OCCA Weekly Webinar - Rheological effect of sustainable NiSAT thickeners on paints & coatings
Venue: Webinar
Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Time: 14:30 – 15:30
OCCA Weekly Webinars Series 17 continues with "Rheological effect of sustainable NiSAT thickeners on paints & coatings" presented by Udo Schonhoff of Elementis. The webinar will take place via Zoom on Wednesday 22 October at 2:30pm.
Abstract:
Formulators, producers, and end users of paints and coatings are focusing more and more on sustainability. The key for differentiation is the choice of raw materials that support a company's sustainability strategy.
NiSAT thickener grades, also called polyurethane associative thickeners, are designed to provide specific rheological profiles giving the final product the required high performance. Basically, these products are compositions of polyurethanes mainly in water.
The thickener base molecule consists of the hydrophobic backbone combined with hydrophobic end groups. These end groups are mainly providing associations between further components of the formulation. Depending on the strength of the associations the rheological characteristics can be steered very exactly. Therefore, depending on the choice of product, the viscoelasticity of the final formulation can be adjusted e.g. towards improved sag control optimized levelling or minimized roller spattering.
However, new manufacturing techniques, changes in the biocide regulation of coatings, and the focus on sustainability forced us to develop new products based on adjusted technologies. Powder thickener consists of 100% rheologically active material and are meeting the described demands. These products are while maintaining the full performance of the liquid versions at noticeably higher efficiency. Powder thickeners are offering further benefits such as reduced storage and transportation volume which results in reduced cost and overall carbon footprint. Lastly, since these products need no biocides, they are well designed to meet future regulations and market needs.
Beyond Elementis is looking for many different directions to improve the sustainability and the performance of coating systems. A current initiative is implementing the above described NiSAT technology based on renewable resources.
The presentation will give an insight view on the rheological characteristics in comparison to the provided parameters of relevantly modified formulations. Additionally, an overview will be given on the available, new and more sustainable formulations.
Speaker Profile - Udo Schonhoff - Technical Sales Manager Performance Specialties, Elementis
With 30 years of experience in the coating additives industry since 1995, Udo Schonhoff has developed extensive expertise in the technical application and service of additives across various systems, including coatings, sealants, adhesives, construction materials, and inks. Having spent 26 years with Elementis, Udo currently holds the position of Technical Sales Manager Performance Specialties, overseeing the EMEIA region.
