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FORMULATING WITH AQUAFLOW

rheology modifiers

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FORMULATING WITH AQUAFLOW

rheology modifiers
Aquaflow rheology modifiers are the newest line of associative polymers
from Aqualon. These liquid, synthetic products are designed to
control the rheology of waterborne paints and coatings.
All Aquaflow rheology modifiers provide:

Superior flow and leveling

ICI viscosity control
Full gloss development
Excellent spatter resistance

PRODUCT LINE
Aquaflow NLS-200 and Aquaflow NLS-210
are low-shear effective productsthey are
recommended for increasing Stormer consistency.
Aquaflow NLS-210 imparts higher thickening
efficiency and more pseudoplastic rheology
than Aquaflow NLS-200.
Aquaflow NHS-300 rheology modifier, a highshear effective product, is designed for boosting
ICI viscosity. Aquaflow NHS-300 contains no
organic solvents.

NOMENCLA
TURE
OMENCLATURE
N

Nonionic

LS Low-Shear Effective
(Stormer Consistency)
HS High-Shear Effective
(ICI Viscosity)

TABLE 1PHYSIC
AL PROPER
TIES1
HYSICAL
ROPERTIES
Low-Shear Effective
NLS-200
NLS-210
Solids
Carrier

25

25

80/20
75/25
2
Water/DGBE Water/DGBE2

High-Shear Effective
NHS-300
20
Water

Viscosity
iscosity,, mPa.s

2500-5500

2000-4000

4500-8000

Density
Density,, lbs/gal

8.75

8.73

8.66

Values shown are typical properties and are not to be construed as product specifications.
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (Butyl Carbitol solvent). Carbitol is a registered trademark of
The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan.

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COMPOSITION
Aquaflow rheology modifiers are hydrophobically modified polyethers
(HMPEs). These nonionic polymers consist of a water-soluble backbone that
is end-capped with hydrophobes. Molecular weights are less than 100,000.
Figure 1 gives a schematic representation of an Aquaflow molecule. The
structure of Natrosol Plus modified hydroxyethylcellulosewhich has
hydrophobes randomly placed along a high molecular weight cellulosic
backboneis given for comparison.

FIGURE 1AQU
AFLO
W RHELOGY MODIFIER STRUCTURE
QUAFLO
AFLOW
Aquaflow rheology modifiers
(MW x 103 = 20-100)
Hydrophobe

Natrosol Plus HMHEC

(MW x 103 = 300)
Hydrophobe

OH OH

OH

OH

OH OH

OH
OH

OH

OH
OH

RHEOLOGY
Typical viscosity/shear rate profiles for paints thickened with Aquaflow
rheology modifiers and Natrosol Plus 330 are found in Figure 2. Each of
these paints has the same Stormer consistency.
At very low shear rates, paint thickened with Aquaflow rheology
modifiers has lower viscosity than the paint made with Natrosol Plus 330.
This low viscosity provides exceptional flow and leveling, but only
moderate resistance to sag and settling.

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RHEOLOGY
At the high shear rates encountered during paint application, Aquaflow
rheology modifiers provide higher viscosity than does Natrosol Plus 330.
High high-shear viscosity results in increased brush drag and film build.

F IGURE 2PROFILES
Viscosity
iscosity,, mPa.s
1000000

Transportation

Storage
Drying

Processing

Application

Natrosol Plus
100000

10000

1000

Aquaflow
NLS-200
Aquaflow
NHS-300

100

10
0.001

0.01

0.1

10

100

1000

10000

Shear Rate, s-1

THICKENING MECHANISM
Aquaflow rheology
modifiers function
primarily by hydrophobe
interactions. Aquaflow
molecules can associate
with themselves as well
with as other hydrophobic
coating ingredients
(Figure 3).

