Dow Coating Materials

Additives Product Solutions

Rheology Modifiers and Dispersants

We make coatings work.

Better!

Version August 2020

Dow Coating Materials

Shear Rate Regions

In the can
and on the wall

Shear Genius:
A successful rheology package
Brush and adapts to changing shear
roller loading, rates while supporting
in-can specific formulation goals.
appearance

Brush drag,
roller slip, and
back pressure in
spray applications

Low Mid High

Key Terms
Colour trends may come and go, but rheology makes a lasting impression on
consumer paint preference. How the paint feels when it is stirred, poured and Viscosity [P, cPs or mPa.s]
applied to the wall creates a signature experience that helps to define and enhance is the resistance of a material
your brand. Through experienced technical support and a bust line of rheology to flow. It is defined as shear
modifiers, Dow Coating Materials can help you create a rheology profile for your stress divided by shear rate.
paint line that delivers a high-performance paint experience on and off the wall.

Low-shear conditions are typically Brookfield viscosity at high RPM and

experienced by the paint while it is in the
can and immediately after it has been
applied to the wall. During these phases,
sufficient low-shear viscosity is needed
to resist pigment settling and film sag
but providing the required leveling of the
applied paint film. Brookfield viscosity
is a common measure of a paint’s low-
shear viscosity.
Mid-shear conditions are created
during paint stirring and pouring, and
some types of pumping. During these
phases, mid-shear viscosity helps to
facilitate good in-can appearance and
handling properties and may also affect
spattering. Common measures of mid-
shear viscosity include Stormer Viscosity,
sometimes Rotothinner viscosity. Since
the Stormer viscosity is expressed as Shear Stress [dyn/cm2] is the
Krebb Units (KU), rheology modifiers force per unit area used to move
generating an important mid-shear a material. It is defined as force
viscosity are often referred to as ‘KU divided by area.
builders’ or ‘mid-shear builders’.
High-shear processes include brushing,
certain aspects of rolling, and spraying.
High-shear viscosity influences brush
and roller drag, as well as film build and Shear Rate [1/sec] is the
thus contributes to hiding. High-shear velocity gradient in a flowing
viscosity is often measured using a cone- material. It is defined as
plate viscometer including the standard velocity divided by thickness.
ICI viscometer. Therefore, rheology
modifiers which offer a good high-shear
viscosity are often referred to as ‘ICI
builders’ or ‘high-shear builders’.

2 – Additives Product Solutions – Rheology Modifiers and Dispersants

 Ranges of Viscosity (Typical Water-Borne Paint)
With every change in shear rate, paint undergoes a change in viscosity whereby a higher shear rate leads to a lower viscosity. To
better understand how a paint behaves at different shear rates, we typically look at three different types of viscosity measurements
reflecting the low, mid and high shear rate regions. All three shear rate regions should be considered when building an optimum
rheology profile.

Low Shear Mid Shear High Shear

– Brookfield viscosity measures low-
shear flow and is indicative of paint
viscosity when it is in the can and after
it has been applied to the wall.

Brush Drag – KU viscosity measures mid-shear

Roller Slip flow and is indicative of paint viscosity
Spray Application
Viscosity

when it is being loaded onto the brush

Film Build
Particle Settling “In-can” Feel or roller and as the brush or roller
Levelling Brush Loading leaves the wall.
Flow Roller Loading
Sag Resistance
– ICI viscosity is a measure of high-
shear flow and is indicative of paint
Brookfield KU ICI
viscosity when it is being rolled or
Shear Rate brushed onto the wall.

How Rheology Modifiers Thicken

Volume Exclusion Thickeners Associative Thickeners

Volume Exclusion Thickeners
employ water-soluble polymers
that swell with water and take up
space in the paint. These types of
thickeners create viscosity through
chain entanglement and particle
flocculation. Their ability to thicken
is directly proportional to their
molecular weight and concentration in the paint formulation. The
greater the molecular weight, the more efficiently they thicken.
also employ water-soluble
polymers, but they do not purely
thicken through water absorption.
Instead, these polymers contain
hydrophobic groups that interact
with each other and with the latex
particles in the formulation to
create a three-dimensional
network. Thickening results because this network restricts the
motion of the latex particles.

