Interaction between styrene/butylacrylate latex and water soluble associative thickener for coalescent free wall paints

The effect of water soluble hydrophobically modified ethylene oxide urethane (HEUR) thickener on coalescent free wall paints was studied. Three systems were looked at: latex/thickener blends, model paints (containing no fillers that could have an effect on paint rheology) and satin paints (PVC 30%). The latexes used were a styrene/butylacrylate copolymer, designed for coalescent free wall paints. A full factorial statistical experimental design was employed to study the effect of latex and formulation variables on the viscosity response for the full range of shear rates encountered in paint application. The factors considered in the design were total latex surface area, polymerization surfactant level, thickener type and thickener concentration. The surfactant level was varied between 0.85 and 1.71 parts. The two HEUR thickeners were selected based on the manufacturer's claim that they exhibited good performance at different shear rates. The thickener levels were the extremes recommended by the manufacturer. Measurements were done on Haake, Rheometrics, Brookfield and ICI Cone & Plate rheometers. Total latex surface area and the thickener level are the two significant parameters for latex thickener blends and for model paints at the same significance level, this indicates good correlation between the two systems. The introduction of clay as a filler decreases the effect of all parameters studied.