FIGURE 3THICKENING MECHANISM

Aquaflow
Aquaflow
Latex
Latex

Latex
The low-shear effective
Latex
Aquaflow
Aquaflow rheology
modifiers are more
interactive than the high-shear effective types. As a result, the low-shear
effective types exhibit greater thickening efficiency.

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LATEX EFFECTS
Interactions between Aquaflow rheology modifiers and latexes are strongly
influenced by the latex concentration, hydrophobicity, and particle size.
Increasing the latex concentration of a paintdecreasing its PVCincreases
Aquaflow thickening efficiency. When all other variables are held constant,
Aquaflow products will be more efficient in a gloss paint than a flat paint.
Increasing latex hydrophobicity will
also boost thickening efficiency.
Aquaflow products have their highest
efficiency in strongly hydrophobic
acrylic and styrene-acrylic latexes.

H YDROPHOBICITY RANKING
OF COMMON PAINT LATEXES
1. Styrene Acrylic
2. Acrylic
3. Vinyl Acetate-Ethylene
4. Vinyl Acetate-VeoVa
5. Vinyl Acrylic

Reducing latex particle size also increases

Aquaflow thickening efficiency. For a
given volume of latex, halving the particle
size will yield twice the surface area and eight times as many latex particles.
More surface area means more interactions. More particles can also lead to
more interactions because the inter-particle distance is reduced, increasing
the likelihood that Aquaflow molecules can bridge between the particles.
Figure 4 helps illustrate these latex effects, and also demonstrates the
value of using combinations of Aquaflow rheology modifiers. In a 24%

FIGURE 4AQU
AFLO
W COMBINA
TIONS
QUAFLO
AFLOW
OMBINATIONS
Efficiency
Efficiency,, dry lbs/100 gal

ICI V
iscosity
Viscosity
iscosity,, poise

12

2.5

10

2.0

8
1.5

NHS-300
NLS-200
ICI Viscosity

1.0

0.5

0
100/0

75/25

50/50

25/75

20/80

10/90

0/100

Aquaflow NLS-200/NHS-300 Ratio

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LATEX EFFECTS
PVC acrylic semi-gloss painta high concentration of a hydrophobic
latexthe strongly interactive Aquaflow NLS-200 delivers 97 KU at only
0.8 dry pounds/100 gallons. However, the resulting ICI viscosity is too low
to develop adequate brush drag or film build.
When the weakly interactive Aquaflow NHS-300 is used as the sole
thickener to attain the same Stormer consistency, the ICI viscosity is
greater than two poise, but the thickening efficiency is nearly 10 dry
pounds/100 gallons. A 90/10 ratio of Aquaflow NHS-300/Aquaflow
NLS-200 yields a practical 1.4 poise at only 5.7 dry pounds/100 gallons.
Figure 4 also illustrates another important fact about thickeners and
rheology modifiers: ICI viscosity is proportional to the amount of
thickener used, regardless of the thickener type.
In summary, low-shear effective Aquaflow products can be the sole or
primary thickeners in high-PVC paints made with large particle size,
hydrophilic latexes. As the PVC and particle size decrease, and as the
latex becomes more hydrophobic, the high-shear effective Aquaflow
products become more useful.

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SURFACTANT EFFECTS
Surfactants, because they
can enhance or disrupt
hydrophobic interactions,
influence the rheology of
coatings thickened with
Aquaflow rheology
modifiers. Thickening
efficiency in particular is
affected by surfactant type
and amount.
Three nonionic surfactants
with different hydrophilelipophile balance (HLB)
values were evaluated in
two paints: a 36% PVC
vinyl-acrylic eggshell paint
thickened with 4.8 dry
pounds/100 gallons of
Aquaflow NLS-200, and a
20% PVC acrylic gloss paint
thickened with 11 dry
pounds/100 gallons of
Aquaflow NHS-300.
In the eggshell paint, the 8.8
HLB surfactant increased
thickening efficiency at all
addition levels. The 12.6 and
17.4 HLB surfactants
reduced efficiency (Figure 5).
In the gloss paint, thickening
efficiency was improved by
the 8.8 and 12.6 HLB
surfactants, and reduced by
the 17.4 HLB surfactant
(Figure 6).

