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RHEOLATE®

HX 6008

and

RHEOLATE®

HX 6050

Highly efficient nonionic synthetic associ-ative thickener (NiSAT) for excellent high shear viscosity with additional mid-shear

viscosity contribution

Key Benefits

Extremely high efficient

High shear

viscosity build with mid– shear contribution

Suitable in a

broad range of latex chemistries

Application Leaflet

May 2015

2

Introduction

The rheology of latex paints is controlled by rheological additives. Of the various types available

(Figure 1), polymer-based rheological additives are the most commonly used thickeners for

controlling application and performance properties of waterborne coatings. Polymer based

rheology modifiers for latex paints fall predominately into three classes: modified cellulosics,

alkali-swellable acrylics, and nonionic synthetic associative thickeners (NiSATs).

Polymer-based rheology additives derive their thickening properties from either volume exclusion

(molecular weight) and/or from an associative mechanism in which interaction with the latex

particles and, to a lesser extent with pigment extenders, builds a transient network structure

(Figure 2).

No thickener class excels in all properties and the choice is mainly dictated by cost and

performance requirements for a given paint.

Nonionic Synthetic Associative Thickeners (NiSATs) are often the thickener of choice for paints

requiring: Flow and Leveling, Coverage (Film Build), Moisture Resistance and Spatter Resistance

The efficiency of these thickeners, however, is not on par with that of the other classes of

thickeners. In addition, the resulting paints are more prone to viscosity loss on tinting with

colorants. This is especially true for richly colored paints that are popular for DIY products.

The inefficiency of NiSATs relative to other classes of thickeners has been exacerbated by the

new environmental regulations requiring ever decreasing amounts of VOCs. For example, the

reduction in the amounts of coalescent in paint has a negative effect on the thickener efficiency

Figure 1. Classes of thickeners used as rheology additives in latex coating

Figure 2. Illustration of transient network structure in NiSAT thickened paint

3

of an associative thickener. In addition, changes in resin technology meant to reduce the need

for coalescents have resulted in the use of increasing amounts of surfactants which have a

negative effect on the efficiency of NiSATs. Finally, the use of open time extenders meant to

counteract the effect of removing traditional open time additives (VOCs) also has a negative

effect on the efficiency of NiSATs.

Within the class of NiSAT`s, the additives designed to provide predominately Newtonian

characteristics (high-shear thickeners) are commonly the dominating part of the entire thickener

composition. These products are designed to provide good film build, without extensive build-up

of the “in-can-feel” and superior levelling of the paint. These are the thickeners that would mostly

benefit by an improvement in efficiency. Higher efficiency can result in reduced costs along with

improved film properties such as hardness, water resistance, scrub, etc.

The herein described new high-shear thickeners, promoted as RHEOLATE® HX grades, are the

culmination of an extensive effort to improve the efficiency without sacrificing any positive

attributes of the final paint system. These grades have shown a significant improvement in

thickening efficiency in comparison to the currently used technology. The relative impact on the

rheological characteristics, performance and efficiency is illustrated in the following number of

various paint and coating systems.

Both grades which are being described, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050, are

novel NiSAT thickeners providing outstanding rheological properties for aqueous applications.

They develop high shear viscosity very efficiently, and additionally display some mid-shear

viscosity contribution. RHEOLATE® HX 6008 is specifically dedicated to aqueous acrylic and

alkyd systems. RHEOLATE® HX 6050 shows its strength especially in vinyl acetate-ethylene

(VAE) as well as Vina-Veova based systems. In the field of styrene-acrylic binder systems, both

grades are performing equally well.

Both, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE

® HX 6050, show the ability to replace a

combination of a mid/low shear and a high shear thickener. Reference: Lynch, T., Mangnus, E., Buford, N., Beaupre, J., Aidoo, Y., (2015). New Nonionic Synthetic Associative Thickeners. Presented at the European Coatings Congress 2015, Nuremberg.

