What are Aquaflow® nonionic synthetic associative thickeners?

Aquaflow™ nonionic synthetic associative thickeners are efficient thickeners for high-performance waterborne paints and coatings. These easy-to-handle liquids build rheology in paints and coatings through self-association and interaction with other ingredients.

What is an associative thickener?

In its simplest form, an associative thickener is a water-soluble polymer containing several relatively hydrophobic groups. HEUR’s also belong to the category of associative thickeners. But unlike HASE’s, HEUR’s are nonionic substances and are not dependent on alkali for activation of the thickening mechanism.

What are the different types of salt thickeners?

Here are some of the most common: Inorganic salts: The most common type of inorganic salt thickener is sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as table salt. It’s effective and inexpensive, but can be harsh on some surfaces. Fatty alcohols and fatty acids: These nonionic surfactants have both oil-loving and water-loving groups.

Which ionic thickener is best for exterior paint?

Exterior paints present the formulator with the additional demand of high water resistance. For this reason, nonionic thickeners — HEC, HMHEC and NSATs — predominate. Anionic HASEs can be used at low levels, but care must be taken in selecting the proper latex, base and dispersant. HEC makes a cost-effective thickener for exterior house paint.

What determines a thickener's performance?

Thickener performance, especially for synthetic associative thickeners, depends on interactions with latexes and surface-active paint ingredients such as surfactants and dispersants. However, each of the four classes of organic thickeners is characterized by several attributes that are fairly independent of paint type and composition (see Table 1).

Can thickeners be dissolved in a solvent?

The ease by which thickeners are effectively dispersed or dissolved in the solvent chemically depends on particle size, molecular weight and structure (average number and distribution of hydroxyl groups per compound) and also the presence of a surfactant.