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Water-Based Organoclay

Purified water-dispersible smectite clay that forms thixotropic gels in aqueous systems — no organic solvent or polar activator required. Used in waterborne coatings, cosmetics, water-based inks, and aqueous drilling fluid systems.

What is Water-Based Organoclay?

Water-based organoclay: A purified, water-dispersible sodium montmorillonite or lightly modified smectite clay that disperses in water to form a thixotropic "house-of-cards" gel network through hydration swelling and edge-to-face electrostatic interactions — without organic solvent or polar activator. LOI <5% (inorganic); pH 8–11; viscosity (5% gel) 500–16,000+ cps depending on grade.

How It Differs from Solvent-Based Organoclay

PropertySolvent-Based OrganoclayWater-Based Organoclay
Surface modificationQuaternary ammonium (hydrophobic)Purified / sodium-activated (hydrophilic)
Dispersing mediumOrganic solvents / oilsWater
ActivationPolar activator + high shearWater + mixing (no activator)
LOI (1000°C)26–42%<5% (predominantly inorganic)
Gel pHN/A8–11 (alkaline)
Gel mediumNon-aqueousAqueous
Typical treat rate0.2–2.0 wt%0.3–3.0 wt% (or 5–10% pre-gel)
Key applicationsOil-based coatings, OBM drilling, greasesLatex coatings, cosmetics, WBM drilling

Product Grades

GradeViscosity (5% gel)FinenesspH (2–5% susp.)Primary Applications
CP-EWHigh (6,000–16,000+ cps)≥95%, 200 mesh8–10Cosmetics, sunscreen, waterborne coatings, personal care
CP-180AMedium–High≥98%, 200 mesh8–11Water-based drilling fluids (HTHP stability); textile printing

Key Technical Properties (All Grades)

PropertyTypical Range
AppearanceGrey-white to off-white free-flowing powder
Moisture (105°C, 2h)≤10–12%
Fineness (200 mesh, 76 μm)≥95–99%
pH (2–5% aqueous suspension)8–11
Bulk density0.4–0.6 g/cm³
Montmorillonite content≥75–90%
Shelf life12–24 months (sealed, dry storage)

How to Disperse Water-Based Organoclay

Method 1: Pre-Gel (Recommended — Maximum Performance)

  1. Add water to dispersing vessel (20–35°C, pH 6–9; avoid hard water with high Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺)
  2. Slowly add clay powder under low-speed agitation — rapid addition causes unredispersible lumps ("fish eyes")
  3. Gradually increase to 1,500–2,000 rpm and disperse for 20–30 minutes
  4. Allow 8–24 hours rest for full hydration and maximum gel viscosity development
  5. Add preservative/biocide when making pre-gel (clay gel supports microbial growth)
  6. Add pre-gel to formulation at 5–10% concentration, adjusting to target final viscosity

Method 2: Direct In-Process Dispersion

  1. Add measured water to production vessel
  2. Slowly add clay powder under low shear (1,000–1,500 rpm) for 3–5 minutes
  3. Add dispersing agent and other additives
  4. Mill through bead mill or sand mill to target fineness
  5. Add emulsion/latex after milling stage
Critical Processing Notes:
  • Add powder slowly — lumps formed by rapid addition cannot be re-dispersed
  • Add electrolytes (NaCl, CaCl₂) after clay is fully hydrated — electrolytes before hydration significantly reduce final viscosity
  • Add emulsion/latex after clay gel is established — latex added before can inhibit swelling
  • Incompatible with cationic surfactants — causes flocculation and gel breakdown
  • Optimal pH range: 6–11; avoid acid conditions below pH 4

Applications

ApplicationFunctionGradeTreat Rate
Waterborne architectural coatings (latex/emulsion paint)Anti-settling, thixotropy, pigment suspensionCP-EW0.3–2.0 wt%
Cosmetics & personal care (water phase)Suspension of UV filters, pigments; emulsion stabilizationCP-EW0.5–2.0 wt%
Water-based printing inksAnti-settling, thixotropyCP-EW0.3–1.5 wt%
Water-based adhesives and sealantsThixotropy, filler suspensionCP-EW0.5–2.0 wt%
Construction dry mortarWater retention, workability improvementCP-EW or CP-180A0.1–0.5 wt%
Water-based drilling fluids (WBM)Viscosity building, gel strength, HTHP stabilityCP-180A5–15 kg/m³

Synergy with Other Water-Based Rheology Modifiers

Water-based organoclay is synergistic with cellulose ethers (HPMC, HEC) in waterborne coating formulations: organoclay provides thixotropy and particle suspension (at rest, anti-settling); cellulose ether provides water retention and brushability (at application, mid-shear viscosity). In our testing of latex architectural paint, the combination of 0.5% organoclay + 0.3% HPMC outperformed 0.8% of either additive alone on both anti-settling (ASTM D869) and in-can appearance after 6 months storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is water-based organoclay?
Water-based organoclay is a purified, water-dispersible sodium montmorillonite that forms thixotropic gels in water without organic solvent or polar activator. It provides anti-settling, thixotropy, and emulsion stabilization in waterborne coatings, cosmetics, personal care, and aqueous drilling fluids. LOI <5%; pH 8–11; treat rate 0.3–3.0 wt%. What is organoclay? →
What is the difference between water-based and solvent-based organoclay?
Solvent-based organoclay (CP-34, CP-40, etc.) is hydrophobic — gels in organic solvents and oils, not in water. Water-based organoclay (CP-EW, CP-180A) is hydrophilic — disperses and gels in water, not in oil systems. Do not use solvent-based grades in waterborne formulations; use water-based grades only in aqueous systems.
How do you disperse water-based organoclay?
Pre-gel method (best): add water (20–35°C, pH 6–9) to vessel → slowly add clay powder under low agitation (to prevent lumps) → increase to 1,500–2,000 rpm for 20–30 minutes → rest 8–24 hours for full hydration → add preservative → incorporate pre-gel into formulation. Critical: add powder slowly; add electrolytes and latex after hydration is complete; never add cationic surfactants.
What are the applications of water-based organoclay?
Waterborne architectural coatings (anti-settling, thixotropy in latex/emulsion paint); cosmetics (suspension of UV filters, pigments, actives in water phase); water-based printing inks; construction dry mortar (water retention, workability); and water-based drilling fluids (HTHP viscosity building). Treat rate: 0.3–2.0 wt% for most coating and cosmetic applications. Cosmetics application →
Is water-based organoclay compatible with surfactants?
Compatible with anionic and nonionic surfactants. Incompatible with cationic surfactants — causes flocculation and gel breakdown. High electrolyte concentrations (NaCl >0.5%, hard water) reduce gel viscosity — add electrolytes after clay is fully hydrated. Optimal pH range: 6–11.

Related pages: Solvent-Based Organoclay · Cosmetics & Personal Care · Water-Based Drilling · What is Organoclay?

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