Key Terms

Newtonian describes a viscosity that is constant, regardless of the shear rate. Simple fluids such as water,
solvent and oil are examples of Newtonian fluids.
Non-Newtonian describes a complex relationship between shear stress and shear rate that results in viscosity
being dependent on shear rate. Paint is a non-Newtonian fluid.
Pseudoplastic describes a non-Newtonian fluid that loses viscosity when shear rate increases,
but recovers that viscosity when the shear rate decreases.

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. 3

ASE Chemistry
Rheology modifiers that thicken by volume exclusion include
cellulosic ethers and ASE alkali soluble (or swellable) emulsions.
Cellulosic ethers are nonionic, water-soluble polymers derived
from natural fibres. They thicken by absorbing water and
creating chain entanglement and flocculation. Cellulosic ethers
are efficient and shear-thinning, but their dry powder form
can be difficult to handle in commercial-scale production
and they can be enzymatic degraded under microbiological
contamination.
Figure 1. Alkali soluble/swellable emulsions (ASE) contain copolymer chains of methacrylic
acid and acrylate ester in a ratio at or near 50 : 50.
Next-generation ASE thickeners are copolymers of methacrylic
acid and ethyl acrylate ester (Figure 1.). They were developed
to mimic the rheology properties of cellulosics, but facilitate
an easier-to-use and more cost effective product which is not
loosing viscosity under microbiological contamination. Like
cellulosic ethers, ASE products thicken via water absorption
and swelling. Different rheological characteristics are achieved
COOH
base
pH ~ 3.0
Insoluble
Figure 2. pH-triggered thickeners are insoluble at low pH and soluble at high pH. ASE and HASE rheology modifiers are pH-triggered thickeners.
ASE Quick Summary
ASE thickeners contain a balance of methacrylic acid and acrylate ester. They are supplied at high volume solids in liquid
form. Thickening is triggered by a change from low to high pH. ASE thickeners are steeply shear-thinning and well suited
to high-viscosity, thick-film applications such as caulks, mastics, EIFS finishes, driveway sealers and craft paints.
4 – Additives Product Solutions – Rheology Modifiers, Dispersants, Cellulose Ethers
by manipulating the molecular weight, as well as the types
and amounts of acid and ester monomers.
ASE thickeners rely on a change from low to high pH
(neutralisation) to trigger thickening. The “trigger” is built into
the copolymer by creating an approximately 50:50 ratio of
methacrylic acid, which is soluble in water, and an acrylate
ester, which is not soluble in water. When the acid is un-
neutralized (low pH), the copolymer is insoluble in water and
does not thicken. When the acid is fully neutralized (high pH),
the copolymer becomes soluble and thickens (Figure 2.).
ACRYSOL™ ASE Rheology Modifiers are supplied at low pH (< 5)
and maintain a low as-supplied viscosity (<100 cP) at solids of
up to 35 %. This is in stark contrast to cellulosic ethers, which
develop a viscosity of several thousand centipoise even at solids
as low as 2.5 %. When subject to pH 8 or higher in the coating
formulation, ASE copolymers solubilise, swell and thicken the
formulated coating through volume exclusion. The degree of
thickening is related to the molecular weight of the copolymer.
Because their performance depends on water absorption and
swelling, ASE thickeners tend to be very high in molecular
weight, which allows them to thicken efficiently. The rheology
profiles they create are typically steeply shear-thinning
(pseudoplastic), and so ASEs are well suited to building high
viscosity at very low shear rates.
O* *
CO * COO
COO
CO COO
O* *
pH ~ 8.0
Soluble
HASE Chemistry
HASE stands for hydrophobically-modified alkali soluble
emulsion. These are tertiary polymers that build on the ASE
chemistry by adding a hydrophobic acrylic ester monomer
to the polymer composition.
HASE rheology modifiers retain the pH dependent behaviour,
easy handling advantages and resistance to microbiological
contamination of their ASE counterparts, but in addition to
absorbing water, HASE rheology modifiers also thicken via
hydrophobe association. This mechanism, known as associative
thickening, offers performance properties over a wider range of
shear levels and enables a wider range of rheology profiles than
is possible with volume exclusion thickeners such as ASE and
cellulosic offerings.
HASE Quick Summary
HASE thickeners build viscosity through the
association of hydrophobes. They are supplied in
easy-to-handle liquid form at high volume solids. HASE
offerings are generally lower in molecular weight than
ASE offerings. They are better suited than ASE to more
water sensitive applications and offer a wider variety
of rheology profiles. Collectively, these characteristics
make HASE thickeners well suited for flat through
gloss paint formulations to facilitate sag resistance,
spatter resistance and brush/roller drag.