4

Key Benefits

Extremely high efficient thickeners with both ICI and KU properties.

Compatible in various resin systems.

Excellent balance of sag, flow, and levelling.

Minimal effect on final paint properties.

Potential of complexity reduction in the formulation

Graph 1. Comparison of the flow of RHEOLATE® HX 6008/6050 with different types of thickeners

5

Chemical and Physical Data

RHEOLATE

® HX 6008 RHEOLATE

® HX 6050

Type Efficient high-shear thick-

ener with low and mid-

Efficient high-shear thick-

ener with low and mid-

Active solids [%] 25 25

pH 4 – 6 6.5 – 8

Specific gravety [g/mL] 1.05 1.05

Viscosity [cps] <3000 <3000

VOC [%] (ASTM D 6886-03) <0.3 <0.3

Odour Very low Very low

Dedicated latex technology Acrylic

Styrene Acrylic

Alkyd

VAE

Styrene Acrylic

VinaVeova

Incorporation and Levels of use

RHEOLATE®

HX 6008 and RHEOLATE®

HX 6050 can be used in the delivery form or, if neces-

sary, further diluted with water. The addition can take place at any time during the manufacturing

process, however, incorporation into the mill base before the letdown is recommended. Both

grades can be combined with other associating rheological additives, clay based thickeners or

cellulosic thickeners for to achieve the required rheological characteristics in accordance with the

individual requirements.

Furthermore, it is important to assess the effectiveness of RHEOLATE®

HX in the entire system,

as performance might be affected by other raw material ingredients. Further detailed background

information on the technology of nonionic synthetic associative thickeners can be found in the

Elementis Specialties rheology handbook.

Typical use levels of RHEOLATE®

HX 6008 and RHEOLATE®

HX 6050 are in a range 0.1% to

1.5% (product weight) related to the total system weight.

6

Evaluated Paints and Coatings

Part 1: Performance evaluation in various binder technologies

●Pure Acrylic Based Paint (PVC 30%) RHEOLATE®

HX 6008, 6050 Page 7

For exterior coatings, plasters and external wall insulations systems and pri-

mers

● Paint (PVC 50%) RHEOLATE®

HX 6008, 6050 Page 9

For interior paints, textured finishes, gloss/satin latex paints, primers and

silicate emulsion paints

This paint will be equipped with various binder systems

Styrene-acrylic

Vina-Veova

Vinylacetate-ethylene

Part 2: Complexity in paint formulations

● RHEOLATE® HX 6008 in pure Acrylic based Paint (PVC 30%) Page 12

For exterior coatings, plasters and external wall insulations systems and pri-

mers

● RHEOLATE®

HX 6050 in VAE based Paint (PVC 50%) Page 12

For interior paints, textured finishes, gloss/satin latex paints, primers and

silicate emulsion paints

Part 3: RHEOLATE® HX 6008 Influence on final coating proper-

ties

● 1C Acrylic High Gloss Clear Wood Coating Page 15

For parquet varnishes, wood stains sealers, MDF, and furniture coatings

Appendix

● Test methods Page 19

7

Part 1: Efficiency Evaluation in different Binder Systems

Emulsion paint PVC 30% Pure Acrylic

Raw material Concentration Function Supplier

Millbase stage

Tapwater 7.55 Diluent

Add under stirring in the denoted order

NUOSPERSE® FX 504 0.1 Dispersing agent Elementis Specialties

DAPRO® DF 7005 0.2 Defoamer Elementis Specialties

Sodium polyphosphate 0.5 Softener BK Giulini

Titanium dioxide 4.1 Pigment Kronos International

Calcium carbonate, vari- 21.7 Extender Omya

Micro Talc 2.4 Extender Mondo Minerals

Aluminium silicate 1.1 Extender Evonik

Grind for 15 min. at 10 m/s.

