TECHNICAL INFORMATION

62.090-E5
(replaces 62.090-E4)
Page 1 of 11
November 2004

AQUAFLOW hydrophobically modified polyacetal polyether

Liquid associative rheology modifiers for waterborne industrial coatings
AQUAFLOW hydrophobically modified polyacetal polyether rheology modifiers for waterborne industrial 1K
and 2K paints based on acrylic, modified acrylic or styrene-acrylic latexes, epoxyester emulsions, urethaneacrylic dispersions, alkyd emulsions, epoxies and acrylic/polyisocyanates.
In general, AQUAFLOW NLS-200 and NLS-210 are used to control the low shear viscosity, while AQUAFLOW
NHS-300 optimizes the high shear viscosity of any paint formulation. AQUAFLOW hydrophobically modified
polyacetal polyethers are liquid materials and, due to the fact that the products are low in viscosity, they can
be added easily during the paint manufacturing process. The products are designed for spray-applied coatings
to yield superior flow in combination with good film build and wet edge coverage while providing the coating
with maximum film gloss, water resistance and corrosion resistance. Due to their chemical similarities,
maximum blend compatibility is obtained when the two thickeners are used together. However, with
appropriate formulating, they may also be used in conjunction with other associative and conventional
thickeners. Alkyd-like flow can be generated with these materials in waterborne coating systems based on the
above-mentioned binder systems. Compared to urethane-based associative thickeners (HEURS)
AQUAFLOW hydrophobically modified polyacetal polyethers (HM-PAPE) demonstrate improved compatibility
with colourants and electrolytes, while they remain stable during storage in the wide pH-range 2 12.
The products have demonstrated reduced viscosity-loss on tinting compared to existing HEURs, while with
AQUAFLOW NHS-300 a higher ICI viscosity can be generated compared to materials currently available in
the market place.
FORMULATING BENEFITS
Excellent flow and levelling
Full film build development (brush, roller application)
Controlled thickening response
Excellent sprayability (air, airless, HVLP)
Improved blocking resistance vs HEURs
Good corrosion resistance
Good colour acceptance and colour development
Easy to incorporate
Less critical to dosing compared to HEURs

Full gloss development

Tolerance to salts, electrolytes
Excellent water resistance
Excellent stain resistance
Stability at wide pH-range
Bio-stable
Cost efficient performance
Easy optimization of rheology

TYPICAL PROPERTIES
AQUAFLOW NLS-200

Composition
Appearance
Solids, weight %

AQUAFLOW NLS-210

AQUAFLOW NHS-300

Viscosity *

hydrophobically modified polyacetal polyether

white - opaque liquid
25
25
80/20 water/diethylene
75/25 water/diethylene
glycol monobutyl ether
glycol monobutyl ether
2500 5500 mPa.s
2000 5000 mPa.s

4500 8000 mPa.s

Specific gravity

1,05 g/cc

1,04 g/cc

Carrier

1,05 g/cc

20
water

* Brookfield LVFviscosity meter at 25 C

Hercules does not recommend any use of its products that would violate any patent or other rights.
Aqualon, a Division of Hercules Incorporated
Widnes/Uk, Rijswijk/NL, Dsseldorf/D, Le Pecq/F,
Castelmaggiore (BO)/I, Tarragona/E, Warsaw/PL

62.090-E5
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PRODUCT SAFETY
Read and understand the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) before using these products.

FORMULATING GUIDELINES AND BENEFITS

AQUAFLOW HM-PAPEs non-urethane thickeners are designed to impart outstanding flow and levelling
characteristics to acrylic, modified acrylic or styrene-acrylic latexes, epoxyester emulsions, urethane-acrylic
dispersions and alkyd emulsions, 2K epoxies, 2K acrylic-polyicocyanates.
AQUAFLOW NLS-200 or NLS-210 and AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be used as a single thickener or in
combination, to optimize the balance between low shear (Brookfield/Stormer viscosity) and high shear (ICI
viscosity).
Compared to paints thickened with competitive urethane based non-ionic associative thickeners,
AQUAFLOW NLS-200 thickened paints exhibit better colour development and lower viscosity loss on tinting.
Furthermore AQUAFLOWs are stable in a wide pH-range; in attached chart (Figure 1) it is shown that the
viscosity of a 4 wt% solution of AQUAFLOW NLS-200 is relatively stable over the entire pH-range after 21
days of storage at ambient temperature, whereas the viscosity retention for competitive HEURs is
significantly less.
In very responsive latex systems AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be used as single rheology modifier. In these
coating systems AQUAFLOW NHS-300 delivers higher ICI viscosity than high shear effective products
currently available in the market. On top AQUAFLOW HM-PAPEs demonstrate good compatibility with
critically stabilized latexes, so flocculation of binder particles can in this way be avoided.
The higher softening temperatures of AQUAFLOWs compared to those of existing HEURs contribute to
improved blocking resistance.
Formulating with AQUAFLOW HM-PAPEs can be done in a similar way as with HEURs, since the thickening
mechanism is based on hydrophobic forces too. However, as a result of its designed molecular structure it is
less critical in use as outlined above. The costs in use for the AQUAFLOWs is found to be significantly less
than that of commercial HEURs.
To summarize the value positioning of the products, Figure 2 is attached and self-explaining.
The products can be combined very well with materials like NATROSOL Plus 330 PA.