FIGURE 5EGGSHELL PAINT WITH

AQU
AFLO
W NLS-200
QUAFLO
AFLOW
Stormer Consistency
Consistency,, KU
110
105

8.8 HLB
100

95

90

12.6 HLB
85

80

75

17.4 HLB
70

65

Surfactant Level, lbs/100 gals

FIGURE 6GLOSS PAINT WITH

AQU
AFLO
W NHS-300
QUAFLO
AFLOW
Stormer Consistency
Consistency,, KU
110

8.8 HLB
105

12.6 HLB

100

95

90

85

17.4 HLB

Surfactant Level, lbs/100 gals

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DISPERSANT EFFECTS
Dispersant type and amount can influence the thickening efficiency,
colorant compatibility, and gloss of paints thickened with Aquaflow
rheology modifiers.
Polyacid dispersants should be avoided or used sparingly because they
increase the ionic strength of paint. High ionic strength can reduce the
solubility of Aquaflow products. These dispersants can cause reduced
thickening efficiency, low gloss, poor color acceptance, and syneresis.
Polyphosphate dispersants such as KTPP, TKPP, TKP and sodium
hexametaphosphate should also be avoided.
Copolymer dispersants, due to their relatively low acid content and
contribution to ionic strength, are recommended. Hydrophilic copolymer
dispersants tend to provide better thickening efficiency and gloss, while the
hydrophobic copolymer types are recommended for colorant compatibility.
The influence of dispersant type on Stormer consistency, ICI viscosity,
and gloss in a 27% PVC acrylic semi-gloss paint is depicted in Figures 7
and 8. The paint was thickened with 4.9 dry pounds/100 gallons of
Aquaflow NHS-300 and 1.1 dry pounds/100 gallons of Aquaflow NLS-200.
The dispersant level was held at 1% active based on pigment. The

FIGURE 7DISPERSANT EFFECTS

Stormer Consistency
Consistency,, KU

ICI V
iscosity
Viscosity
iscosity,, poise

120

1.7
1.6

110
1.5
100

1.4
1.3

90
1.2
80

1.1
1.0

70
0.9
60
Polyacid

Hydrophobic

Hydrophilic

0.8

Dispersant T
ype
Type

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DISPERSANT EFFECTS
hydrophilic copolymer dispersant gave the best thickening efficiency and gloss. The
hydrophilic and hydrophobic dispersants gave equivalent ICI viscosity.

FIGURE 8DISPERSANT EFFECTS

60
60 Gloss
50

45

40

35

30

25

20
Polyacid

Hydrophobic

Hydrophilic

Dispersant T
ype
Type

TABLE 2RECOMMENDED DISPERSANTS

Rohm
& Haas
Recommended
for use with
Aquaflow?

Yes

No

Organic
Dispersant
Chemistry

Ciba

Cognis

BASF

Pigment
Tamol Dispex Nopcosperse Verteiler

165A
Hydrophobic 681
Copolymer 731A
2001
Hydrophilic
Copolymer

SG-1
1124

Polyacid

850
851
901
963
1254

BYK
Chemie Rhodia

BYK

Colloid
111M

100
N40

MD20

GA40
A40

111

156
44

286N
226/35

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COALESCING SOLVENT EFFECTS

Coalescents can also affect Aquaflow performance. Water-miscible
solvents such as Butyl Carbitol solvent reduce Aquaflow efficiency.
These solvents partition between the aqueous and latex phases. As a
result, the aqueous phase becomes slightly hydrophobic, which reduces
the driving force for the Aquaflow hydrophobes to self-associate.
Texanol ester alcohol and other water-immiscible solvents can increase
Aquaflow thickening efficiency. Because these solvents partition entirely
into latex particles, the particles swell, increasing the surface area
available for Aquaflow adsorption.