Add and stir for further 10 minutes at low speed


Tapwater 10.0-X Diluent

Add under stirring

Mowiltith LDM 7717 51.55 Binder Celanese

DAPRO® FX 511 — Coalescing agent Elementis Specialties

Dowanol DPnB 0.55 Coalescing agent Dow

Add and stir slightly for 10 min.

Rheological additive(s) X Rheological additive Elementis Specialties

Ammonia Solution w=25% 0.15 pH adjustment

Biocide 0.05 In can preservative Schülke&Mayr

100.0

The PVC 30% test formulation was based on an aqueous copolymer emulsion of acrylic/methacrylic acid

esters. These APEO free binder has a solid content of 46%, Tg of 23°C and a particle size of 120 µm. It

is commonly used in exterior coatings e.g. for masonry paints containing coalescing agents, deep shade

paints, plasters and textured coatings, external wall insulations systems and primers.

Pure Acrylic based Paint (PVC 30%) Formulation

In this part of the study, both additives, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050 were includ-

ed in the formulations at various equal concentrations depending on binder system.

8

Graph 2: Efficiency evaluation of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and 6050 in a pure acrylic PVC 30% paint

In the pure acrylic PVC 30% paint, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 provided the strongest Newtonian flow charac-

teristics and clearly gave the highest ICI viscosity values. The flow behavior caused by RHEOLATE® HX

6050 in the formulation was markedly more shear thinning than with RHEOLATE® HX 6008 when formu-

lated at equal concentration of 1%. This was also displayed by a significantly higher KU viscosity and no-

ticeably lower high-shear viscosity values with RHEOLATE® HX 6050.


* 1 Pas = 10 P (Poise)

9


Graph 3: Efficiency evaluation of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and 6050 in a Styrene-acrylic PVC 50% paint

Emulsion paint PVC 50% Styrene-acrylic, Vina Veova or VAE emulsion

Raw material Concentration Function Supplier

Millbase stage

Tapwater 14.90 Diluent


NUOSPERSE® FX 504 0.1 Dispersing agent Elementis Specialties


Sodium polyphosphate 0.1 Softener BK Giulini

Titanium dioxide 5.8 Pigment Kronos International

Calcium carbonate, vari-

ous particle size 30.9 Extender Omya

Micro Talc 3.4 Extender Mondo Minerals

Aluminium silicate 1.5 Extender Evonik

Grind for 15 min. at 10 m/s.

Add and stir for further 10 minutes at low speed


Tapwater 9.7-X Diluent

Add under stirring

Binder Emulsion 32.1 Binder

DAPRO® FX 511 0.8 Coalescing agent Elementis Specialties

Dowanol DPnB — Coalescing agent Dow

Add and stir slightly for 10 min.

Rheological additive(s) X Rheological additive Elementis Specialties

Ammonia Solution 0.2 pH adjustment

Biocide 0.1 In can preservative Schülke&Mayr

100.0

Styrene–acrylic, Vina Veova or VAE emulsion PVC 50% formulation

The PVC 50% paint was equipped with various binder system. In the first case, a styrene acrylic (Acronal

S 790, BASF), in the second a Vina-Veova (Vinavil 03V, Vinavil) and in the third case a vinyl acetate-

ethylene (VAE) (Mowilith LDM 1871,Celanese) based system was used.


10


Both rheology modifiers provided similar flow character (see previous page). Only a marginally stronger Newtonian flow was shown with RHEOLATE® HX 6008. However, the formulation with RHEOLATE® HX 6050 resulted in higher viscosity values over the entire shear rate range in comparison to the formulation with RHEOLATE® HX 6008.

Graph 4: Efficiency evaluation of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and 6050 in a Vina-Veova based PVC 50% paint

In the Vina-Veova (graph 4) and VAE based paint (graph 5), RHEOLATE® HX 6050 provided the strong-

est mid and high shear contribution. RHEOLATE® HX 6050 surpassed RHEOLATE® HX 6008 in terms of

high-shear viscosity > 1000s-1 and mid-shear KU viscosity values, around 100s-1.

