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New-age Paint Thickening
& Rheological Additives : Solvitex & Solvizen
By
R.S Subramanium
For Paint Manufacturers worldwide, there
has come a radical new development in the legion of Thickening Agents &
Colloidal stabilizer for Aqueous Latex Paints. So far most of the companies
producing aqueous Paint emulsions, the most preferred thickening agent was
Hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC). The HEC based thixotropic additives is
produced by some of the renowned multi-national companies such as Hercules,
Akzo Nobel & Dow.
Here we refer to a Biopolymer based on
Polysacchride derived from controlled derivatisation process from plant
origin. The product developed by Asian Trade Link Chemicals Division in
India has already been a successful venture for replacement of HECs for many
paint companies. The Product is known as Solvitex thickening agent &
colloidal stabilizer.
The solvitex range of products is offered
in wide range of viscosities of aqueous solutions. It comes in Powder form
of Offwhite color and the thickening properties are similar to HEC.
Guenstiges Moosgummi von KKT aus Siegen
But the Advantages of Solviex against HECs
are many. The prime factor is the stability & economic pricing. Its been
observed that for a Medium viscosity range of products such as Natrosol 250
HBR or Bermcoll 381 the intial drop after settling is by 20% and then the
finished paint adheres to be stable for six months.and the viscosity further
drops. Solvitex has an initial drop of settling to 10% and the product is
stable in physical observation for more than 1year exhibiting the same
viscosity.
As known by many Paint technicians, its
inevitable that the stability of thickening agent after incorporating in the
Paint system, is delicate towards wide temperature changes. Especially
applicable for Export shipments when the Paint under goes through various
temperature conditions during its transit. A sudden drop & rise in outside
temperature can effect the stability. Solvitex has potentially proven to be
stable under those conditions.
Amongst HEC, I personally find Cellosize
of Dow as the most stable product compared to Bermocoll & Tylose.
Myself as Paint formulator & other
colleagues working in different companies had a dilemma existing for
selection. For cheaper Paints the Stronger product or High Viscosity grades
were used such but there always was a flocculation after some period on
shelf storage. For the Expensive ones we had to prefer Medium Viscosities
grade to overcome shelf storage time. Most of the companies carry the same
practice.
When I came across Solvitex range of
Thickeners I was given much competitive prices. Priced at least 10% lower
than HEC based Products, but my major concern was to check the colloidal
stabilization. The Product was immediately tested and was found to perform
excellent.
Apart from that, Solvitex has provided
better color acceptance & and coatabilty.
Sooner we came across Solvizen developed
by the same company for more economic & cheaper Price. The thickening &
stability properties was the same but economically priced.
However, The Water solution clarity of
Solvizen was not as clear as of Solvitex or HECs. It was slight turbid. But
when incorporated in Paints, we couldn’t find any difference. Again the
Paint was stable physically observed.
As a Paint formulator from past 2 decades
and based on my experiences, I suggest to all those technicians in the same
field to try Solvitex & Solvizen range of Thickening agents.
For more information about solviex &
solvizen one can check
http://www.asiantradelinkindia.com/additives_for_paints_adhesives_paint_binders.html
Mr. R. S. Subramanium is working with
Noble Paints Mfg. Co. and has more than 20 years experience in the paints
industry. He can be contacted at asiantradelinkindia or at Phone
No.: 91-22-25007236 / 25000659
