Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • MATERIALS
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • RESOURCES
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • CONTACT
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest News
  • Market Trends & Reports
  • Price Alerts
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
  • Weekly Featured Article
  • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
  • Product News
  • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
  • Additives
  • Resins/Polymers
  • Pigments
  • Equipment
  • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • Adhesives
  • Architectural Coatings
  • FINISHING
  • Industrial Coatings
  • Nanotechnology
  • Powder Coatings
  • Solventborne
  • Special Purpose Coatings
  • Sustainability
  • UV Coatings
  • Waterborne
  • FINISHING
  • Finishing News
  • Finishing Technologies
  • Finishing Equipment
  • Finishing Today
  • RESOURCES
  • Columns
  • Blogs
  • Coatings Supplier Handbook
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • PCI Store
  • Classifieds
  • eBooks
  • Sponsor Insights
  • White Papers
  • COATLE Word Game
  • Columns
  • Ask Joe Powder
  • Did you know?
  • Distribution Dive
  • Focus on Canada
  • Formulating With Mike
  • Innovation Insights
  • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
  • Powder Coating Perspectives
  • Target the Market
  • TiO2 Insider
  • Blogs
  • Editor's Viewpoint
  • Industry Insights
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • COAT-IT! Podcast
  • Videos/PCI TV
  • EVENTS
  • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
  • Paint and Coatings Academy
  • Webinars
  • Calendar of Events
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
  • Buyer's Guide
  • Equipment Directory
  • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
  • Current Issue
  • eMagazine Archive
  • China Issue Archive
  • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to eMagazine
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!
Paint and Coatings AdditivesSustainable

New Organic Rheology Additive Technologies

By Dr. Eva-Maria Kutschmann
pci0623-Lehvoss-1178804460-1170.jpg

PashaIgnatov, Creatas Video+ / Getty Images Plus, via Getty Images.

June 8, 2023

Conventional first- and second-generation organic rheology additives are finely micronized powders based on blends of castor oil derivatives or fatty acid amides. They are used as thixotropic agents both in aliphatic and aromatic solventborne formulations as well as in 100%-solid formulations.

Rheologically effective structures can only be formed if sufficiently high-shear forces and temperatures are used in the dispersion process. Some of these additives require precise temperature control, as undesirable effects such as "seeding" may occur if an upper-temperature threshold is exceeded during processing. Compared to castor oil derivatives, polyamide-based additives are more suitable for a wide range of polarities. However, due to their higher melting points, polyamides require higher activation temperatures.

In the search for environmentally friendly solutions, the demand for rheological additives that can already be activated at low process temperatures is increasing. Lower energy consumption and shorter production cycle times (shorter heating and cooling phases) are of interest both ecologically and economically.

Concerning rheological stabilization of coatings, there is also a trend to move away from hazardous raw materials, with preference given to the use of bio-based and sustainable chemistries, wherever possible.


New Types of Rheology Additives

Newly developed types of organic rheology additives differ from conventional rheology additives, on the one hand, with regard to their chemical composition, and on the other hand with regard to their particle shape and size distribution. These modern rheological additives were developed on the basis of specific blends of either polyamide waxes or so-called hybrid grades (which contain selected polyolefins). In particular, LUVOTIX® VP031, one such hybrid rheology additive, contains only ingredients that are FDA compliant.

Production of these additives in a controlled micronization process results in precisely defined particle shape and size distribution. This ensures easy dispersion of the powders and reliable activation, not only in formulations of low to medium polarity, yet also in systems of higher polarity. In the case of these new additive systems, the complete formation of rheological structures is achieved in the dispersion process after a short time, even at low process temperatures and under moderate shear forces without the need for temperature control (see Figure 1).

Activation of organic rheology additives in the dispersion process.
FIGURE 1 » Activation of organic rheology additives in the dispersion process.

In the activated state, the additive molecules assemble fiber structures in the formulations via intermolecular forces (e.g. van-der-Waals, hydrogen bridges). The new additives discussed in this article develop structures that are stronger than those of the conventional polyamide additives. Figures 2a and 2b compare micrograph pictures of both types of additives in a solvent-free 2K epoxy test formulation (Formulation 2b, described later).

Rheology structures developed by conventional polyamide additives.
FIGURE 2a » Rheology structures developed by conventional polyamide additives.
Use and effect of new rheology additives in coatings.
FIGURE 2b » Use and effect of new rheology additives in coatings.

