Case Study: Anti-Settling in Solvent-Based Industrial Coating

A coatings manufacturer was experiencing hard pigment settling in their iron oxide pigmented solvent-based primer after 3 months of storage. CP-34 organoclay provided a permanent solution.

The Challenge

Customer formulation: alkyd-based industrial primer, red iron oxide pigment (30% PVC), xylene/white spirit solvent blend. Problem: hard, caked sediment forming after 8–12 weeks storage, causing product returns and formulation failures at application.

Solution: CP-34 at 0.6%

CP-34 was dispersed in the solvent blend using a high-speed Cowles disperser at 2,500 rpm for 12 minutes, with 95% ethanol activator (30% on organoclay weight). The organoclay dispersion was added at the start of the paint grinding stage.

Results

TestBefore CP-34After CP-34 (0.6%)
Settling rating (ASTM D869, 30 days)3 (hard cake)8 (soft, easily redispersed)
Viscosity at rest (Brookfield, 6 rpm)1,200 cP4,800 cP
Viscosity at application (KU)92 KU96 KU
Film build changeNone detected

Conclusion

CP-34 at 0.6% resolved the settling problem without affecting application viscosity, film build, or gloss. The customer eliminated product returns and extended shelf life from 3 months to 12+ months.

Related: Anti-Settling Solutions · Paint & Coatings · CP-34 Grade

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