Adjusting viscosity of resins Technology Department of Company G, a Synthetic Resin Manufacturer
Looking for a reliable thickener to optimize the rheology of water-based latex
Polymer increases viscosity with low addition
Company G is a manufacturer of synthetic resins and synthetic rubber. The technical department had begun investigating thickeners for rheology adjustment in order to develop water-based latex products.
* This is a hypothetical example posted as a reference for those with similar challenges
Challenges
In order to effectively thicken water-based latex, we decided to search for a thickener that would achieve the desired performance...
The technical department of Company G decided to develop a new water-based latex product, and Mr. X, who was in charge of latex compounding technology, was busy responding to the situation. The thickener required a small amount of additive to effectively achieve thickening, high stability over time, and high safety with consideration for workability.
Mr. X looks back on the situation at that time as follows:
"The viscosity of water-based latex products is adjusted to a set level depending on the application and processing method. The additive used for this is a thickener, but there are many different types of thickeners, and they are used differently depending on the application. In order to improve the thickening effect, you can simply increase the amount added, but this can affect other performance properties, so we decided to look for a high molecular weight thickener that is effective with a small amount added..."
We have tried using thickening agents that have previously been investigated, but have not achieved the results we expected.
Since there was a deadline for his investigation, Mr. X decided to expand his scope even more than before and continue gathering information on thickeners.
Key Challenges
To thicken water-based latex, a thickener that can achieve the desired thickening effect with a small amount is required.
Thickeners are required to be highly stable over time and to be highly safe, taking into consideration ease of use.