material control: Strict silica and acid/alkali source screening with batch-by-batch incoming inspection 2.Process control: Real-time SPC monitoring on all production lines with automatic parameter-deviation alerts 3.Finished-product inspection: 32-indicator full testing on every batch with formal COA; non-conforming products never leave the plant 4.Batch traceability: Each batch is retained for 18 months for full quality trace-back 8. Production Capacity, Packaging & Global Logistics Production Capacity Zhonglian Chemical operates a modern production base in Shandong with 4 automated precipitated silica lines and an annual matting-agent capacity of 50,000 tons, supporting large-volume domestic and overseas orders. Standard grades hold over 1,000 tons of buffer stock for urgent delivery. Packaging Standard industrial: 25 kg/bag, polyethylene-lined paper-plastic composite bag Bulk: 500 kg / 1,000 kg jumbo bags for container loading and automatic dosing Custom: OEM/ODM private-label packaging and branding available on request Global Logistics Domestic: Ships within 3 working days of payment; delivery to major coatings clusters in 1–2 days Export: MOQ: 1 ton; free samples from 100 g to 5 kg available Ports: Qingdao, Shanghai, Guangzhou (customer-specified ports also accepted) Lead time: 7 days for in-stock grades, 15–20 days for custom grades Trade terms: FOB, CIF, CFR, EXW; full export customs and commodity inspection support Coverage: Exported to 50+ countries across Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with extensive international trade experience 9. Custom Development & Technical Service Backed by its own R&D center and application laboratory, Zhonglian Chemical provides comprehensive customization: 1.Grade customization: Tailored particle size, pore volume and surface treatment to match specific resin systems, gloss targets and performance requirements 2.Formulation support: Application engineers assist with formula debugging, dispersion-process optimization and troubleshooting (uneven matting, hazing, settling, etc.) 3.OEM/ODM: Neutral packaging and customer-brand customization for distributors and brand owners 4.After-sales support: 24/7 email response for overseas customers; on-site technical support within 48 hours for domestic customers 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q1: What is the typical dosage of matting agent? A: Dosage varies by system — 2–6% for general industrial paints, 3–8% for wood clear coats, and up to 5–12% for UV and soft-feel coatings. The exact level depends on target gloss and formula; we provide free samples and tailored dosage recommendations. Q2: How do I solve poor dispersion or film hazing? A: Hazing usually comes from broad particle size distribution, refractive-index mismatch or over-dispersion. We recommend high-clarity grades, controlled dispersion speed and time (avoid over-milling), and organic-treated grades for waterborne systems to significantly improve dispersion and clarity. Q3: Can your products directly replace imported matting agents? A: Yes. Our full line matches Grace, Evonik and Tokuyama mainstream grades at ≥90–95% performance, and in most cases can be dropped in without major reformulation — with better cost and shorter lead times. Q4: Are samples free? How long until delivery? A: Samples up to 1 kg of standard grades are free; only shipping costs apply. Domestic samples arrive in 3 days; international samples in 7–15 days. Custom sample lead times are discussed case by case. Q5: Do your products meet EU REACH, US FDA and other international standards? A: Yes. Our matting agents are REACH-registered and comply with FDA food-contact, RoHS, Halal and other major international certifications and standards, supporting entry into most global markets. Disclaimer: The technical data above are representative values based on current testing and may vary by batch. They are provided for reference only and do not constitute a warranty. Users should verify performance under their own application conditions before industrial use. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Article 2: In-depth Analysis of Feed-Grade Silica Carrier and Anti-caking Technology: Mechanism, Core Indicators and Practical Formula Selection In the feed additive formula system, silica is a typical raw material with "small dosage but great effect" — its addition ratio is usually only 0.2%–3%, but it directly determines the flowability, anti-caking stability, mixing uniformity and active ingredient shelf life of premixes. Many formula problems such as caking, discharging blockage and rapid activity decay often stem from improper silica selection and dosage matching, rather than the main raw material itself. From the perspective of practical formula application, this article breaks down the selection logic of the two core technologies of anti-caking and carrier, covering mainstream scenarios such as vitamins, minerals, choline chloride and enzyme preparations, to help formulators and procurement staff establish a clear selection and judgment framework. 1. Anti-caking Function: Finer Is Not Better — Matching Is the Key There is a common misconception: the finer the silica, the better the anti-caking effect. This is not the case in actual formula verification — the anti-caking effect depends on particle dispersibility, hygroscopicity and matching with the main material particles, rather than simple particle size. Three-layer mechanism of anti-caking action Physical isolation: Silica particles fill the gaps between main material particles, creating a ball bearing effect that reduces friction and contact area between particles. This is the most basic anti-caking mechanism. Moisture adsorption: The porous structure absorbs free water on the raw material surface and environmental moisture, eliminating the necessary conditions for liquid bridge formation. This is the core of anti-caking in high-humidity environments. Surface modification: Reduces the surface adhesion of viscous components (such as choline chloride, molasses) and decreases the bonding force between particles. Key points of anti-caking selection for different scenarios Vitamin premixes: With multiple components, small dosage and high unit price, they have extremely high requirements for mixing uniformity. It is recommended to use general anti-caking type with fine particle size (D50 about 8–12μm) and moderate adsorption. A dosage of 0.3%–0.8% can achieve good flow and dispersion effects. Focus on uniform particle size distribution to avoid dust and stratification caused by excessively fine particles. Mineral premixes: High salt content, strong hygroscopicity and high density make them the most prone to caking. It is recommended to use anti-caking models with strong water absorption and neutral pH, with a typical dosage of 0.5%–1.5%. For formulas in high-humidity areas or with long summer storage periods, the dosage can be appropriately increased and combined with compound anti-caking agent solutions. Amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins: They are inherently viscous and prone to moisture absorption and caking. Focus on the surface inertness and oil absorption value of silica, avoid reaction with active components, and prioritize high-purity grades with low soluble salt content. Common verification methods for anti-caking effect The most commonly used evaluation method in the industry is the accelerated caking test: place the sample in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (usually 38℃, 75% relative humidity) for 7–14 days, then observe the caking degree, measure the angle of repose and sieve passing rate. Final verification can also be carried out through actual silo discharging tests and continuous operation tests of automatic batching systems. 