ARGIMEL® X4

LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 Rheological Additive for Solvent Borne Paint and Coatings

Industrial Additives Division Coatings

General Information LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 is a new high performing highly effective rheological additive for solvent-borne systems of low to medium polarity that gives thixotropic effect, sag control, and prevents pigments from long-term storage settling. The nature of LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 is a highly purified bentonite clay organically modified with a quaternary alkylammonium compound able to develop lipophilic behavior in organic media.

Table 1 Chemical-physical properties

Properties
Composition: Organically modified smectite
Physical form: White fine powder
Bulk density: 0.4-0.6%
Moisture: ≤ 3%

Applications LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 is used in a wide range of manufacturing processes for oil-based paints and stains (either industrial or architectural), printing inks, adhesives, cosmetic and personal care products to give the desired rheological control to the system. LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 shows good performance in solvents like aliphatic mineral spirits and aromatic solvents.

Incorporation LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 belongs to the conventional type of organoclays group which requires mechanical energy (shear forces) applied with good dispersion equipment and a chemical (polar) activator to reach the proper level of delamination of the organo-bentonite platelets. While heat is not essential in most cases, processing temperatures above 20°C are preferred. Suitable polar activators are low molecular weight species. Propylene carbonate can also be used even in the absence of water.

Table 2 Activators’ dosage (based on Laviosa ARGIMEL® weight)

Polar activator:
Acetone/H2O (95:5): 60%
Methanol/H2O (95:5): 33%
Propylene Carbonate: 33%
Propylene Carbonate/H2O (95:5): 33%
Ethanol/H2O (95:5): 50%

Dosage Level of addition strongly depends on the type of system and on the degree of thickening or other properties desired. For house and industrial paints, typical levels are between 0.1% and 0.5% of LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4. For primers and printing inks, higher levels are required (0.3-0.8%). For strong anti-sagging properties, up to 3.0% can be used.

Storage Stability and Packing Storage is advisable in a dry sheltered place in closed bags. LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 rheological additive is available in 25 kg net paper bags. LAVIOSA ARGIMEL® X4 has a shelf life of 3 (three) years from the date of manufacture.

Rev 01 September 2022

Information given in this bulletin is based on the state of our knowledge at the date of publication and are believed to be accurate but do not constitute any engagement or warranty from our part. Buyers and users should make their own assessments under their own conditions and for their own requirements. Information may be changed without any notice. For mandatory characteristics and performance please refer to our Sale Specifications.