In addition, Dow has introduced innovative patented ACID with VOC regulations whilst maintaining cost and performance.
SUPPRESSION™ Technology for ease of handing additives, The latest generation ACRYSOL™ Rheology Modifiers range
technology for a enhanced class of ACRYSOL™ HEUR offers a range of benefits including optimized sag/levelling
thickeners. The technology offers further options for complying balance stability upon tinting and highly efficient thickening.

HEUR Chemistry
HEUR is an acronym for hydrophobically-modified ethylene
oxide-based urethane. This category of rheology modifier was
developed after the introduction of ASE and HASE to address
limitations in flow, leveling and water sensitivity. HEURs offer a
wide range of rheological properties, from Newtonian (very little
shear-thinning) to quite pseudoplastic (strongly shear-thinning).
Unlike ASE or HASE thickeners, standard HEURs are non-ionic
and soluble at any pH. This solubility is due to the polymer’s
ethylene oxide backbone (Figure 3.), which is water soluble and
makes up the majority of the polymer structure.
O O O O
R' R O R R'
O N N O nO N N O
H H H H
m This technology which is applied on our new HEUR polymers
Figure 3. HEUR morphology features repeating polyethylene glycol units at the center and
hydrophobic groups on either end. Isocyanate linkers on either side of the polyethylene oxide
connect the polymer backbone to hydrophobic end groups.
The HEUR structure imparts viscosity almost exclusively
through a three-dimensional associative network. This degree
of associative thickening is notably higher than that for HASE
polymers and is The reason that HEURs offer exceptional
flow and leveling. This typically makes them a great choice for
high-gloss and semi-gloss formulations. However the range of
rheological properties that HEURs can create often make them
suited for satin to flat formulations as well. Because HEURs
are supplied as polymers in solution, it is often necessary to
add solvent or surfactant to reduce as-supplied viscosity to
manageable levels. A patented technology has been developed
which allows us to produce a new range of easy-to-use
HEUR rheology modifiers for emulsion paints which show
the following benefits:
– Highly concentrated
– Low VOC *
– Low as-supplied viscosity (typically < 2000 mPa.s)
is based on a slight modification of the end group to include
a tertiary amine. At low pH (below 6), these amines are
protonated, become charged, and repel, preventing the
hydrophobe association that creates thickening. As a result, the
as-supplied product viscosity remains very low. At the higher
pH of a formulation, the amines de-protonate, become neutral,
and allow hydrophobe association and full thickening to occur.

HEUR Quick Summary

HEURs are low molecular weight associative thickeners comprised of ethylene oxide chains with hydrophobic end groups.
They are water soluble across pH levels and provide enhanced flow and leveling, high film build, spatter resistance, and
brush/roller loading. HEURs are particularly well suited to high-gloss and semi-gloss formulations, as well as applications
where water resistance is key. A new technology offers the paint producers a range of efficient solvent-free * HEURs at low
as-supplied viscosity.

* VOC substances and solvents are not intentionally added and are not knowingly introduced from another raw material.