USE WITH OTHER THICKENERS

Aquaflow rheology modifiers are often used with other thickeners to provide
optimum rheology. Natrosol Plus 330 can be used with Aquaflow
products to enhance colorant compatibility, package stability, and sag
resistance.

FIGURE 9AQU
AFLO
W NLS-200/NATROSOL
QUAFLO
AFLOW
PLUS 330 COMBINA
TIONS
OMBINATIONS
Leneta Leveling
ICI V
iscosity
Viscosity x 10, poise

Sag Resistance, mils

30

16
14

25

Sag Resistance
12

20
10
15

8
6

10

ICI V
iscosity
Viscosity
4

Leveling

0
100/0

75/25

50/50

25/75

0/100

Natrosol Plus 330/Aquaflow NLS-200 Ratio

Carbitol is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan.
Texanol is registered trademark of Eastman Chemical Company, Kningsport, Tennessee.

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USE WITH OTHER THICKENERS

Figure 9 graphs results of a ladder study that varied the Aquaflow
NLS-200 /Natrosol Plus ratio in a low-VOC, 22% PVC vinyl
acetate-ethylene semi-gloss paint. The Stormer consistency was
held constant at 100 KU.
In this system, a 50/50 combination of Natrosol Plus 330/Aquaflow
NLS-200 gave good leveling while tripling the sag resistance achieved
by Aquaflow NLS-200 used alone.

INCORPORATION
In general, Aquaflow rheology modifiers can be added at any point in the
paint manufacturing process. However, a few guidelines are provided for
optimum results:
1. When the strongly interactive Aquaflow NLS-200 or NLS-210 is used
with a vinyl-acrylic latex, the Aquaflow rheology modifier should be
added before the latex. In some cases, diluting the Aquaflow will aid
incorporation. The Aquaflow should be diluted with the same solvent
mixture in which it is supplied, e.g. 75/25 water/Butyl Carbitol for
Aquaflow NLS-210.
2. When Aquaflow NHS-300 is used with a low-shear effective product
(NLS-200 or NLS-210), the NHS-300 should be added first.

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CONTACT US
Sales Offices
North and South America
Hercules Incorporated
Aqualon Division
Hercules Plaza
1313 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A. 19894-0001
Tel: (800) 334-8426 (Order Information)
Tel: (800) 345-0447 (Product Information)
Tel: (302) 594-5000
Fax: (302) 992-7287

Western and Eastern Europe

Hercules International Limited L.L.C.
Aqualon Division
8 Veraartlaan
2288 GM Rijswijk
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 70-4134-341
Fax: +31 70-3191-187
Asia Pacific and Australia
Hercules Chemicals Singapore PTE Ltd.
Aqualon Division
200 Pandan Loop
#07-01 Pantech 21
Singapore 128388
Tel: +65-776-9680 (Order Information)
Tel: +65-776-9680 (Product Information)
Tel: +65-775-5366
Fax: +65-776-9690
Central Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka),
Mid
dle East and Africa
Middle
Hercules GmbH
Aqualon Division
Paul-Thomas Strasse 56/58
D-40599 Dsseldorf
Germany
Tel: +49-211-7491-03
Fax: +49-211-7491-200

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The products and related information provided by Hercules

are for manufacturing use only. Hercules makes no express,
implied, or other representation, warranty, or guarantee
concerning (i) the handling, use, or application of such
products, whether alone, in combination with other products,
or otherwise, (ii) the completenes, definitiveness, or adequacy
of such information for users or other purposes, (iii) the quality
of such products, except that such products are of Hercules
standard quality. Users are advised to make their own tests
to determine the safety and suitability of each product or
product combination for their own purposes. Read and
understand
the
Mater ial
Safety
data
Sheets (MSDSs) before using these products.

250-47 7-01

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South Plainfield, NJ 07080
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