Flow & leveling
Helps reduce brush marks and improves film build uniformity while maintaining controlled viscosity.
Product Specialty Additives
Thickener (Associative)
Associative thickener for water-based systems—tunes viscosity across shear ranges to balance flow & leveling, sag resistance, and application feel in coatings and functional aqueous formulations.
Packaging: pails / drums / IBC / bulk (as applicable by grade)
Documentation: SDS / COA / TDS (as available) on request
Lead time depends on grade, lane, and volume
Grade selection tip: Provide your target viscosity points (Brookfield/KU/ICI) and application method (spray/roller/brush) for faster matching.
Product overview
Associative thickeners are rheology modifiers used in waterborne systems to build viscosity through reversible “associations” between hydrophobic groups and formulation components (binders, surfactants, dispersants). Unlike purely cellulosic thickeners, associative thickeners are often selected to improve leveling, spatter resistance, spray behavior, and overall balance of low/mid/high shear viscosity.
Sag resistance
Supports anti-sag in vertical applications by increasing low-shear structure (grade dependent).
Application feel
Improves roller/brush drag control and spray pattern stability by tuning mid/high shear viscosity.
We can supply multiple grade options (low-, mid-, or high-shear builders) or recommend blends to hit multi-point viscosity targets.
Applications
Typical usage patterns. Tell us your formulation goals and constraints and we’ll align the right specification.
- Viscosity building (low-, mid-, or high-shear) in waterborne systems
- Flow & leveling control to reduce brush marks and improve finish
- Sag control and improved film build on vertical surfaces (grade dependent)
- Spray application tuning (ICI viscosity) and spatter reduction (project dependent)
- In-can stability and controlled settling behavior (system dependent)
Low-shear build
Targets in-can viscosity (Brookfield) to support stability and anti-sag behavior.
Mid-shear balance
Targets KU/Stormer region for brush/roller application feel and film build control.
High-shear control
Targets ICI region for spray behavior, spatter control, and improved leveling in many systems.
Formulation & dosing guidance
General best practices. Final dosing is formulation-dependent—optimize with viscosity targets and stability tests.
Typical use level
Often supplied as an aqueous solution. Starting dosage is typically low and adjusted to hit viscosity points (grade dependent).
Addition point
Usually added during let-down or post-add with good agitation. Avoid local over-concentration to prevent shock or micro-foam.
pH sensitivity
HASE/ASE systems require neutralization to activate thickening. Report your pH window and neutralizer for proper selection.
Key performance checks
- Viscosity curve: Brookfield (low shear), KU (mid), ICI (high)
- Leveling and brush-mark assessment (drawdown / panel)
- Sag resistance (vertical panel) and film build uniformity
- Spatter/spray behavior (project method)
- Storage stability (heat/cold cycles if required)
- Compatibility with defoamer and surfactant package
Note: surfactant level and co-solvents can shift thickening efficiency—share these to reduce reformulation cycles.
Typical specifications & formats
Values depend on grade and customer requirements. Confirm details on quotation (TDS/COA as available).
Chemistry
HEUR / HASE (or related associative rheology modifiers), grade dependent
Form
Aqueous solution / dispersion (liquid), grade dependent
Active content
Grade dependent (confirm on offer)
pH range / activation
HASE/ASE may require neutralization; confirm pH window and neutralizer
Viscosity targets
Low/mid/high-shear builders (Brookfield / KU / ICI), grade dependent
Compatibility notes
Efficiency depends on surfactants, dispersants, co-solvents, and binder type
Packaging
Pails / drums / IBC (bulk on request by lane)
Documentation
SDS / COA; TDS and regulatory statements on request (availability varies)
Shelf life
Grade dependent (typically 12 months when stored properly)
Specifications may vary depending on batch, origin, and packaging selection. Share acceptance limits (active %, pH, viscosity target range) to tighten the offer.
Request a quotation
Tell us your viscosity targets and application method and we’ll recommend a grade (or blend strategy) that balances leveling, sag control, and spray/roller feel. If you are matching an existing thickener, include the benchmark name or performance data.
Fast matching
Brookfield/KU/ICI targets + pH window = correct grade selection.
Commercial clarity
Volume + destination = best packaging and lead-time routing.
Compatibility
Surfactant/dispersant/co-solvent details reduce reformulation cycles.
Prefer email? Write to contact@atlastradehouse.com with “Associative Thickener” in the subject.
FAQ
Common questions for formulators and procurement teams.
HEUR vs HASE—what’s the difference?
HEUR thickeners are often less pH-dependent and can be strong high-shear builders; HASE thickeners typically require neutralization and can build structure differently. The best choice depends on your binder, pH, surfactants, and viscosity targets.
Can I use associative thickener with cellulosics?
Yes—many systems use blends (e.g., cellulose ether for low shear + HEUR for high shear) to hit multiple viscosity points and improve application performance.
Why did my viscosity drop after adding surfactant?
Surfactants/co-solvents can disrupt associative networks and reduce efficiency. Provide your surfactant and solvent package so we can select a more robust grade or adjust dosing/sequence.
What documents can you provide?
SDS and COA are standard on request. TDS and regulatory statements may be available depending on grade and origin—request them during RFQ.
What packaging is available?
Commonly supplied as liquid in pails, drums, or IBCs. Bulk availability depends on lane and minimum order volumes.
How do I avoid thickener shock?
Post-add slowly under good agitation and avoid local over-concentration. In some systems, pre-dilution helps. Defoamer choice and addition sequence can also reduce micro-foam.