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. 5

Dow Coating Materials

ACRYSOL™ ASE and HASE Rheology Modifiers

ACRYSOL™ ASE and HASE Rheology Modifiers are anionic alkali-soluble associative thickeners that offer a great cost/performance
balance. They are compatible with multiple binder chemistries and are particularly suited to interior flat to semi-gloss paints, where
they offer a range of key performance properties, including flow and leveling, sag resistance, spatter resistance and film build.

Product Selector Guide

Low Shear Mid Shear High Shear
Product Actives Benefits
Brookfield Stormer ICI
ASE Rheology Modifier
Highly shear-thinning rheology modifier
ACRYSOL™ ASE-60 ER 28.0 % ★★★ ★ offering great resistance to sedimentation
and sagging.
HASE Rheology Modifiers
Very efficient and strongly shear-thinning
ACRYSOL™ TT-615 30.0 % ★★★ ★★ rheology. Suggested for high sag
resistance/film build in interior formulations.
Alternative to high molecular weight
ACRYSOL™ DR-72 30.0 % ★★★ ★★ ★
cellulose ether.
Efficient HEC alternative with quick viscosity
equilibration, good resistance to viscosity
ACRYSOL™ DR-80* 30.0 % ★★★ ★★ ★
drop upon dilution and good colour
acceptance.
Very efficient mid-shear builder with high
ACRYSOL™ DR-180 35.0 % ★★ ★★★ ★★
stability for flat through sheen paints.
Efficient mid-shear builder suggested for flat
ACRYSOL™ TT-935 ER 30.0 % ★★ ★★★ ★★
through sheen paints.
Alternative to medium and low molecular
weight cellulose ether or HMHEC with good
ACRYSOL™ DR-73 (ER) 30.0 % ★★ ★★ ★★
contribution of viscosity in the high shear
area.
Efficient high-shear builder. Suggested in
ACRYSOL™ RM-55 30.0 % ★ ★ ★★★
semi-gloss and gloss paints.
* only available in IBNS ★ Slightly contributing ★★ Contributing ★★★ Strongly contributing
Solvents are not intentionally added in the production process unless otherwise stated.

Dispersant Suggestions with ASE and HASE Rheology Modifiers

Use Level
Product Salt Solids Benefits
(on pigment)
Polyacid Dispersants
Enhanced cost/performance balance. Great colour acceptance
OROTAN™ N-4045* Na 45 % 0.3 – 1.0 %
with high reproducibility. Low odour. Low-foam generator.
High efficiency with low foam generation. Excellent heat-age and
OROTAN™ 1618 NH4 30 % 0.2 – 0.6 %
long term stability.
High efficiency with low-foam generation. Enhanced stability in
OROTAN™ 850 LO-ER Na 30 % 0.6 – 1.0 %
paints containing ZnO and other reactive pigments.
Hydrophilic Copolymer Dispersants
High-gloss potential. Broad formulating latitude.
OROTAN™ 1124 NH4 50 % 0.5 – 1.0 %
Cost/performance balance. Low-foam generator.
* OROTAN™ 1288 for IBPS

6 – Additives Product Solutions – Rheology Modifiers and Dispersants

ACRYSOL™ ASE and HASE Rheology Modifiers
Performance Comparison

Low-Shear Mid-Shear High-Shear

Most Most
Efficiency Efficiency Efficiency
ACRYSOL™ TT-615 ACRYSOL™ RM-55
ACRYSOL™ ASE-60 ER ACRYSOL™ DR-180
ACRYSOL™ TT-615
ACRYSOL™ DR-80
ACRYSOL™ DR-72 ACRYSOL™ DR-73 (ER)
ACRYSOL™ TT-935 ER
ACRYSOL™ DR-80
ACRYSOL™ DR-72

ACRYSOL™ TT-935 ER
ACRYSOL™ DR-180 ACRYSOL™ DR-72
ACRYSOL™ TT-935 ER
ACRYSOL™ DR-80
ACRYSOL™ DR-73 (ER) ACRYSOL™ DR-73 (ER) ACRYSOL™ DR-180