The new organic rheology additives were compared to several commercially available polyamides in various solventborne and solvent-free test formulations. Activation conditions such as time, shear intensity, and process temperature were varied in order to investigate the differences between the various rheology additives.

Samples were prepared in a laboratory dissolver. All rheological tests were performed at 23 °C using a controlled-stress rheometer (Anton Paar, MCR 301), 24 hours after sample preparation. Sag resistance was tested with an antisag meter. Properties of the dried films, such as gloss and pendulum hardness, were also tested and compared.


Test Formulation 1: Two-Component Polyester Formulation

Test formulation 1 (Table 1) is an air-drying, high-gloss, two-component (2K) white topcoat, based on Synthoester 1165 (Synthopol). The resin is a hydroxy-functional, weakly branched saturated polyester, supplied as a liquid 65% in a 1:1 mixture of MPA/xylene. Desmodur N75 (Covestro), an aliphatic polyisocyanate based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), supplied at 75% in a 1:1 mixture of MPA/xylene was used as hardener. Three rheology additives were tested, a classic commercial polyamide, new polyamide additive “AB”, and new hybrid additive “VP031”.

High-gloss 2K polyester topcoat formulation.
TABLE 1 » High-gloss 2K polyester topcoat formulation.

Considerably stronger rheological structures were obtained in the 2K polyester formulation at an activation temperature of 55 °C when using VP031 and AB in comparison to the conventional polyamide wax additive. This can be seen from the viscosity curves and in oscillatory tests (amplitude sweep, see Figure 3).

Amplitude sweep, high-gloss 2K polyester topcoat formulation
FIGURE 3 » Amplitude sweep, high-gloss 2K polyester topcoat formulation.

High plateau values of storage modulus G’ and loss modulus G’’ in the linear-viscoelastic range and G’>G’’ are typical for a strong viscoelastic gel structure in the formulations with VP031 and AB, respectively. On the other hand, the formulation containing the standard polyamide shows liquid-like behavior.

The stronger the network structure in the formulation, the higher its sag resistance. With VP031, gloss and pendulum hardness are only slightly lower compared to the standard polyamide additive, whereas with AB, gloss and pendulum hardness are significantly reduced (Table 2). Thus, in this test formulation, additive AB was a less-suitable additive.

Coating results, high-gloss 2K polyester topcoat formulation.
TABLE 2 » Coating results, high-gloss 2K polyester topcoat formulation.

 

Test Formulation 2a: 2K Epoxy Formulation, Solventborne

The second test formulation (Table 3) is an anticorrosive primer based on epoxy resin. The epoxy resin is a low-viscosity BPA/F resin with a monofunctional reactive diluent, used in combination with a polyamidoamine curing agent.

In this formulation it is especially important to achieve a good sag resistance after spraying. Wet film thickness of at least 750 µm is required. Here, again, three rheology additives were tested, a classic commercial polyamide, new polyamide additive “AB” and new hybrid additive “VP031.”

2K epoxy primer, solventborne (Test Formulation 2a).
TABLE 3 » 2K epoxy primer, solventborne (Test Formulation 2a).

In this test formulation, both VP031 and AB were already fully activated at 45 °C, while this is not the case with the classic polyamide additive, which requires higher activation temperatures. While the viscosity curves of VP031 and AB are very similar (Figure 4a), differences are more clearly shown in the amplitude sweep (Figure 4b) where the strongest viscoelastic network structure is seen in the formulation with VP031.

Viscosity curves, 2K epoxy primer.
FIGURE 4a » Viscosity curves, 2K epoxy primer.
Amplitude sweep, 2K epoxy primer, solventborne.
FIGURE 4b » Amplitude sweep, 2K epoxy primer, solventborne.
Coating results, 2K epoxy primer, solventborne.
TABLE 4 » Coating results, 2K epoxy primer, solventborne.
VP031 in 2K epoxy primer, solventborne, 1,500 µm sag resistance.
FIGURE 5a » VP031 in 2K epoxy primer, solventborne, 1,500 µm sag resistance.
AB in 2K epoxy primer, solventborne, 625 µm sag resistance.
FIGURE 5b » AB in 2K epoxy primer, solventborne, 625 µm sag resistance.


Test Formulation 2b: 2K Epoxy Formulation, Solvent-Free

In a solvent-free 2K epoxy primer formulation, the performance of the new rheology additives was also superior to that of conventional polyamide additives, as they show stronger structures and higher viscosities.