2. Carrier Function: Adsorption Capacity Is Only the Basis — Release Performance and Stability Matter More The carrier function represents the highest technical barrier in feed-grade silica applications. Many suppliers only label "oil absorption value XX", but what truly determines the effect in actual formulas is the powder flowability after liquid loading, active ingredient retention rate and storage stability. Core evaluation dimensions of carrier silica Maximum liquid loading capacity: The maximum amount of liquid that can be adsorbed per unit mass of silica, usually expressed as adsorption ratio. Ordinary carrier types have about 1.5–2 times, and high-adsorption types can reach 2.5–3 times. However, the limit adsorption capacity is not used in actual production; it is usually controlled at 70%–80% of the maximum to leave a safety margin against free liquid seepage. Flowability after liquid loading: Maintaining a dry powder state and good flowability after adsorbing liquid is the core indicator of carrier silica. With the same adsorption capacity, the smaller the angle of repose after liquid loading and the better the flowability, the higher the product quality. Pore structure and release performance: Pore size distribution determines the liquid locking and release behavior. Excessively large pore size is prone to free liquid seepage, while excessively small pore size may prevent effective release of active ingredients in the animal digestive tract. Mature carrier models optimize the pore size range for different applications. Chemical inertness: Silica itself has stable chemical properties and does not react with most feed components. However, attention should be paid to the impact of soluble salts, heavy metals and pH on sensitive active substances (such as probiotics, enzyme preparations). For high-end applications, refined grades with low conductivity and near-neutral pH should be selected. Selection solutions for typical liquid carrier scenarios Choline chloride carrier: The most classic carrier application in the feed industry. Choline chloride itself is a highly hygroscopic viscous liquid, and conventional 70% or 75% liquid formulations are difficult to use directly in dry powder premixes. Made into 50% powdered choline chloride through high-adsorption silica carrier, it features good flowability and is not easy to cake, which is a universal solution for the global premix industry. It is recommended to use carrier models with large particle size and high oil absorption value, with D50 usually in the range of 100–300μm, to ensure no dust and no wall sticking after liquid loading. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): High activity and prone to oxidative inactivation. Carrier silica is selected not only for powder solidification, but also for isolation and protection. It is usually used in combination with encapsulation technology, and medium-adsorption models with moderate pores and smooth surface are selected to balance loading capacity and stability. Plant essential oils and organic acids: Strong volatility, strong odor and easy migration. High specific surface area carrier silica can effectively delay volatilization, extend storage period and improve mixing uniformity. Some high-end formulas use hydrophobically modified silica to further enhance the controlled release effect. Enzyme preparations and probiotics: Highly sensitive to temperature, humidity and pH. High-purity carriers with low impurities, low heavy metals and near-neutral pH are required, and moisture content should be controlled to avoid activity decay. Such applications usually do not pursue high adsorption capacity, but value biocompatibility and activity protection more. 3. Ratio and Dosage Principles for Combined Use In actual production, most compound premix formulas contain both dry powder and liquid components, so anti-caking and carrier silica are often used in combination. The general industry dosage principles are as follows: Pure dry powder anti-caking: 0.2%–0.5% for complete feed, 0.5%–2% for premixes, adjusted according to material hygroscopicity and storage cycle; Liquid carrier solidification: Add carrier silica at 20%–40% of the liquid mass, and the specific ratio shall be determined by experiments according to liquid viscosity and target liquid loading capacity; Compound premixes: Usually liquid carrier adsorption is performed first, then anti-caking silica is added to adjust overall flowability, with a total dosage of generally 1%–3%. It should be particularly emphasized that the US FDA stipulates that the total addition of silica from all sources in complete feed shall not exceed 2%, and export formulas must strictly comply with local regulatory limits. 4. Selection Pitfalls: Three Overlooked Key Issues Only looking at D50, ignoring particle size distribution: Two products with the same D50 may have vastly different distribution spans. Products with wide distribution have both excessively fine particles causing dust and excessively coarse particles causing stratification, and their actual use effect is far inferior to narrow-distribution products. Only testing pure powder oil absorption value, not actual system adsorption capacity: Different liquids have different viscosity and surface tension, resulting in very different adsorption performance in silica. High oil absorption value of pure oil does not mean high adsorption capacity for actual systems such as choline chloride and essential oils; actual material verification must be carried out. Ignoring the impact of soluble salts and pH: Excessive soluble salt content not only affects compliance, but may also react with sensitive active ingredients and accelerate the inactivation of vitamins and enzyme preparations. High-end premixes should prioritize high-purity products with low conductivity and sufficient washing. Overall, the selection of feed-grade silica is a systematic project that requires comprehensive judgment based on material characteristics, process conditions, storage cycle and compliance requirements. For formulators, establishing a three-dimensional evaluation system of "indicator – performance – cost", rather than comparing prices on a single dimension, is the way to select truly cost-effective and suitable products. Disclaimer This article is compiled from public online materials and industry reports, and is for reference and exchange by industry professionals only. We assume no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. Should any copyright infringement or other issues arise, please contact us promptly and we will remove the relevant content immediately.