Cobalt Octoate

It is an extremely active & most widely used drier in coatings & capable of being used even as a single Drier. It is primarily an oxidation catalyst & acts as a “Surface Drier”. It may have a tendency to cause surface wrinkling, hence to provide uniform drying, it is generally used in combination with other auxiliary driers. It is generally added at 0.05 to 0.5% depending on the vehicle solids. Cobalt drier prevents atmospheric humidity to enter into paint films due to its unique property. This will help to increase gloss & reduces brittleness of the film. This drier is a universal drier, which is essential in all media.

As quantity of Cobalt Drier used is very small, it minimizes discoloration in paints & enamels as compared with other Driers. Cobalt does not discolor white paints as the deep blue color of the cobalt counteracts the yellow of the oils & resins & thereby enhances the whiteness of the paint. Cobalt is an effective accelerator for catalytic action of MEKP to polymerize unsaturated polyester resin.