Application results from Test Formulation 2b are shown in Table 5 below. These results demonstrate that no significant influence on the pendulum hardness is caused by the rheology additives. A slight gloss reduction is observed with VP031, which might be caused by poorer surface leveling as viscosity of the sample is significantly higher.

2K epoxy primer, solvent free (Test Formulation 2b).
TABLE 5 » 2K epoxy primer, solvent free (Test Formulation 2b).
Application test results in 2K epoxy primer, solvent-free.
TABLE 6 » Application test results in 2K epoxy primer, solvent-free.


Summary and Conclusions

Newly developed types of organic rheology additives are available for solvent-based and solvent-free coating formulations. These additives outperform the current standard type additives by showing good dispersibility and ease of activation, even at low process temperatures. The performance of this new class of additives is comparable or superior to that of polyamide-based additives. In addition, the hybrid-type additive LUVOTIX VP031 is FDA compliant.

KEYWORDS: bio-based coatings Epoxy Resins rheology Rheology Modifiers Rheometers testing Topcoats

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

By Dr. Eva-Maria Kutschmann, Product Development Surface Technology, Lehmann&Voss&Co KG, Hamburg, Germany

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • pci1022-Kinaltek-Lead-1170.jpg

    A Novel Pigment Production Technology

    Following an extensive R&D program that demonstrated...
    Paint and Coating Pigments
    By: Jawad Haidar and Nitin Soni
  • pci global top 10

    2025 Global Top 10: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    The following is PCI’s annual ranking of the top 10...
    Global Top 10 and PCI 25
    By: Courtney Bassett
  • 2025 pci 25

    2025 PCI 25: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    PCI's annual ranking of the top 25 North American paint...
    Paint and Coating Market Reports
    By: Courtney Bassett
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Josh Smith
June 14, 2023
These new organic rheology additives offer exciting possibilities for the industry. With their low process temperatures and environmentally friendly composition, they address the growing demand for sustainable solutions. The use of bio-based and FDA-compliant ingredients is a positive step towards safer and more responsible chemistries. The development of these additives with unique chemical compositions and particle characteristics opens up new opportunities for rheological stabilization in various formulations. Quick question who is the best drywall company?

Excellent

Mita Shil
June 29, 2023
Good information. Need to know why hardness of film reduced by adding new rheology addtive

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

CTT Registration Now Open

CTT Registration Now Open

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.
    Sponsored byEPS - Engineered Polymer Solutions

    Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation

  • paint sprayer in a workshop
    Sponsored byallnex

    Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

Popular Stories

BASF SE Logo

BASF Reportedly Eyes Exit from Coatings

No. 7 BASF Coatings

BASF Comments on Potential Sale of Coatings Business

No. 3 AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel’s $1.4B Divestment Signals Strategy Shift



PCI Buyers Guide

Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

Start your RFP

Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

Find Suppliers

Events

September 3, 2025

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit

The Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Summit is an annual conference for both liquid and powder coatings formulators and manufacturers to discuss innovations in coatings technology. This event combines high-quality technical presentations, a resource-rich exhibit hall, and dedicated networking opportunities to connect scientific minds, foster innovation, and cultivate game-changing new ideas!

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Longest-running laboratory experiment

What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses. These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

See More Products
pci voices from the top ebook

PCI CASE EBOOK

Related Articles

  • pci0223-Lehvoss-157441646-1170.jpg

    Ribbon Polysilicates: An Exciting Family of Rheology Additives

    See More
  • evonik

    Rheology Dispersion Additive from Evonik Industries

    See More
  • elementis

    Modern Organic Thixotropes

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • corrosion.jpg

    Corrosion Control Through Organic Coatings 2nd Edition

  • organic coatings.jpg

    Organic Coatings: Science and Technology, 4th Edition

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • March 5, 2025

    Fibrillated Cellulose Boosts Mechanical, Surface & Rheology Performance of Elastomeric Roof Coatings

    On Demand The topic of this webinar will be the use of Valida fibrillated cellulose in Elastomeric roof coatings.
View AllSubmit An Event

Related Directories

  • BASF Corp., Dispersions, Resins & Additives

    BASF offers a strong portfolio of industry-leading additives for the Coatings Industry to deliver eco-efficient solutions that meet performance requirements. The BASF Performance and Formulation additives portfolio encompasses a technology base of dispersing agents, wetting agents and surface modifiers, defoamers, rheology modifiers, film forming agents, antioxidants, light stabilizers and UV absorbers.
×

Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey & Sample
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!