Three systems, one mineral
Solvent-borne, waterborne and high-polarity grades let formulators standardise on one attapulgite thickener family across coatings, paints, adhesives and sealants.
Industrial Mineral
Attapulgite Rheology Modifier — Thixotropic Thickener for Coatings and Sealants
Mineral thickeners based on needle-structured attapulgite, giving sag resistance, pigment suspension and stable viscosity in solvent-borne, waterborne and high-polarity systems.
PowderPre-activated GelLiquid Dispersion
ISO 9001 certified processes
NABL-accredited lab testing
CoA, TDS & MSDS with every shipment
Export packaging worldwide
Overview
What is Rheology Modifier?
Our attapulgite rheology modifier series is based on naturally occurring attapulgite, a crystalline hydrated magnesium aluminium silicate with a three-dimensional chain structure. Milled to a fine, colloidal grade, it forms thixotropic gels in ionic and non-ionic aqueous systems and builds structure in many organic liquids. Formulators use it to control sag, settling, syneresis and spatter without relying on organic thickeners alone, and it can be combined with them where needed.
The thickening mechanism is physical. Under high shear the attapulgite bundles separate into individual needles, which then form a loose, interlocking lattice through the liquid. At rest the lattice holds pigments, fillers and aggregates in suspension and gives the product body in the can. When the product is brushed, sprayed, pumped or trowelled, the lattice breaks down and viscosity falls, then rebuilds once shear stops. That recovery is what gives a coating its sag resistance on vertical surfaces.
Because the structure is mechanical rather than chemical, attapulgite thickeners are largely unaffected by pH, temperature swings and dissolved salts. They keep working in formulations with high electrolyte content, such as suspension fertilisers and certain sealants, where swelling clays and some polymers lose efficiency. They are also resistant to microbial attack, which helps waterborne products hold viscosity during storage.
Obsidian Minerals produces three standard grades in Gujarat: a solvent-borne grade for industrial coatings, a waterborne grade for architectural paints and a high-polarity grade for adhesives and sealants. The series is available as powder and, on request, as pre-activated gel or liquid dispersion. Each batch is tested in our NABL-accredited laboratory and supplied with a CoA, Technical Data Sheet and MSDS/SDS.
Rheology Modifier grades
Select a grade for its typical properties, applications, usage guidance and FAQs.
Rheology Modifier
Solvent-borne Grade
Attapulgite thickener for solvent-borne industrial coatings, keeping heavy pigments suspended in the can and films in place on vertical steel.
Industrial Coatings Rheology ModifierWaterborne Grade
A mineral co-thickener for emulsion paints and textured finishes, adding in-can body, spatter control and syneresis resistance alongside polymer thickeners.
Architectural Paints Rheology ModifierHigh-polarity Grade
Salt-tolerant attapulgite thickener for adhesives, sealants and electrolyte-rich suspensions, where many polymers and swelling clays lose structure.
Adhesives & Sealants| Grade | Specification | Primary use | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solvent-borne Attapulgite Rheology Modifier | On TDS | Industrial Coatings | Specs |
| Waterborne Attapulgite Rheology Modifier | On TDS | Architectural Paints | Specs |
| High-polarity Attapulgite Rheology Modifier | On TDS | Adhesives & Sealants | Specs |
From deposit to dispatch
- 01
Selective mining of attapulgite ore
- 02
Controlled drying to protect the needle structure
- 03
Fine milling and air classification
- 04
Optional pre-dispersion into gel or liquid form
- 05
Rheology testing, QC and packing
Why source Rheology Modifier from Obsidian Minerals
Batch-tested consistency
Every batch is checked in our NABL-accredited laboratory under ISO 9001 certified processes, and results are reported on the CoA supplied with each shipment.
Forms to suit your plant
Choose powder for the grind stage, or request pre-activated gel and liquid dispersion forms for post-addition, with custom grades developed with customers.
Where Rheology Modifier is used
Rheology Modifier — frequently asked questions
What is an attapulgite rheology modifier?
An attapulgite rheology modifier is a finely milled attapulgite clay used to control the flow behaviour of liquid products. Once dispersed, its needle-shaped particles form a network that thickens the product at rest and thins it under shear. Paint, coating, adhesive and sealant formulators use it for sag resistance, pigment suspension and syneresis control.
How does attapulgite compare with organoclay and cellulosic thickeners?
Attapulgite thickens through a mechanical needle network and tolerates salts, pH extremes and temperature changes well. Organoclays are surface-treated bentonites designed mainly for low and medium polarity solvent systems and normally need a polar activator. Cellulosic thickeners are water-soluble polymers that can be sensitive to microbial attack. Many formulators combine attapulgite with a polymer thickener to balance in-can body and application flow.
Which rheology modifier grade should I choose?
Choose the solvent-borne grade for industrial and protective coatings, the waterborne grade for emulsion paints and other water-based architectural products, and the high-polarity grade for adhesives, sealants and electrolyte-rich systems. If your formulation sits between categories, send us the binder, solvent and target viscosity and we will recommend a starting grade and supply samples.
Does attapulgite thickener need a chemical activator?
No polar activator of the kind used with organoclays is required. Attapulgite develops its structure through mechanical dispersion, so the key requirement is sufficient shear to separate the needle bundles, usually during the pigment grind. A suitable wetting agent or dispersant can improve efficiency in solvent-borne systems. Pre-activated gel and liquid forms are available for plants that need post-addition.
What is the typical loading of an attapulgite rheology modifier?
Coatings and paints typically use about 0.5 to 1.5 % by weight on the total formulation, while sealants, adhesives and suspension fertilisers may use higher levels. The right loading depends on solids content, the other thickeners present and the required sag and settling performance. Start with a ladder study at three levels and compare viscosity, sag and storage stability.
How is the rheology modifier packed and documented?
Powder grades are supplied in 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE or paper bags and in 1 MT or 1.2 MT jumbo bags, with private-label packaging available on request. Each shipment includes the batch Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet and MSDS/SDS. Pre-activated gel and liquid dispersion forms are packed to agreed requirements.
What packaging options are available for Rheology Modifier?
Standard export packing is 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE / paper bags and 1 MT or 1.2 MT jumbo (FIBC) bags, palletised and shrink-wrapped on request. Custom and private-label packaging can be arranged for volume orders.
Do you provide MSDS and technical datasheets?
Yes. A Technical Data Sheet and MSDS are available for every grade, and each shipment is accompanied by a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Request a quote
Interested in Rheology Modifier?
Tell us your application, preferred grade and volume. Our engineering team will recommend the right grade and send a datasheet, sample and quotation.
- Technical Data Sheet & MSDS
- Samples for qualification trials
- Bulk and recurring supply pricing