Graph 5: Efficiency evaluation of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and 6050 in a Vinyl-acetate-ethylene based PVC

50% paint



11


Part 1: Summary

In this part of the study, it was shown that RHEOLATE® HX 6008 provided the strongest Newtonian flow

character together with the highest viscosities at high shear rates in the pure acrylic system. In Vina-

Veova and VAE based paints RHEOLATE® HX 6050 was dominant. In styrene-acrylic paints and coat-

ings, both RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050 performed very similar.

Nevertheless, in all systems, higher mid-shear viscosity build was provided by RHEOLATE® HX 6050. This was particularly the case in acrylic, and to a somewhat lesser extend, with styrene-acrylic systems. This, on the first view, appears as advantage. However, it also means that with very low dosage of RHEO-LATE® HX 6050 could result in an extraordinary increase of the mid-shear viscosity.

Graph 6 and 7 show the viscosity increases when using RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050 in the different binder technologies.

Graph 6: ICI viscosity increase at 1% loading of using RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and 6050 in various latex

technologies

Graph 7: KU viscosity increase at 1% loading of using RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and 6050 in various latex

technologies

12

Part 2: Complexity Reduction

One way to control costs in paint production is to reduce the number of thickeners and therefore the num-

ber of raw materials. This results in a reduction of the complexity of a formulation and a simplification of

formulators practice.

Many formulating practices require a combination of a high shear - and a low/mid shear thickener in order

to meet a targeted rheological profile. RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050 have the ability

to take over the functions of both high shear - and a low shear thickener.

To illustrate this properties, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050 were evaluated in relevant

paint systems were its performance was seen to be dominant in part 1 of this study. Market references,

typical combinations of commercially available low/mid shear thickener and a high-shear viscosity builder

were taken.

In case of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 the pure acrylic based PVC 30% paint was chosen. RHEOLATE® HX

6050 was formulated in the VAE based PVC 50% paint systems. To have reference viscosity values, all

paints were adjusted to identical mid shear/KU and high-shear (10000 s-1) viscosities. The following values

were targeted:

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 RHEOLATE® HX 6050

System Acrylic, PVC 30% VAE, PVC 50%

Mid shear / KU viscosity

[units] 118 ± 1 105 ± 1

High-shear / ICI viscosity

[poise] (10000 s-1) 3 ± 0.2 1.5 ± 0.2

Graph 8: Concentration comparison with RHEOLATE®

HX 6008 and 6050 versus other additive combina-

tions

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 - acrylic PVC 30% RHEOLATE® HX 6050 - VAE based PVC 50% paint

Both, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE

® HX 6050, show the ability to replace a combination of

a mid/low shear and a high shear thickener. Further, both grades demonstrate markedly higher effectivi-

ty so that it was possible to achieve the required mid and high shear viscosities at significantly lower

quantities.

Table 1: Targeted viscosity values for RHEOLATE®

HX 6008 and 6050

13


Graph 9: Flow characteristic comparison with RHEOLATE®

HX 6008 and 6050 versus other thickener

combinations

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 - acrylic PVC 30% RHEOLATE® HX 6050 - VAE based PVC 50% paint

Shear rate [s-1]

Vis

co

sit

y[P

as]

0.1

1

10

100

0.1 1 10 100 1000

1.6% RHEOLATE® HX 6050

2.35% Combination 1

Table 2: Application results with RHEOLATE®

HX 6008 in an acrylic PVC 30% formulation

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 provides slightly more Newtonian flow in the acrylic PVC 30% paint than both for-

mulations with competitive products. At a shear rate of approximately 100 s-1, a crossover point of all for-

mulations appeared. This 100 s-1 coincides with the mid-shear/KU viscosities where the formulations

were initially adjusted to.

