Rheolate 450 Elementis Rheology Modifiers / Thickeners >> Alkali-Swellable Acrylic polymers (ASE/ HASE) ADHESIVE >> Water-based RHEOLATE® 450 rheological additive is a unique hydrophobically modified alkali swellable thickener that demonstrates both ionic and associative thickening mechanisms with an excellent balance of the respective properties. RHEOLATE 450 will provide both mid- and highshear rate viscosity with balanced performance for superior package and application properties. It is enzyme resistant and can be used to re-thicken biologically spoiled coatings. Coatings using RHEOLATE 450 will exhibit: Efficient mid- and high-shear build Exceptional package appearance Reduced syneresis Alkyd-like flow and leveling Improved moisture resistance over other acrylic and cellulosic thickeners Excellent brush drag Improved hiding on roll-out Superior spatter resistance and flow and leveling versus acrylic and cellulosic thickeners Excellent color acceptance versus urethane associative thickeners. Formulary Information Use with additional thickeners RHEOLATE® 450 can be used in conjunction with other types of thickeners for highly predictable flow control and improved overall performance. With Associative Thickeners - RHEOLATE 450 can be used to increase mid-shear viscosity without losing viscosity at high shear. It will also prevent syneresis and maintain color stability With Cellulosic Thickeners - RHEOLATE 450 can be used to replace or supplement cellulosic thickeners to improve high shear-rate viscosity, coverage, spatter resistance and improve leveling and roller hiding. With Clay Based Thickeners - RHEOLATE 450 can be used with BENTONE® or BENAQUA® clay thickeners to improve flow and enhance high shear rate viscosity for better coverage and spatter resistance. Levels of Use The typical level of use in paints or inks for RHEOLATE 450 is 0.1% to 2.0% by weight. Levels up to 9% can be used in adhesives and sealants. Incorporation Proper Addition Techniques In most cases RHEOLATE 450 can be added to the system without dilution or pre-neutralization. It is most commonly added to the letdown, but a portion can also be incorporated into the millbase if a thixotropic grind is desired. Under very low shear mixing conditions dilution with water and/or glycol is recommended. RHEOLATE 450 can also be postadded to adjust viscosity after quality control checks, or to correct product spoiled by biological degradation. Coalescing Agents In rare occasions the use of small particle size latex emulsions, together with a coalescent agent of low water miscibility may lead to excessive thickening when using RHEOLATE 450. In this case we recommend using a more hydrophilic coalescing agent. Proper pH Adjustment RHEOLATE 450 is an alkali swellable thickener and should be used in systems with a pH of at least 7.5 for complete activation. In vinyl acrylic systems where pH has a tendency to drift downward, the use of calcium carbonate or wollastonite extenders may help maintain pH on aging. RHEOLATE 450 is effective over a wider pH range than most HASE thickeners and will reduce the need for higher amine levels or alkali extenders. Viscosity Equilibration As is the case with all associative thickeners, RHEOLATE 450 requires time to activate fully after addition. The equilibration time will vary depending on formulation, but in most cases will be reached after 16 hours. Hydrophobically modified alkali swellable thickener for waterborne adhesives. Demonstrates both ionic and associative thickening mechanisms. Enzyme resistant. Provides both mid-highshear rate viscosity, brush drag. Has good spatter resistance and flow and leveling versus acrylic and cellulosic thickener and good color acceptance versus urethane associative thickeners.