ACRYSOL™ RM-55
ACRYSOL™ RM-55
ACRYSOL™ TT-615

Least Least

Sag Resistance Most Leveling/Flow Most Film Build

ACRYSOL™ ASE-60 ER
ACRYSOL™ TT-615 ACRYSOL™ RM-55 ACRYSOL™ RM-55

ACRYSOL™ DR-80
ACRYSOL™ DR-72
ACRYSOL™ DR-73 (ER) ACRYSOL™ DR-73 (ER)

ACRYSOL™ DR-180 ACRYSOL™ DR-180

ACRYSOL™ TT-935 ER ACRYSOL™ TT-935 ER

ACRYSOL™ TT-935 ER
ACRYSOL™ DR-73 (ER) ACRYSOL™ DR-72

ACRYSOL™ DR-80 ACRYSOL™ DR-80

ACRYSOL™ RM-55 ACRYSOL™ DR-72 ACRYSOL™ DR-180

ACRYSOL™ TT-615 ACRYSOL™ TT-615

ACRYSOL™ ASE-60 ER
Least Least

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 We make coatings work.
Better!

8 – Additives Product Solutions – Rheology Modifiers, Dispersants, Cellulose Ethers

ACRYSOL™ HEUR Rheology Modifiers
ACRYSOL™ HEUR Rheology Modifiers offer enhanced flow and leveling, high film build, stability, spatter resistance and syneresis
control in a wide variety of latex binders, including large- and small-particle-size acrylics, vinyl acrylics, styrene acrylics and vinyl
acetate ethylene polymers (VAEs).

Product Selector Guide

As Sup- Low Shear Mid High
Active
Product plied Brook- Shear Shear Benefits
Polymer Solids field Stormer ICI
ACRYSOL™ RM-12W
15.0 % 19.0 % ★★★ ★ ★ Use to improve sag and/or stability.
ACRYSOL™ RM-12WE*
Enhanced sag/leveling balance.
ACRYSOL™ RM-998 20.0 % 23.5 % ★★★ ★★
Improved viscosity retention upon tinting.
Efficient mid-shear builder with high
shear contribution for a wide range
ACRYSOL™ RM-725 15.0 % 18.0 % ★★ ★★★ ★★
of binders.
Can be used as sole thickener.
Highly efficient mid-shear builder with
ACRYSOL™ RM-855 25.0 % 27.0 % ★ ★★★ ★ utility in large particle size acrylics or
low-efficiency formulations.
ACRYSOL™ RM-8W/
17.5 % 21.0 % ★ ★ Broad utility mid-shear builder.
ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE*
High efficient high-shear builder also
showing good efficiency in the mid-shear
ACRYSOL™ RM-6000 17.5 % 17.5 % ★★ ★★★ region. Can be used in PVA/VAE
formulations in combination with
HASE low shear builder.
Efficient high-shear builder showing a
balanced efficiency in the mid-shear
ACRYSOL™ RM-5000 18.5 % 18.5 % ★ ★★★
area. Can be suggested in combination
with ACRYSOL™ RM-998.
High-shear builder to be used in
ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 E** 20.0 % 20.0 % ★ ★★ formulations sensitive for colour float
or syneresis.
This ICI-building associative thickener
offers formulators efficient high shear
contribution with minimal mid-shear
ACRYSOL™ RM-3030 20.0 % 20.5 % ★★★
rheology response, whilst demonstrating
improved syneresis resistance in broad
formulation latitude.
* ACRYSOL™ RM-12WE and ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE are the tin free alternatives to ★ Slightly contributing ★★ Contributing ★★★ Strongly contributing
ACRYSOL™ RM-12W and ACRYSOL™ RM-8W
** ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 NPR is commercial grade for IBNS.
Solvents are not intentionally added in the production process unless otherwise stated.

HEUR products range in solids from 15.0 % to 27 %. However, some products contain non-active ingredients designed to lower
the product viscosity for ease of handling. As-Supplied Solids refers to the sum of all the solids in the product, whether active
thickener or not. Active Polymer reflects only the actual polymer that creates thickening in the formulation.