The right graph shows that RHEOLATE® HX 6050 in the VAE based PVC 50% paint resulted in less

shear thinning flow compared to formulations containing the competitive grades. At a mid-shear/KU vis-

cosity of about 100 s-1 both curves were again very close.

Table 3: Application results with RHEOLATE® HX 6050 – VAE PVC 50%

Loading Sag

resistance Levelling Brush-out Roller Spatter

Rheological Additive

[%] [µm] 0-poor

10-excellent

0-poor

5-excellent

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 1.5 400 3 4-5 5

Combination 1: ICI

KU

3.4

0.3 400 3-4 5 5

Combination 2: ICI

KU

2.0

0.1 400 3 5 5

Rheological Additive

Loading Sag

resistance Levelling Brush-out Roller Spatter

[%] [µm] 0-poor

10-excellent

0-poor

5-excellent

RHEOLATE® HX 6050 1.6 500 5-6 5 4-5

Combination 1: ICI

KU

1.0

1.35 >500 3 4 4-5

14


Both, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050, provided equal or comparable sag stability

with blade application in comparison to the reference rheology modifier combination. The use of RHEO-

LATE® HX 6008 resulted in almost equal levelling, while using RHEOLATE® HX 6050 resulted in a sig-

nificant improvement in levelling with brush application in comparison to the reference additive combina-

tions.

Properties such as brush– out and roller spatter for both RHEOLATE® HX formulations were also similar

to the reference formulations.

Part 2: Summary

In this part of the study, it was shown that RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050 have the

ability to replace both, the combination of a mid- and a high-shear thickener.

The resulting performance and application behaviour of the paints with RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and 6050

remain very similar to the reference formulations.

15

Part 3: RHEOLATE® HX 6008 Influence on Final Coating Properties

Performance parameters of the finally cured coating, such as gloss, hardness etc, are very critical.

Sometimes these performance characteristics can be affected by small changes in the formulation, for

instance by selecting another rheology modifier.

In this section, the influence of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 on the rheological properties and certain paint

performance parameters after application and curing of an acrylic parquet lacquer is illustrated in com-

parison to a leading market reference rheology modifier.

1C Acrylic High Gloss Clear Wood Coating Formulation

The acrylic binder emulsion is a

universal self-crosslinking multi-

phase acrylic dispersion. The bind-

er has a solid content of 44%, MFT

of 50°C and König pendulum hard-

ness of 105.

This coating formulation is com-

monly used for parquet varnishes,

wood stains sealers, MDF, furni-

ture and general plastics like ABS,

PC, etc.

In the following tests, the system was adjusted to a DIN 4 cup viscosity of 100 seconds. The DIN 4 cup

viscosity of the blank was 14 seconds

Graph 10: Efficiency results of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 in an acrylic parquet lacquer

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 required a significant lower loading level than the market reference thickener to

achieve the required DIN 4 mm cup viscosity of 100 s.

1 C High performance wood coating (Glossy) Raw material Weight in

%

Function Supplier

Alberdingk AC 2714 83.00 Binder Alberdingk Boley



DAPRO® W-77 0.50 Substrate wetting Elementis Specialties

Dowanol DPM 4.00 Coalescing agent DOW

Dowanol DPnB 5.00 Coalescing agent DOW

Rheological additive(s) X Rheological additive

Water 5.90-X Diluent

Disperse for 10 min. 6 m/s

100.00

16


Graph 11: Efficiency results of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 in an acrylic parquet lacquer

Both formulations, RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and the market reference, demonstrated equally high vis-

cosities at high-shear rates when adjusted to equal DIN 4 cup viscosity.

Graph 12: Viscosity results of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 in an acrylic parquet lacquer

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 provides higher viscosities at lower and higher shear rates compared to the mar-

ket reference sample. In the range of the mid shear rates, both formulations display equal viscosity val-

ues. This underlines the pre-adjusted viscosity using the DIN 4 mm cup. ( ref graphs, 10, 11)

17


Graph 13: Gloss at 20° using RHEOLATE® HX 6008 in an acrylic parquet lacquer

The formulation with RHEOLATE® HX 6008 displayed markedly better gloss than with the market refer-

ence.

