Colloidal microcrystalline cellulose (colloidal MCC, offered by IFF with trade name Lattice® NTC) is an innovative line of co-processed microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxyl methylcellulose using IFF proprietary technology. Colloidal MCC forms a three-dimensional network when activated into water under high shear, entrapping solid particles and oil droplets. One of the key properties of colloidal MCC is its ability to stabilize water-based formulations without significant increase in formulation viscosity. Similar food-grade products sold under the trade name Avicel® have been used widely in food applications and proven to have excellent particle suspension and emulsion-stabilization properties.
The research1 at North Dakota State University (NDSU) showed that colloidal MCC was ineffective as a secondary thickener in increasing the viscosity of latex coatings. However, the addition of a small amount of colloidal MCC (0.1-0.2% wt) to paints having optimized Stormer viscosities can eliminate phase separation completely without affecting flow or leveling properties. It was also found that all-acrylic latex coatings thickened with colloidal MCC gave higher scrub resistance than those thickened with HASE.