OCCA Weekly Webinar - Breaking the Co-Solvent Barrier: RHEOLATE® 290 Enables Robust Rheology in Waterborne Industrial Coatings
Venue: Webinar
Date: Wednesday 11th November 2026
Time: 14:30 – 15:30
OCCA Weekly Webinars Series 20 continues with "Breaking the Co-Solvent Barrier: RHEOLATE® 290 Enables Robust Rheology in Waterborne Industrial Coatings" presented by Udo Schonhoff of Elementis. The webinar will take place via Zoom on Wednesday 11 November at 2:30pm.
Abstract:
As the demand for lower-VOC waterborne industrial coatings continues to grow, formulators increasingly rely on polar co-solvents to optimize film formation, application properties, and overall formulation stability. However, these co-solvents can negatively impact the performance of conventional associative rheology modifiers, often resulting in viscosity loss, reduced sag resistance, and greater formulation complexity.
This webinar will explore the rheological challenges associated with co-solvent-rich waterborne systems and examine how advances in Non-Ionic Synthetic Associative Thickener (NiSAT) technology can help overcome these limitations. Participants will gain insight into the fundamental thickening mechanisms that drive pseudoplastic flow behavior, enabling a balance of high low-shear viscosity, excellent anti-sag performance, and desirable application characteristics.
The presentation will highlight the performance of RHEOLATE® 290, a next-generation NiSAT rheology modifier specifically engineered to maintain robust rheological performance even in formulations containing elevated levels of polar co-solvents. Through a combination of rheological theory, comparative performance studies, and practical formulation examples, attendees will learn how improved co-solvent tolerance can simplify formulation design, enhance storage stability, and deliver more consistent rheology control in modern waterborne industrial coatings.
Key learning outcomes:
• Understand the impact of polar co-solvents on associative thickener performance.
• Explore the thickening mechanisms and rheological profile of NiSAT technology.
• Evaluate the performance benefits of RHEOLATE® 290 in co-solvent-rich waterborne systems.
• Identify formulation strategies to improve anti-sag performance, stability, and application properties while maintaining formulation robustness.
This session is intended for coating formulators, R&D scientists, and technical professionals seeking to optimize rheology control in next-generation waterborne industrial coatings.
Speaker Profile - Udo Schonhoff - Technical Sales Manager Performance Specialties, Elementis
Udo Schonhoff has more than 30 years of experience in the coatings additives industry and has been with Elementis for 27 years. As Technical Sales Manager for the EMEIA region since 2018, he combines extensive technical expertise with a deep understanding of customer needs across coatings, adhesives, sealants, and related applications.