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Dispersant Suggestions with HEUR Rheology Modifiers
Use Level
Product Salt Solids Benefits
(on pigment)
Hydrophobic Copolymer Dispersants
Great overall compatibility. Good pigment wetting.
OROTAN™ 731-A ER Na 25 % 0.7 – 1.0 %
Highly efficient performance.
Maximises gloss potential. Good stability in paints containing
OROTAN™ 681 NH4 35 % 3.0 – 5.0 %
ZnO and other reactive pigments. Good corrosion resistance.
Enhanced early blister resistance and wet adhesion. Good
OROTAN™ 165 NH4 21 % 0.6 – 1.0 % colour acceptance. Good gloss development and corrosion
resistance.
Low-odour, solvent-free* capability. Maximises gloss potential.
OROTAN™ 2011 K 27.5 % 3.0 – 5.0 %
Good stability with ZnO. Good corrosion resistance.
Excellent colour development and acceptance of paint
formulations. Compatible for use across a wide variety of
OROTAN™ CA-2500 NH4 26.5 % 0.5 – 3.0 %
pigments. Efficient use of the dispersant. Can be used across
a range of paint formulations.
Hydrophilic Copolymer Dispersants
High-gloss potential. Broad formulating latitude.
OROTAN™ 1124 NH4 50 % 0.5 – 1.0 %
Cost/performance balance. Low-foam generator.
* Solvents are not intentionally added and are not knowingly introduced from another raw material.

10– Additives Product Solutions – Rheology Modifiers, Dispersants, Cellulose Ethers

ACRYSOL™ HEUR Rheology Modifiers
Performance Comparison

Low-Shear Mid-Shear High-Shear

Efficiency Most Efficiency Most Efficiency
ACRYSOL™ RM-12W/ ACRYSOL™ RM-855 ACRYSOL™ RM-6000
ACRYSOL™ RM-12 WE
ACRYSOL™ RM-725

ACRYSOL™ RM-998 ACRYSOL™ RM-998 ACRYSOL™ RM-5000

ACRYSOL™ RM-8W/
ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE*
ACRYSOL™ RM-725

ACRYSOL™ RM-6000

ACRYSOL™ RM-5000 ACRYSOL™ RM-3030

ACRYSOL™ RM-855 ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 E** ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 E**
ACRYSOL™ RM-3030

ACRYSOL™ RM-8W/
ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE* Least Least

Sag Resistance Most Leveling/Flow Most Film Build

ACRYSOL™ RM-12 W/ ACRYSOL™ RM-6000
ACRYSOL™ RM-12 WE
ACRYSOL™ RM-3030
ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 E**
ACRYSOL™ RM-998 ACRYSOL™ RM-8W/
ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE* ACRYSOL™ RM-5000

ACRYSOL™ RM-3030
ACRYSOL™ RM-725 ACRYSOL™ RM-5000 ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 E**
ACRYSOL™ RM-6000
ACRYSOL™ RM-855 ACRYSOL™ RM-855
ACRYSOL™ RM-725
ACRYSOL™ RM-8W/
ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE* ACRYSOL™ RM-998 ACRYSOL™ RM-725
ACRYSOL™ RM-6000
ACRYSOL™ RM-5000 ACRYSOL™ RM-8W/
ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE*
ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 E** ACRYSOL™ RM-12 W/ ACRYSOL™ RM-855
ACRYSOL™ RM-3030 ACRYSOL™ RM-12 WE
Least Least ACRYSOL™ RM-998

* ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE available in Europe, ** RM-2020 NPR is commercial grade for IBPS.

