Optigel CK

1. Coatings Industry

• Special Features and Benefits

OPTIGEL-CK generates thixotropic flow behavior. It improves processability and storage stability as it is highly effective at preventing solids settling. In addition, it reduces the sagging after application which makes it possible to achieve greater layer thicknesses. OPTIGEL-CK is inorganic and stable to diluted acids and bases. The stability to diluted acids must be checked on a case-by-case basis.

• Recommended Use

OPTIGEL-CK is suitable for a variety of aqueous coating systems and particularly suitable for use in architectural coatings.

• Recommended Levels

0.1-3.0% additive (as supplied) based upon the total formulation, depending on the properties of the formulation to be achieved. The above recommended levels can be used for orientation. Optimal levels are determined through a series of laboratory tests.

• Incorporation and Processing Instructions

OPTIGEL-CK is hydrophilic and easy to incorporate in water. To ensure optimum distribution and the best possible effectiveness and reproducibility in applications, the additive must be added to water (20 °C ± 5 °C) slowly whilst stirring, and pre-dispersed at high shear forces for at least 20 minutes. OPTIGEL-CK should be fully hydrated before the remaining formulation components can be added to the dispersion. No wetting or dispersing additives are required to produce this dispersion.

2. Detergents, Cleaning and Care Products

• Special Features and Benefits

OPTIGEL-CK is a rheology additive that generates thixotropic flow behavior. It can be used universally in aqueous systems as an anti-settling agent to prevent abrasive materials and other particles settling. Cleaning products that contain OPTIGEL-CK are easy to use and can be applied by spraying. The use of the additive improves adhesion to vertical surfaces, which improves the cleaning action as a result of the longer exposure time.

It has good electrolyte resistance to sodium salts as well as good compatibility with chlorine bleaches and surfactants (with the exception of cationic surfactants). In addition to its use as a rheology additive, OPTIGEL-CK can also be used as a binding and dispersing agent in tabs, as an anti-static agent, and as a softening component in detergents.

• Recommended Use

OPTIGEL-CK is particularly suitable for use in aqueous cleaning and care products in the pH range between 2 and 13.

• Recommended Levels

0.5-3.0% additive (as supplied) based upon the total formulation, depending on the properties of the formulation to be achieved. The above recommended levels can be used for orientation. Optimal levels are determined through a series of laboratory tests.

• Incorporation and Processing Instructions

OPTIGEL-CK is hydrophilic and easy to incorporate in water. To ensure optimum distribution and the best possible effectiveness and reproducibility in applications, the additive must be added to water (20 °C ± 5 °C) slowly whilst stirring, and pre-dispersed at high shear forces for at least 20 minutes. For optimum incorporation, the concentration of OPTIGEL-CK in this pre-mix should be 5-7 weight percent. It should be fully hydrated before the rest of the water and the remaining formulation components can be added to the dispersion. No wetting or dispersing additives are required to produce this dispersion.

• Special Note

Alongside the rheological requirement profile, the physical properties (color, transparency etc.) and the compatibility with the chemical environment of the respective detergent and cleaning agent also determine the choice of the best-suited rheology additive.

3. Agricultural industry

• Special Features and Benefits

OPTIGEL-CK is an all-purpose and ultra-pure rheology additive to achieve thixotropic flow behavior in aqueous formulations.

• Recommended Use

OPTIGEL-CK is particularly suitable for aqueous crop protection formulations based on emulsions and emulsion concentrates as well as for suspensions/suspension concentrates and water-dispersible granulates.

• Recommended Levels

0.05-1.50% additive (as supplied) based upon the total formulation, depending on the properties of the formulation to be achieved. The above recommended levels can be used for orientation. Optimal levels are determined through a series of laboratory tests.

• Incorporation and Processing Instructions

OPTIGEL-CK is hydrophilic and easy to incorporate in water. To ensure optimum distribution and the best possible effectiveness and reproducibility in applications, the additive must be added to water (20 °C ± 5 °C) slowly whilst stirring, and pre-dispersed at high shear forces for at least 20 minutes. For optimum incorporation, the concentration of OPTIGEL-CK in this pre-mix should be 5-7 weight percent. It should be fully hydrated before the rest of the water and the remaining formulation components can be added to the dispersion. No wetting or dispersing additives are required to produce this dispersion.

Activated phyllosilicate

OPTIGEL-CK is hygroscopic and should be transported and stored dry in the unopened original container at temperatures between 0 °C and 30 °C.