BERMOCOLL non-ionic cellulose ethers are widely used as thickeners, stabilizers and water-retaining agents in water-borne paints. They are available in different viscosities.
BERMOCOLL E
The choice of viscosity influences a number of properties in the paint. Levelling, hiding power and spatter resistance are improved by using medium- and low-viscosity grades. This is due to their more Newtonian character. Higher viscosity grades offer high cost efficiency and water resistance at lower addition levels.
Properties (gif)
Big Viscosity EBS (gif)
BERMOCOLL EBS
Cellulose ethers are attacked with varying intensity by micro-organisms and enzymes. The resulting effect is a decrease in viscosity due to a reduction in the degree of polymerization. BERMOCOLL EBS is modified along its cellulosic backbone to make it more resistant to enzymatic attacks than most other water soluble gums and polymeric materials. The addition of a preservative prevents bacterial growth during storage. BERMOCOLL EBS grades are available in viscosities ranging from medium to high.
EBS Molecule - "Bugs" (gif)
BERMOCOLL EHM
These grades build viscosity differently from traditional cellulose ethers. They are associative, hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers that combine water-phase thickening with a hydrophobic association with other ingredients in the paint. This means that the final paint properties can be affected to a greater extent than with conventional cellulosics. The products have the same enzyme resistance as the EBS grades.
All BERMOCOLL grades for paint have delayed hydration (FQ) which provides flexibility and control of the solubilization rate.
Rheology viscosity vs shear rate (gif)
BERMOCOLL CST
In order to prevent lump formation in hard and alkaline water, BERMOCOLL CST grades have been developed. These are buffered versions of BERMOCOLL that provide a longer hydration time during such conditions.