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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-21 Origin: Site
Formulating modern paints and coatings is a precise science that depends heavily on the right balance of rheological additives. Among them, organoclay has become an essential material for improving performance and stability in both solvent-based and water-based systems. As a trusted supplier, Zhejiang Qinghong New Material Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing high-quality organic bentonite since 1980, offering reliable rheology solutions for formulators worldwide. From preventing pigment settling to enhancing sag resistance, organoclay enables coatings to achieve the right viscosity and consistency needed for smooth application, superior appearance, and long-term stability.
Organoclay, also known as organobentonite, is a modified form of bentonite clay that has been treated with organic surfactants to make it compatible with organic systems such as paints, coatings, greases, and sealants. This modification transforms the naturally hydrophilic sodium bentonite into a material that can swell and disperse in organic solvents or resins, making it ideal for rheology control in non-aqueous systems.
In coatings formulations, the main role of organoclay is as a rheological modifier. It gives the system thixotropic behavior—meaning the coating becomes less viscous under shear (during brushing or spraying) and quickly recovers its viscosity when at rest. This characteristic ensures easy application while preventing undesirable flow after application.
One of the key benefits of organoclay is its ability to provide anti-settling properties. Pigments and fillers, especially those with higher density, tend to settle at the bottom of containers during storage. The three-dimensional network structure formed by organoclay particles keeps these solids suspended, maintaining uniformity and preventing hard sedimentation.
Additionally, organoclay enhances sag resistance, ensuring that thick coatings do not run or drip on vertical surfaces. This is particularly valuable for high-build coatings, primers, and industrial paints where uniform film thickness is critical. By controlling the rheology of the system, organoclay contributes to improved application performance, better coverage, and a smoother finish.
Not all organoclays perform equally in different systems. Selecting the right type depends on whether the formulation is solvent-based or water-based. Zhejiang Qinghong New Material Co., Ltd. offers tailored products for both systems to ensure optimal dispersion and stability.
Solvent-based organoclays are designed for coatings using organic solvents such as xylene, toluene, or mineral spirits. In these environments, organoclay provides excellent suspension, anti-settling, and sag control. It is particularly effective in high-solids or metallic coatings, where pigment suspension and leveling are key. Solvent-based organoclays also enhance the storage stability of paints, keeping viscosity consistent over time without affecting gloss or color development.
Water-based organoclays, on the other hand, are modified to disperse easily in polar systems. These products are essential for modern eco-friendly coatings that use water as the main solvent. Water-based organoclay provides viscosity enhancement, prevents pigment floating, and supports uniform color distribution. Moreover, it improves the paint’s resistance to cracking or separation after long-term storage.
Formulators should also consider the compatibility and activation process. Solvent-based organoclays often require activation with a polar solvent, while water-based types may need pH adjustment or the addition of dispersing agents. Understanding these differences allows coating manufacturers to select the most suitable rheology additive from Qinghong’s product lines, ensuring consistency and efficiency in production.
The performance of organoclay in coatings largely depends on how it is incorporated. Proper dosing, mixing, and testing procedures are crucial for achieving the desired rheological properties.
1. Typical Loading Levels
In most formulations, organoclay is used at a concentration of 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of the total system. The exact amount depends on the viscosity target, the type of resin, and the solids content of the paint. Overdosing may lead to excessive viscosity or poor leveling, while insufficient dosing may fail to prevent settling.
2. Recommended Mixing Sequence
For solvent-based systems, organoclay should be added to the solvent or resin phase before pigments and fillers are introduced. The material needs sufficient shear to fully disperse and activate its platelet structure. Activation with a small quantity of polar solvent, such as ethanol or acetone, can help enhance the gelling efficiency.
In water-based systems, organoclay can be pre-dispersed in water with a dispersant or incorporated during the grind phase. Proper mixing ensures full exfoliation of the clay layers, maximizing surface area and rheological effect.
3. Testing Methods for Rheology and Stability
Quality control involves measuring viscosity, thixotropy, and sag resistance using standardized methods such as Brookfield viscometry or Stormer viscosity tests. Pigment suspension can be evaluated through accelerated storage tests, while adsorption and flow behavior can be analyzed through rheometers. These practical tests help formulators fine-tune dosage levels and verify that the organoclay provides consistent performance across batches.
By maintaining rigorous testing procedures, coating manufacturers can ensure that each batch delivers the same smooth texture, color uniformity, and durability expected in high-quality paints.
In practical applications, organoclay has proven to solve multiple formulation challenges that affect coating quality and production efficiency.
One common issue is pigment settling in high-density systems such as heavy-metal primers or metallic finishes. Adding organoclay forms a stable gel network that suspends pigments uniformly throughout the paint matrix. As a result, color consistency is maintained, and the need for constant stirring during storage is minimized.
Another frequent challenge is poor sag resistance in vertical or thick film coatings. Organoclay enhances the structural strength of the film before curing, allowing the paint to remain in place even on inclined or vertical surfaces. This property is highly beneficial in architectural and industrial coatings where aesthetics and uniform thickness are crucial.
In high-solids and low-VOC coatings, where solvent content is minimized, maintaining good flow and leveling without compromising viscosity can be difficult. Organoclay provides controlled thixotropy, giving easy application while preventing surface defects like brush marks or orange peel.
These benefits extend beyond simple appearance—organoclay improves the long-term stability and storage life of coatings. Formulators using Qinghong’s CP series report reduced viscosity drift, fewer issues during long storage periods, and improved batch-to-batch consistency.
Zhejiang Qinghong New Material Co., Ltd. has over four decades of expertise in producing organoclay and other bentonite-based additives. The company’s CP series is designed to meet the needs of both solvent-based and water-based formulations, providing comprehensive rheology control solutions for coating manufacturers.
For solvent systems, Qinghong’s CP-34 and CP-40 grades offer strong anti-settling effects and efficient viscosity building with minimal polar activator requirement. They perform well in alkyd, epoxy, and polyurethane coatings, ensuring excellent stability and smooth application.
For water-based systems, CP-AT and CP-EW grades are specially modified for high dispersion and quick activation in polar environments. These products improve sag resistance and leveling in acrylic, latex, and emulsion paints without affecting gloss or drying time.
Beyond product quality, Qinghong provides technical support for formulation adjustments, viscosity optimization, and application troubleshooting. The company’s technical experts assist formulators in conducting performance trials, determining ideal dosage, and achieving consistent rheological balance across different systems.
With an annual capacity of 20,000 metric tons and ISO9001 certification, Zhejiang Qinghong New Material Co., Ltd. guarantees reliable supply, stable quality, and strong R&D backing for global coating manufacturers seeking long-term partnerships.
As the coatings industry continues to evolve toward higher performance and environmental responsibility, the role of organobentonite as a rheological additive becomes even more essential. By enhancing thixotropy, suspension stability, and sag resistance, organoclay allows formulators to achieve superior application results and consistent quality across diverse systems. Zhejiang Qinghong New Material Co., Ltd. remains committed to supporting coating manufacturers with its advanced CP series products and dedicated technical service. For formulation guidance, performance testing, or to request samples and datasheets, please contact us to discover how our organoclay solutions can optimize your next coating formulation.