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. 11

ACRYSOL™ Rheology Modifiers
Application Suggestions

RM-2020 E**
TT-935 ER

RM-12 WE
RM-12 W/

RM-8WE*

RM-6000

RM-3000
RM-5000

RM-3030
RM-8 W/
RM-998

RM-855
RM-725

ACRYSOL™ Grade
TT-615

RM-55

Interior Wall Paints

Low VOC *** ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Matt / Silk ★★ ★★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Semi gloss / Gloss ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Bath and Kitchen ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Primers ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Exterior Masonry Paints
Primers ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Conventional ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Elastomeric ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Wood Coatings
Exterior House Paints ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Primers ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Stains ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Clears ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Trim paints ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★

* ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE available in Europe, ** RM-2020 NPR is commercial grade for IBPS, *** For low VOC paints and coatings where levels require <1 % ★ Suitable ★★ Highly suggested

12– Additives Product Solutions – Rheology Modifiers, Dispersants, Cellulose Ethers

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. 13
Dow Coating Materials

ACRYSOL™ Rheology Modifiers

Starting Point Suggestions for thickener packages

The Dow portfolio of ACRYSOL™ Rheology Modifiers has a tool for every formulation need. The following suggestions can
get you started on finding the right rheology solution for your formulation. In addition, the rheology experts at Dow are always
available to assist in any of your formulating challenges.

KU Builder ICI Builder Performance Properties

– Offers a more Newtonian rheology with enhanced

ACRYSOL™ ACRYSOL™
leveling and stability performance. ACRYSOL™
RM-8W/RM-8WE* RM-2020 E**
RM-12W/ACRYSOL™ RM-12WE can be added to
RM-855 RM-3030
increase low-shear rheology for sag resistance.

– Offers a more pseudoplastic rheology that has a

ACRYSOL™
ACRYSOL™ good flow/sag balance. ACRYSOL™ RM-5000
RM-998
RM-5000 offer a good balance of high-shear efficiency and
RM-725
shelf-stability.

ACRYSOL™ ACRYSOL™ – Our HEUR product suggestions for PVA/VAE and

RM-8W/RM-8WE* RM-5000 large particle sized acrylics. This offers a good
RM-725 or RM-6000 balance of thickening efficiency and rheology.

* ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE available in Europe, ** RM-2020 NPR is commercial grade for IBPS.

Combining ACRYSOL™ HASE and HEUR Rheology Modifiers can facilitate exceptional performance properties that neither
chemistry family can offer alone. For example, adding a high-shear HEUR can improve the flow of a HASE base formulation.
Combining HASE and HEUR Rheology Modifiers also can improve the stain resistance and sag resistance of HEUR- only coatings.
Adding a HASE to a HEUR system in medium and deep base formulations also offers the benefit of improving viscosity retention
upon tinting.

14 – Additives Product Solutions – Rheology Modifiers and Dispersants

ACRYSOL™ HASE and HEUR Rheology Modifiers can also be used in combination with cellulosic ethers to modify the
rheology of the coating and taking advantage of the thickener robustness and open time contribution of the cellulose ether.

When formulating cellulose ethers with HEUR and HASE thickeners try the following
combinations.

Cellulose Ether ACRYSOL™ Grade Performance Properties

ACRYSOL™
CELLULOSE RM-2020 E** – The HEUR high-shear builder will improve
ETHER RM-3030 the film build and hiding of the coating.
RM-5000

ACRYSOL™
RM-725
CELLULOSE – The ACRYSOL™ mid-shear builder will improve
DR-180
ETHER the flow and leveling of the coating.
RM-8W/RM-8WE*/
RM-855

– This combination can lead to savings in

CELLULOSE ACRYSOL™
overall thickener cost and improve the overall
ETHER RM-6000
flow of the paint.

* ACRYSOL™ RM-8WE available in Europe, ** RM-2020 NPR is commercial grade for IBPS.

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. 15

Credits
Illustrations © Dow Europe GmbH: P. 2 / P. 3 / P. 4 / P. 5
Picture credits © istock images: P. 1 /P. 2 / P. 8 / P. 10/P. 12/P. 13 
Picture credits © F1online: P. 4

Note: except otherwise expressly specified, the graphs and tables presented in this document originate from internal studies conducted by Dow in 2018

For more information please consult our web site Dow Europe GmbH
www.dowcoatingmaterials.com Coating Materials
Bachtobelstrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Switzerland
Phone: +31 115 672626

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FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Form No. EUR-843-02201-0820-EN