About Waterborne Attapulgite Rheology Modifier
Our waterborne rheology modifier is a fine colloidal attapulgite for emulsion paints, primers, textured finishes and other water-based architectural products. It forms a thixotropic gel in water, giving paint body in the can, holding extenders in suspension and limiting syneresis, the layer of clear liquid that can separate on top of a stored product.
In water, the dispersed needles build a lattice that is tolerant of the salts, dispersants and pH adjusters present in a typical paint. The structure shears down readily under a brush or roller, then recovers to reduce sag and spatter. Because the thickening is mechanical, the grade is not broken down by enzymes or bacteria in the way some cellulosic thickeners can be, which helps waterborne paints keep their viscosity in warm storage. Most formulators use it as a co-thickener: the attapulgite provides structure and anti-settling, while a cellulosic or associative polymer fine-tunes application flow and levelling.
Obsidian Minerals mills this grade finer than our solvent-borne grade, keeping residue above 45 µm low for smooth films in interior and exterior finishes. It is supplied as powder for addition at the grind stage and, on request, as a pre-activated gel for post-addition. Every batch is tested in our NABL-accredited laboratory and shipped with a CoA, Technical Data Sheet and MSDS/SDS.
Typical specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Free moisture (105 °C) | ≤ 14 % | Internal method |
| Residue greater than 45 µm | ≤ 0.5 % | Wet sieve, internal method |
| pH (5 % slurry) | 7.5–9.5 | Internal method |
| Loose bulk density | 0.30–0.45 g/cm³ | Internal method |
| Recommended loading | 0.3–1.0 % on total formulation | — |
| Appearance | Cream to off-white fine powder | Visual |
Typical values for guidance. Guaranteed limits are stated on the Technical Data Sheet and batch CoA. Final paint viscosity depends on the full thickener package and the dispersion process.
Key features & benefits
In-can body and anti-settling
Builds structure in the waterborne paint at rest, keeping calcium carbonate, talc and other extenders in suspension so drums and pails stay uniform from production to the decorator's brush.
Syneresis control
The clay lattice binds free water in the formulation and reduces the clear liquid layer that can form on stored emulsion paints, improving appearance when the lid is opened.
Reduced spatter and sag
Shear-thinning flow eases brushing and rolling, while rapid structure recovery reduces roller spatter and helps thicker coats stay in place on walls and ceilings without runs or curtains.
Microbial resistance
As a mineral, this waterborne rheology modifier is not degraded by the enzymes that can break down some cellulosic thickeners, helping paint keep viscosity during warm storage.
Works with polymer thickeners
Combines well with cellulosic and associative thickeners, so formulators can use attapulgite for low-shear structure and suspension while the polymer adjusts levelling, brush drag and overall application feel.
Applications
Interior and exterior emulsion paints
Used as a co-thickener in matt, silk and exterior emulsions to provide anti-settling, syneresis control and spatter resistance alongside the main polymer thickener, often at well under 1 % loading.
Textured and high-build finishes
Helps textured wall coatings and high-build finishes hold coarse fillers and aggregates in suspension and retain their applied texture without slumping on vertical exterior and interior surfaces.
Joint compounds and wall putties
Contributes body, workability and resistance to shrinkage cracking in ready-mixed joint compounds and wall putties, where a smooth trowel feel and stable consistency in the pail are needed.
Usage & handling
- Typical loading is 0.3–1.0 % by weight on the total formulation, adjusted alongside the polymer thickener level.
- Disperse the powder in the water phase with the dispersant at the start of the grind, before pigments and extenders, using a high-speed disperser.
- For post-addition or tinting adjustments, use the pre-activated gel form rather than dry powder.
- Keep bags closed and stored off the floor in a dry warehouse.
Packaging & supply
- 25 kg or 50 kg HDPE or paper bags
- 1 MT or 1.2 MT FIBC jumbo bags
- Pre-activated gel packed to agreed requirements on request
Frequently asked questions
Why use a waterborne rheology modifier based on attapulgite?
Attapulgite gives emulsion paints in-can structure, anti-settling and syneresis control while tolerating salts and pH adjusters. It is not attacked by the enzymes that can degrade cellulosic thickeners, and it shears down readily during application. Used as a co-thickener, it lets formulators reduce reliance on a single polymer and improve storage stability.
Can attapulgite be used with HEC or associative thickeners?
Yes, and that is how it is most often used in architectural paints. The attapulgite provides structure at rest and suspension of extenders, while HEC or an associative thickener controls application viscosity, levelling and film build. Adjust both levels together in a short design study, as each affects the other's contribution.
Will the waterborne grade change the colour or whiteness of my paint?
Attapulgite is cream to off-white, so at typical co-thickener loadings in white and pastel bases the effect on colour is usually small. For bright whites, measure colour and whiteness on drawdowns during development and adjust pigment levels if needed. Low residue above 45 µm helps keep the film smooth.
How do I add the waterborne grade if my process uses post-addition?
Dry powder added at let-down will not receive enough shear to disperse fully. For post-addition, use the pre-activated gel form, which is already dispersed and can be stirred in at moderate speed. If you prefer to make your own gel, disperse the powder in water with a dispersant at high shear before adding it to the batch.