There are various types of water-based thickeners and, of course, different thickeners have different properties and today we will discuss with you the properties of thickeners.

Properties of cellulose thickeners

Cellulose-based thickeners have a high thickening efficiency, especially for the aqueous phase, few restrictions on coating formulations, wide application and a wide range of ph values. However, it also has disadvantages such as poor leveling, large splash, poor stability and susceptibility to microbial degradation. Because it has low viscosity at high shear and high viscosity at static shear and low shear, the viscosity is accelerated when coating and can prevent sagging, but on the other hand, poor leveling is formed.

The results of the study show that the relative molecular mass of thickeners and the splash of emulsion paints also increases. Cellulose thickeners are prone to spattering due to their high relative molecular mass. Furthermore, the water resistance of the paint film is reduced due to the better hydrophilicity of cellulose.

Properties of polyacrylic thickeners

Polyacrylic acid thickeners have good thickening properties, good levelling properties, good biostability but are ph sensitive and have good water resistance.

Properties of joined polyurethane thickeners

Under the action of shear, the adhesive structure of polyurethane thickeners is broken and the viscosity is reduced.

Because the latex particles are involved in the bonding, there is no flocculation, so the coating film is smooth and has a high gloss level. Many of the properties of the associative polyurethane thickeners are superior to other thieners, but due to their unique micelle thickening mechanism, the components of the coating formulation that affect the micelle inevitably affect their thickening properties. When using such thieners, the impact of various factors on thickeners should be fully considered and it is not easy to replace emulsions, defoamers, dispersants and film forming aids.

Properties of inorganic thickeners

Inorganic thickeners have the advantages of strong thickening, good thixotropy, wide ph value and good stability. However, as bentonite is an inorganic powder with good water absorption, it can greatly reduce the glossiness of the film surface and play a similar role as a matting agent.