Particle Size & Pore Structure
Both GMATT and Syloid lines offer median particle sizes (D50) from 5 µm to 12 µm, but their pore volume profiles differ. Syloid C803 and C807 use a narrow-pore gel structure (pore volume ~1.0–1.2 mL/g) optimized for low-VOC waterborne systems. GMATT 100 Series matches this range at 1.0–1.4 mL/g while the GMATT 600 Series precipitated grades reach 1.6–1.8 mL/g, giving formulators more resin absorption control. Higher pore volume means faster matting at lower loadings — critical when resin cost is the dominant line item.
Transparency & Haze Performance
Transparency is the deciding spec for clear coats and wood finishes. At 5% loading in a solventborne alkyd, GMATT 100 Series delivers haze values of 0.8–1.2% versus Syloid C803 at 0.9–1.4%. Both are well within the ≤2% threshold for premium clear coats. The key differentiator: GMATT 100 Series maintains transparency stability after 72 hours at 50°C accelerated storage, while some Syloid gel grades show 0.3–0.5% haze drift under the same conditions. For buyers running long shelf-life SKUs, that stability gap matters.
Gloss Reduction Efficiency
At equivalent 3% w/w loading in a polyurethane clear coat, GMATT 100 Series reduces 60° gloss to 25–30 GU from a baseline of 90 GU. Syloid C807 achieves 28–33 GU under the same conditions — a marginal difference that disappears at 4% loading. Where GMATT pulls ahead is in the precipitated GMATT 600 Series: its higher surface area (200–250 m²/g vs Syloid’s 150–180 m²/g) delivers 20–25 GU at just 2.5% loading, reducing total silica consumption per batch by roughly 15%.
Cost & Supply Positioning
Current FOB China pricing for GMATT 100 Series sits at $2,800–3,200/MT versus $3,600–4,200/MT for equivalent Syloid grades ex-works US/EU. Even after freight and duties, GMATT lands 15–25% below Syloid for APAC and Middle East buyers. Grace’s recent capacity rationalization at its Curtis Bay plant has extended Syloid lead times to 8–12 weeks, while GMATT ships within 2–3 weeks from Shandong. For formulators running JIT inventory, supply reliability is now as important as spec sheets.
Head-to-Head Specification Table
The table below summarizes key specs across the most commonly cross-referenced grades. All values are typical at standard test conditions (23°C, 50% RH, solventborne alkyd unless noted).
| Specification | GMATT 100 Series | GMATT 600 Series | Syloid C803 | Syloid C807 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gel silica | Precipitated silica | Gel silica | Gel silica |
| D50 particle size | 6–8 µm | 5–7 µm | 7–9 µm | 5–7 µm |
| Pore volume (mL/g) | 1.0–1.4 | 1.6–1.8 | 1.0–1.2 | 1.1–1.3 |
| BET surface area (m²/g) | 280–320 | 200–250 | 250–300 | 150–180 |
| 60° gloss at 3% loading (GU) | 25–30 | 20–25 | 28–33 | 28–33 |
| Haze at 5% loading (%) | 0.8–1.2 | 1.5–2.0 | 0.9–1.4 | 1.2–1.6 |
| FOB price ($/MT) | 2,800–3,200 | 2,400–2,800 | 3,600–4,200 | 3,800–4,400 |
| Lead time | 2–3 weeks | 2–3 weeks | 8–12 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparison.
+Is GMATT a direct drop-in replacement for Syloid matting agents?
Yes, GMATT 100 Series is a functional drop-in for Syloid C803 and C807 in most solventborne and waterborne systems. Particle size, pore volume, and gloss reduction overlap within ±10% at equivalent loadings. A lab trial at your target loading confirms compatibility in 1–2 days.
+Which GMATT grade matches Syloid C803 for clear coat transparency?
GMATT 100 Series is the closest match, delivering 0.8–1.2% haze at 5% loading versus Syloid C803’s 0.9–1.4%. Both sit well below the 2% threshold for premium clear coats, with GMATT showing slightly better accelerated storage stability.
+How much can I save switching from Syloid to GMATT?
At current pricing, GMATT 100 Series lands 15–25% below equivalent Syloid grades for APAC buyers, translating to $400–1,000/MT savings. For a plant consuming 50 MT/year, that is $20,000–50,000 in annual raw material savings with no reformulation cost.
+What is the lead time difference between GMATT and Syloid?
GMATT ships within 2–3 weeks from Shandong, China. Syloid lead times have stretched to 8–12 weeks following Grace’s Curtis Bay capacity rationalization. For JIT inventory buyers, this 6–9 week gap is often the deciding factor.
+Does GMATT 600 Series offer better matting efficiency than gel-type silicas?
Yes, GMATT 600 Series precipitated silica achieves 20–25 GU at 2.5% loading, roughly 15% less silica than gel-type grades (both GMATT 100 and Syloid) need for the same gloss level. Higher surface area (200–250 m²/g) drives the efficiency gain.
+Can I use GMATT in UV-curable coatings where I currently use Syloid?
GMATT 100 Series performs well in UV-curable systems with proper dispersion. At 3% loading in acrylate oligomer formulations, it delivers 28–32 GU at 60° without interfering with photoinitiator activity. Cure speed remains within ±5% of Syloid-loaded controls.
For most solventborne and waterborne clear coat formulations, GMATT 100 Series delivers equivalent transparency and gloss control to Syloid C803 at 15–25% lower cost with significantly shorter lead times — making it the default recommendation for cost-vs-performance optimization.