Pseudoplastic associative thickener for paint and coating systems

Rheolate is an associative thickener, also called Non-ionic Synthetic Associative Thickener (NiSAT). NiSAT‘s, are based on non-ionic co-polymers.

Structures of these molecules can be described as hydrophobic groups attached to hydrophilic backbones. Due to this structure, the thickening mechanism is driven by the capability to form micelles and to interact with hydrophobic parts of the individual formulations. The resulting flow characteristics provided by this product class depend on the type and number of hydrophobic groups. To achieve a thickener providing pseudoplastic flow, the molecules need to be predominately hydrophobic.

Shear thinning associative thickeners are typically used for spray applied systems. Additionally they provide strong stability after the application resulting in excellent sag stability. Furthermore, associative thickeners only have minimal influence on the viscoelasticity, which is beneficial for flow and levelling.

RHEOLATE® 299: A highly efficient NiSAT product, is primarily formulated to clear and pigmented industrial coating formulations. It provides the strongest pseudoplastic flow of all Elementis associative thickeners. It is free of biocides and therefore meets the latest market requirements.

RHEOLATE® 288: Generates a high level of viscosity at low shear rates combined with strong shear-thinning flow. Biocide-free RHEOLATE® 288 is used in a wide range of clear and wood coating systems and is a popular choice for dip coats.

RHEOLATE® 266: Another pseudoplastic option based on a polyether urea polyurethane technology. RHEOLATE® 666, utilising equal active component, is our most pseudoplastic acting ultra low VOC product, applicable for decorative and industrial systems.

RHEOLATE® FX 1080: The low-VOC version of the classical RHEOLATE® FX 1010, gives strong pseudoplasticity along with efficient viscosity buildup at medium shear rates. Both RHEOLATE® FX 1010 and RHEOLATE® FX 1080 are used in industrial and decorative applications and are formulated without the use of biocides. Additionally, these products are often utilised in other market sectors, for example, for adhesives or building materials.

RHEOLATE® 310D: Is a shear thinning associative grade with a special molecular composition to provide stable viscosity in tinted systems. These are often critical for associative acting products due to the high content of wetting and dispersing agents in the tinter. Additionally, RHEOLATE® 310D reacts less sensitively to polar cosolvents and coalescents. Therefore, RHEOLATE® 310D is a popular choice for decorative, as well as industrial, tint bases. It is also low in VOCs and biocide-free.

RHEOLATE® 658: A NiSAT grade recently added to our portfolio, produces pseudoplastic flow combined with effective viscosity build up at low and medium shear rates. RHEOLATE® 658 is used in decorative and industrial low-VOC paints and coatings. It is often combined with high-shear thickeners such as RHEOLATE® HX 6010, in order to achieve the optimum balance between sag and levelling.

All mentioned RHEOLATE® products can be combined with other thickeners in order to optimise the application properties of the individual final system.

For more information, email sean.stolle@aeciworld.com