Aquaflow nonionic synthetic associative thickeners (NSATs) from Ashland provide formulators premium rheology design capabilities for low-VOC waterborne architectural coatings applied by roller, brush, or spray.  Offered as low-shear, mid-shear or high-shear effective types, Aquaflow thickeners enable formulators to solve flow issues with precise rheological control of in-can feel and application properties. The result is paint with improved usability and efficacy. 

Aquaflow NLS-220 thickeners provide excellent Stormer (KU) viscosity development with superior flow and leveling.  Aquaflow XLS-series thickener products deliver efficient Brookfield and Stormer response, with a unique balance of levelling and sag-resistance during application. Aquaflow NHS-series thickener products provide high-shear effective ICI viscosity response for superior wet film build without runs or drips.  Aquaflow mid-shear thickener grades build ICI and KU viscosity simultaneously, depending on the resin type. 

Aquaflow thickeners enable custom rheology design for superior applied hiding, reducing the number of coats required.  Only nonionic synthetic thickeners can offer this combination of no-drip sag resistance, excellent flow and leveling, high gloss capability and very low water sensitivity for improved scrub characteristics.

Ashland has demonstrated preferred combinations of low-shear effective and high-shear effective solvent-free Aquaflow NSATs for superior performance in interior/exterior low-VOC high-gloss paints based on styrene acrylics, pure acrylics, PVAs, VAEs and alkyd emulsions.

The combination of low-shear effective Aquaflow NLS-220 NSAT with mid-shear effective Aquaflow NMS-450 NSAT provided excellent flow leveling and hiding properties in a high gloss, PVC 20 alkyd emulsion. 

The combination of low-shear effective Aquaflow XLS 530 NSAT with Aquaflow NHS-350 NSAT in a pure acrylic system delivered high efficiency, improved sag resistance and dramatically improved applied hiding.  Brush marks were minimized.
Ashland finds the combination of low-shear effective Aquaflow NLS-220/221 thickener with high-shear effective Aquaflow NHS-300 solvent free thickeners can be easily balanced to achieve the optimum balance of high-and low-shear viscosity. These NSATs are highly efficient in many formulations, allowing manufacturers to minimize the quantity of thickener required to achieve their desired rheology profile.

Aquaflow XLS-525 and XLS-530 thickeners provides a unique balance of leveling and sag-resistance and are also recommended to be used in combination with a high-shear effective NSAT. In addition to improving viscosity retention on tinting (VRT), this rheology design imparts superior application properties to paint, such as applied hiding, roller transfer and coverage for a premium finish.

Aquaflow thickeners perform strongly across an extensive range of latex resin chemistries, paint PVC ranges and tinting levels. Achieving the optimal rheology profile for a formulation results in good storage stability, smooth paint feel upon application, and high gloss development while maintaining no-drip sag resistance.