GENERIC GUIDE FORMULATIONS

In our coating studies we included primers and top coats for metal and wood substrates, parquet lacquers
etc. In Table 1 through Table 7 generic coating systems are exemplified together with their paint properties:
For detailed information please contact our local sales representative, agent or distributor or send an email to
paint-eur@herc.com.

Note:
Original paint formulations from Zeneca, Nl and Rohm and Haas, USA.

62.090-E5
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Figure 1

pH -stability of AQUAFLOW versus HEURs

Viscosity retention of 4 % solutions after 21
o
days at 25 C
V
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y
r
e
t
e
n
t
i
o
n
%

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
12 11 10

pH of solution

Low Shear effective HEUR

AQUAFLOW NLS-200

62.090-E5
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Figure 2

Position of AQUAFLOWS vs HEURs

Easily incorporated
Compatible with critically
stabilized latexes
Stable in pH range 2-12
Improved tolerance to

Performance

electrolytes
Improved colour acceptance
Suitable for Spray- Roller-,
Brush
Improved blocking resistance

Aquaflows
HEUR

Lower cost in use

Economic Advantage

62.090-E5
Page 5 of 11

TABLE 1

Waterborne anti-corrosion paint

Binder: acrylic latex and epoxyester emulsion

INGREDIENTS
Water
Amino propanol
Dispersant
Dispersant
Corrosion inhibitor
Butyl Glycol
Defoamer
TiO2
BaSO4
Talc
Zinc phosphate
Zinc oxide

PARTS BY WEIGHT (Kg/1000 Kg)

58,5
0,6
5,1
5,1
4.,7
18,5
0,4
92,7
26,8
39,8
61,1
26,8
Grind 30 minutes/6000 rpm
Water
30,9
Modified acrylic latex (44%)
501,0
Epoxyester solution
68,1
Defoamer
0,3
Coalescent
9,6
Ammonia (25%) to pH~ 8.5 + water
48.5
AQUAFLOW NLS-200
1,5
Total
1000.0
Dilute to correct viscosity (e.g. HVLP : 40-65 sec. DIN 4).
For roller- or brush application AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be added to the required level of increased
film build

TABLE 1A

Properties of the waterborne anti-corrosion paint

PAINT PROPERTY

Paint diluted to 40-65 sec. DIN 4

Sprayability
Film appearance
Film build
Dry adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Wet adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Blistering resistance (D-714)
200 hours salt spray resistance (B 117)
Syneresis
Pigment sedimentation
1)
2)

Rating 1 5 ; 5 = best
Rating 1 10 ; 10 = best

Easy, regular
Very smooth
80 microns
200 microns (airless
Good (rating 3)
Good (rating 3)
Excellent
Excellent (rating 9)
None
None

1)
1)

2)

62.090-E5
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TABLE 2

Waterborne top coat

Binder: modified acrylic latex

INGREDIENTS
PARTS BY WEIGHT (Kg/1000 Kg)
Water
31,5
Defoamer
3,0
Dispersant
3,1
Preservative
2,0
Butyl glycol
60,0
Modified acrylic latex (44 wt%)
15,0
TiO2
181,1
Grind at 4000 rpm for 20 min.
Modified acrylic latex (44 wt%)
719,1
Stir for 10 minutes at low speed
NaNO2
4,0
AQUAFLOW NLS-200
6.0
Water
26,5
Stir for 15 minutes
Total
1051,3
Dilute to correct viscosity (e.g. HVLP : 30-40 sec. DIN 4).
For roller or brush application AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be added to the required level of increased
film build

TABLE 2A

Properties of the waterborne top coat

Paint diluted to 30-40 sec. DIN 4

Sprayability
Film appearance
Film build
Syneresis
Pigment sedimentation

PAINT PROPERTY
Sprayed on anti-corrosion primer
Easy, regular
Very smooth
80-90 microns
200 microns (airless)
Slight
None

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TABLE 3

Waterborne universal clear wood lacquer

Binder: acrylic latexes

INGREDIENTS
Acrylic latex 1
Acrylic latex 2
Wax emulsion
Preservative
Diethyleneglycol monomethylether
Defoamer
Flatting agent
AQUAFLOW NLS-200
Defoamer
Ammonia (25%)
Total

PARTS BY WEIGHT (Kg/1000 Kg)

720
80
50
10
100
10
10
6.0
20
pH ~ 8,2
1006

Dispersion of paint components was done at high speed to avoid cratering.

