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Aquaflow™ thickeners, Natrosol™ rheology modifiers handle multiple issues
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| New paint formulations not only perform better, but are also demonstrating significant improvements. |
The challenge
Formulators of premium water-based paints were looking for better color reproduction, improved flow and leveling, sag resistance and spatter control. However many of these properties seem to contradict each other – better leveling with improved sag, for example.
The Ashland answers
Our Aquaflow nonionic synthetic associative thickeners (NSAT) now include three grades of Aquaflow XLS, a second-generation KU builder (low shear effective) that has been engineered with unique structure recovery behavior and optimized for multiple resin systems to deliver superior leveling combined with exceptional sag resistance. These qualities were not previously demonstrated in NSAT chemistry. This means paints formulated with Aquaflow NSATs can routinely achieve Leneta leveling values of nine to 10, delivering a drip-free finished surface that won't show brush marks.
Natrosol™ HE 3KB, introduced in 2010, is a highly efficient version of our Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and Natrosol Plus modified HEC, the world's most widely used rheology modifiers for waterborne decorative coatings. Natrosol HE 3KB combines the most desired attributes of spatter-resistance and bio-stability in a product that often demonstrates superior brush leveling and thus, applied hiding.
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There's more to know: ● Water-based paints make up about 60 percent of the market worldwide; 85 percent in the U.S. ● Ashland has six in-house paint laboratories worldwide. ● Our newest and most advanced Natrosol HEC manufacturing site opened in 2010 in Nanjing, China. ● Work is underway on a new Aquaflow production site in Alizay, France. |
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The Ashland advantages Our line of specialty surfactants, offered under the Dextrol™ and Strodex™ trade names, offer new grades that are both APEO-free and solvent-free, thus contributing essentially zero-VOC to paint formulations. These high-performance surfactants improve color, gloss and overall formulation stability. Specific types can also enhance freeze-thaw resistance and stabilize reactive pigments such as ZnO. Sustainability – In addition to customer-valued performance, HEC is derived from natural, renewable wood and cotton feedstocks. HEC is typically sold as a dispersible dry powder, which means the lowest carbon-footprint impact from transportation. |
Aquaflow thickeners, Natrosol rheology modifiers handle multiple issues for paint formulators
The problems
Formulators of premium water-based paints were looking for better color reproduction, improved flow and leveling, sag resistance and spatter control. However many of these properties seem to contradict each other – better leveling with improved sag, for example.
The Ashland answers
Our Aquaflow™ nonionic synthetic associative thickeners (NSAT) now include three grades of Aquaflow XLS, a second-generation KU builder (low shear effective) that has been engineered with unique structure recovery behavior and optimized for multiple resin systems to deliver superior leveling combined with exceptional sag resistance. These qualities were not previously demonstrated in NSAT chemistry. This means paints formulated with Aquaflow NSATs can routinely achieve Leneta leveling values of nine to 10, delivering a drip-free finished surface that won't show brush marks.
Natrosol™ HE 3KB, introduced in 2010, is a highly efficient version of our Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and Natrosol Plus modified HEC, the world's most widely used rheology modifiers for waterborne decorative coatings. Natrosol HE 3KB combines the most desired attributes of spatter-resistance and bio-stability in a product that often demonstrates superior brush leveling and thus, applied hiding.
The Ashland advantages
Near-zero VOC paints
In addition to Aquaflow XLS, Ashland has also developed and launched new high-shear effective NSATs (ICI builders), including NHS-350 and NMS-450 grades that are highly efficient. These not only offer cost-savings potential, but because less can be used, increased free water is available to formulators. All of these new Aquaflow products are free of aklylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), solvent-free and employ new carrier technology that lowers as-sold viscosity for easier incorporation and improved plant handling. These attributes are necessary for the newest near-zero volatile organic compound “green” paints.
Our line of specialty surfactants, offered under the Dextrol™ and Strodex™ trade names, offer new grades that are both APEO-free and solvent-free, thus contributing essentially zero-VOC to paint formulations. These high-performance surfactants improve color, gloss and overall formulation stability. Specific types can also enhance freeze-thaw resistance and stabilize reactive pigments such as ZnO.
Sustainability
In addition to customer-valued performance, HEC is derived from natural, renewable wood and cotton feedstocks. HEC is typically sold as a dispersible dry powder, which means the lowest carbon-footprint impact from transportation.
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