Graph 14: Pendulum hardness results using RHEOLATE® HX 6008 in an acrylic parquet lacquer

Parquet lacquers formulated with RHEOLATE® HX 6008 showed enhanced film hardness after all

tested time periods in comparison to the market reference.

18


Part 3: Summary

In this part of the study it was shown that RHEOLATE® HX 6008 displays, both improved properties of

the cured coating and a significantly higher efficiency in comparison to the market reference. The higher

efficiency of RHEOLATE® HX 6008 provides up to 40% savings in relation to the required quantity com-

pared to the market reference.

The RHEOLATE® HX range is a newly developed high efficient next generation nonionic synthetic as-

sociative thickener technology for water-borne systems that provide

excellent high shear rate viscosity build (ICI) with additional low and mid-shear contribution

significant savings of the amount of thickener depending on the latex chemistry

complexity reduction in paint formulation and paint production

reduction on the influence on paint film properties or can even improve them

Both RHEOLATE® HX 6008 and RHEOLATE® HX 6050 work across a wide range of binder chemis-tries. Each of them has its specific strength in a certain binder chemistry. Ecolabel information is readily available

RHEOLATE® HX 6008 RHEOLATE® HX 6050

Acrylic VAE

Alkyd Vina-Veova

Styrene-acrylic Styrene-acrylic

The flow characteristics provided by the RHEOLATE® HX grades are predominately Newtonian with a

strong enhancement of the viscosity at high shear rates. However, also a noticeably beneficial effect on

the mid shear viscosity was noticed in all tested systems. This is the main performance provided by both

RHEOLATE® HX thickeners, differentiating them from other usual commercially available thickener

classes.

Overall conclusion

19

Appendix

Test methods

The rheograms are determined using the Anton-Paar MCR 301 rheometer, equipped with measur-

ing geometry PP 50 , at a gap width of 1 mm and at a temperature of 23°C.

Mid-shear/KU (Krebs-Stormer), high-shear/ICI (at 10000 s-1) and DIN 4 cup viscosity is measured

in accordance with the Elementis standard methods of testing, 24 hours after manufacturing the

paints. Note, 1 Pas equals 10 P (Poise).

Levelling was determined using test blade 419 and after brush application. The characteristics

were judged visually on a scale from 0 to 10 (in case of blade testing) and 1 to 5 (in case of brush-

out testing). The higher the mentioned number indicates better performance.

Sag was tested using a test blade with applicable ayer thicknesses of 100 - 1000 µm. The dis-

played values indicate the maximum applicable layer thickness without runners.

To test the roller spattering performance, 40g of the individual paint are rolled on a vertical wall in

10 cycles. The spatters are collected on a black leneta chart positioned underneath. The number of

spatters are judged visually on a scale from 1 to 10. The higher the mentioned number indicates

better performance.

Gloss is measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2813 using the Byk-Gardner Haze/Gloss tester

at an measuring angle of 20°C.

Pendulum hardness is determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1522 according to König.

Elementis UK Ltd

c/o Elementis GmbH

Stolberger Strasse 370

50933 Cologne, Germany

Tel: +49 221 2923 2066

Fax: +49 221 2923 2011

Elementis Specialties Asia

No. 99 Lian Yang Road

Songjiang Industrial Zone

Shanghai 201613

P.R. China

Tel: +86 21 57740348

Elementis Specialties, Inc.

469 Old Trenton Road

East Windsor, NJ 08512

USA

Tel: +1 609 443 2500

Fax: +1 609 443 2422

Learn more about our products

and visit our website!

www.elementis-specialties.com

or email us at:

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application leaflet - elementis.com · elementis specialties rheology handbook. ... both rheology...

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