CP-34 Organoclay — Solvent-Based Rheology Modifier for Paints, Drilling & Grease

Q: What is CP-34 organoclay used for?

CP-34 organoclay is used as a rheology modifier and thixotropic agent in solvent-based industrial coatings (alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane, bituminous), oil-based drilling fluids (OBM/invert emulsion), lubricating greases, printing inks, sealants and adhesives, and unsaturated polyester putties. It provides anti-settling, anti-sagging, and viscosity control at treat rates of 0.2–2.0 wt% in coatings and 5–15 kg/m³ in drilling fluids.

Q: Does CP-34 require a polar activator?

Yes. CP-34 requires a polar activator for optimal gel network development. The recommended activator is 95% ethanol or 95% methanol at 40–50% of the CP-34 weight (30–40% in xylene-based systems). The polar activator promotes clay platelet exfoliation and gel network formation. For self-activating performance without a polar activator, use CP-APA or CP-180B instead.

Q: What solvents is CP-34 compatible with?

CP-34 is compatible with a wide range of solvents from low to medium-high polarity, including aromatic hydrocarbons (xylene, toluene), aliphatic/aromatic blends, mineral spirits, mineral oils, diesel oil, and crude oil. It is not suitable for pure water-based systems — for aqueous applications, use CP-EW (water-dispersible grade).

CP-34 is an organophilic clay (organically modified montmorillonite) designed as a rheology modifier for solvent-based systems. The organophilic surface treatment enables the clay platelets to exfoliate and form a three-dimensional thixotropic gel network in organic solvents and oils — providing yield point, anti-settling, anti-sagging, and thixotropic consistency control. CP-34 is suitable for solvent systems ranging from low polarity (mineral oil, diesel) to medium-high polarity (xylene/ketone blends), making it one of the most versatile general-purpose organoclay grades.

Technical Properties

Parameter	Specification	Test Method
Chemical composition	Organic derivative of montmorillonite clay	—
Appearance	Fine powder, light yellow	Visual
Moisture content	≤ 3.5%	105°C, 2 hours
Loss on ignition (LOI)	28–30%	1000°C
Bulk density	0.53 g/cm³	—
Fineness	≥ 98% passing 74 μm (200 mesh)	Sieve analysis

Performance Characteristics

High gelling efficiency — forms structured gel network at treat rates as low as 0.2 wt%, with gel strength increasing proportionally with dosage
Light-colored gel — suitable for light-tinted and mid-tone industrial coatings without yellowing
Reproducible thixotropy across temperature range — stable rheological profile from −10°C to 150°C; no seasonal formulation adjustment required
Anti-settling performance — yield point sufficient to suspend barium sulfate (SG 4.3), titanium dioxide (SG 3.9), and iron oxide (SG 5.1) pigments at 0.3–0.8 wt%
Film reinforcement — platelet network contributes to barrier properties and film cohesion in protective coatings

Applications and Dosage

Application	Typical Dosage	Key Function
Solvent-based industrial paint (alkyd, epoxy)	0.3–1.0 wt%	Anti-settling, anti-sagging, thixotropy
Marine and anticorrosion coatings	0.5–1.5 wt%	High yield point for thick film anti-sag
Bituminous / coal tar coatings	0.5–1.5 wt%	Viscosity control, sag resistance
Unsaturated polyester putty	0.5–2.0 wt%	Non-sag, thixotropy
Oil-based drilling fluid (OBM)	5–15 kg/m³	Yield point, gel strength, barite suspension
Lubricating grease	8–15 wt%	Thickener, high-temperature consistency
Printing ink	0.5–2.0 wt%	Anti-settling, tack profile control
Sealants and adhesives	0.5–2.0 wt%	Non-sag, extrusion profile

Activation Note: CP-34 requires a polar activator to develop full gel network performance. Without activation, gel efficiency is reduced by 40–60%. For self-activating performance (no polar activator required), use CP-APA or CP-180B.

Incorporation Method

Pre-gel Procedure (Recommended for Coatings)

Charge solvent to the dispersing vessel (typically 85–94% solvent, 6–10% CP-34 by weight of pre-gel)
Add CP-34 slowly under agitation to prevent agglomeration
Disperse at high shear (1,500–3,000 rpm) for 5 minutes
Add polar activator: 95% ethanol at 30–40% of CP-34 weight (xylene systems) or 40–50% (other solvents)
Continue high-shear mixing for an additional 5 minutes
Allow 10–15 minutes rest before incorporating into the full formulation

Solvent Compatibility and Polar Activator Guide

Solvent System	Polar Activator	Activator Level
Xylene, toluene (aromatic)	95% Ethanol	30–40% of CP-34 weight
Mineral spirits / aliphatic blend	95% Ethanol	40–50% of CP-34 weight
Mineral oil, diesel (drilling)	95% Ethanol or methanol	40–50% of CP-34 weight
Bituminous / coal tar systems	95% Ethanol	40–50% of CP-34 weight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CP-34 organoclay used for?

CP-34 is used as a rheology modifier and thixotropic agent in solvent-based industrial coatings (alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane, bituminous), oil-based drilling fluids, lubricating greases, printing inks, sealants, and polyester putties. It provides anti-settling, anti-sagging, and viscosity control at 0.2–2.0 wt% in coatings and 5–15 kg/m³ in drilling fluids. Paint & coatings application guide →

Does CP-34 require a polar activator?

Yes. CP-34 requires 95% ethanol or methanol as polar activator — 30–40% of CP-34 weight in xylene systems, 40–50% in other solvents. The activator promotes clay platelet exfoliation and gel network formation. For applications where no polar activator is preferred, CP-APA (self-activating) or CP-180B are recommended alternatives.

What solvents is CP-34 compatible with?

CP-34 is compatible with aromatic solvents (xylene, toluene), aliphatic/aromatic blends, mineral spirits, mineral oils, diesel, and crude oil — covering low to medium-high polarity systems. Not suitable for pure water-based systems. For waterborne applications, use CP-EW.

Packaging and Storage

Parameter	Specification
Standard packaging	25 kg kraft paper bags with PE inner liner; 22.68 kg bags available
Shelf life	2 years from manufacture date
Storage conditions	Cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse; avoid moisture exposure

Related grades: CP-APA (self-activating, no polar activator) · CP-982 (drilling fluid grade) · CP-250A (grease grade)

Related applications: Paint & Coatings · Oil Drilling · Lubricating Grease · Printing Ink · Adhesive & Sealant

CP-34 Organoclay — Technical Data Sheet