Dilute to correct viscosity (e.g. HVLP : 30-40 sec. DIN 4).
For roller or brush application AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be added to the required level of increased
film build

TABLE 3A

Properties of the waterborne universal clear wood lacquer

PAINT PROPERTY

Paint diluted to 30-40 sec. DIN 4

Sprayability
Film appearance
Film build
Film gloss 600
Dry adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Water resistance (drop test)
Stain resistance (coffee)
Stain resistance (alcohol 48%)
Stain resistance (ammonia 25%)
Hot pan test
Substrate used: mahogany wood
1)

Rating 1 5 ; 5 = best

Easy, regular
Very smooth
80-90 microns
30% (flattened)
Excellent (rating 5)
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Good
Good resistance

1)

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TABLE 4

Waterborne parquet lacquer

Binder: urethan-acrylic latex for brush- and roller application

INGREDIENTS
Urethane-acrylic latex
Ethyldiglycol
Defoamer
Preservative
Wax emulsion
Defoamer
AQUAFLOW NHS-300
Water
Wetting agent
Total

PARTS BY WEIGHT (Kg/1000 Kg)

890
40
4
10
50
08
19
26
5
1052

AQUAFLOW NLS-200 or NLS-210 can be used in combination with AQUAFLOW NHS-300 to attain a
desired balance of low and high shear viscosity

TABLE 4A

Properties of the waterborne parquet lacquer

PAINT PROPERTY

Paint viscosity : 55-60 KU, DIN 4 : ~40 sec

Levelling
Film appearance
Film hardness (Knig, s)
Film gloss 600
Dry adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Water resistance (drop test)
Stain resistance (coffee)
Stain resistance (alcohol 48%)
Stain resistance (ammonia 25%)
Hot pan test
Substrate used: mahogany wood
1)

Rating 1 5 ; 5 = best

Excellent
Very smooth
~150 s
95 %
Excellent (rating 5)
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
Good resistance

1)

62.090-E5
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TABLE 5

Waterborne two component anti-corrosion primer

Binder: acrylic polyol latex

INGREDIENTS

PARTS BY WEIGHT (Kg/1000 Kg)

Component 1

Acrylic polyol latex (45%)

Defoamer/Stabilizer
Defoamer
Red oxide pigment
Talc
Sr/Al polyphosphate
SiO2
Water

322,8
3,3
4,4
44,8
163,6
144,1
135,4
71,0
Disperse

Corrosion inhibitor
AQUAFLOW NLS-200
Water

5,5
1,7
16,2
Component 2

Hardener in coalescing solvent

Total

99,3
1012,0

Dilute to correct viscosity (e.g. HVLP : 30-40 sec. DIN 4).

For roller- or brush application AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be added to the required level of increased
film build

TABLE 5A

Properties of the waterborne two-component anti-corrosion primer

PAINT PROPERTY

Paint diluted to 30-40 sec. DIN 4

Sprayability
Film appearance
Film build
Dry adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Wet adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Blistering resistance (D-714)
1)

Rating 1 5 ; 5 = best

Easy, regular
Very smooth
80 microns
Excellent (rating 5)
Good (rating 3)
Excellent

1)
1)

62.090-E5
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TABLE 6

Waterborne two-component top coat

Binder: acrylic polyol latex

INGREDIENTS

PARTS BY WEIGHT (Kg/1000 Kg)

Component 1
Acrylic polyol latex (45%)
406,0
Defoamer
4,0
Dispersant
3,0
TiO2
262.1
Water
9,6
Disperse
Acrylic polyol latex (45%)
57,1
Emulsifier
16,3
AQUAFLOW NLS-200
1,0
Water
19,0
Co-solvent
9,9
Component 2
Hardener in coalescing solvent
177,5
Total
965,5
Dilute to correct viscosity (e.g. HVLP : 30-40 sec. DIN 4).
For roller- or brush application AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be added to the required level of increased
film build

TABLE 6A

Properties of the waterborne two-component top coat formula

PAINT PROPERTY

Paint diluted to 30-40 sec. DIN 4

Sprayability
Film appearance
Film build
Dry adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
1)

Rating 1 5 ; 5 = best

Easy, regular
Very smooth
100 microns
Good (rating 3)

1)

62.090-E5
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TABLE 7

Waterborne two-component anti-corrosion primer

Binder: epoxy resin

INGREDIENTS

PARTS BY WEIGHT (Kg/1000 Kg)

Component 1
Hardener in coalescing solvent
82,1
Water
166,3
Dispersant
9,7
Defoamer
1,5
Substrate additive
3,0
Talc
78,6
Sr/Al polyphosphate
78,6
Red oxide pigment
68,4
CaCO3
76,9
Disperse
Defoamer
2,2
Component 2
Epoxy resin dispersion
358,9
Thinner
21,1
AQUAFLOW NLS-200
11,4
Water
41,3
Total
1000,0
Dilute to correct viscosity (e.g. HVLP : 30-40 sec. DIN 4).
For roller- or brush application AQUAFLOW NHS-300 can be added to the required level of increased
film build

TABLE 7A

Properties of the waterborne two-component anti-corrosion primer

PAINT PROPERTY

Paint diluted to 30-40 sec. DIN 4

Sprayability
Film appearance
Film build
Dry adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Wet adhesion (ASTM D-3359)
Blistering resistance (D-714)
Pot life
1)

Rating 1 5 ; 5 = best

Easy, regular
Very smooth
100 microns
Excellent (rating 5)
Good (rating 4)
Excellent
2,5 3 hours

1)
1)