Guangzhou Eric Wei Chemical Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Eric Wei Chemical Co., Ltd.

Ashland Aquaflow NHS-360 Nonionic Associative Thickener

Ashland Aquaflow NHS-360 is a nonionic associative thickener designed for waterborne coatings and inks. It delivers excellent rheology control, sag resistance, and spatter reduction without compromising gloss or leveling. Compatible with low-VOC formulations, it offers robust shear-thinning behavior and storage stability across varied pH and electrolyte conditions.
  • ashland aquaflow nhs 360 nonionic associative thickener_166de9b3
  • ashland aquaflow nhs 360 nonionic associative thickener_166de9b3

Features Of Ashland Aquaflow NHS-360 Nonionic Associative Thickener

  1. Delivers excellent rheology control and high-shear viscosity stability in water-based formulations.

  2. Provides outstanding sag resistance and anti-drip performance in architectural coatings.

  3. Offers low foaming characteristics, enabling compatibility with standard defoamers and processing conditions.

  4. Delivers robust freeze-thaw stability and long-term storage performance in latex-based systems.

  5. Enables efficient thickening at low dosage levels, improving cost-effectiveness and formulation flexibility.

Typical Applications Of Ashland Aquaflow NHS-360 Nonionic Associative Thickener

  1. Interior and exterior architectural paints and primers.

  2. Textured decorative coatings and stucco finishes.

  3. Water-based wood stains and clear finishes.

  4. Industrial maintenance coatings for metal and masonry substrates.

  5. Tile grouts and cementitious repair mortars.

Specifications Of Ashland Aquaflow NHS-360 Nonionic Associative Thickener

Chemical TypeNonionic associative polyurethane (HEUR)
Product FormAqueous dispersion
AppearanceOpaque white to off-white liquid
pH (1% aqueous solution)7.0 – 9.0
Active Content (wt%)30.0 ± 1.0%
Viscosity (Brookfield RVT, spindle #3, 20 rpm, 25°C)500 – 2,500 cP
Primary ApplicationsArchitectural coatings, industrial coatings, construction mortars
Key FeaturesRheology modification, sag resistance, shear-thinning behavior


Ashland Aquaflow NHS-360 Nonionic Associative Thickener – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of formulations is Aquaflow NHS-360 best suited for?

A: Aquaflow NHS-360 is specifically designed for water-based architectural and industrial coatings, including interior and exterior paints, primers, and texture coatings. Its nonionic associative structure provides excellent rheology control in low-VOC and zero-VOC systems, particularly where good sag resistance, spatter resistance, and brush/roller application performance are required.


Q2: How does NHS-360 differ from ionic thickeners like CMC or HEC?

A: Unlike ionic cellulose ethers (e.g., HEC) or anionic thickeners, NHS-360 functions via hydrophobic association in aqueous media—forming reversible network structures without relying on charge interactions. This makes it less sensitive to electrolytes, pH shifts, and co-solvents, offering more consistent viscosity performance across diverse formulation conditions.


Q3: Can NHS-360 be used in combination with other rheology modifiers?

A: Yes, NHS-360 is commonly used in hybrid thickener systems—for example, paired with fumed silica for enhanced high-shear viscosity or with low-molecular-weight associative thickeners to fine-tune flow and leveling. Compatibility should be verified empirically, as synergistic or antagonistic effects may occur depending on the specific co-thickener and formulation matrix.


Q4: What is the recommended addition method for optimal performance?

A: For best results, NHS-360 should be added during the let-down stage, after pigments and primary binders are dispersed. Pre-dilution in water or a compatible co-solvent (e.g., propylene glycol) is recommended to ensure uniform dispersion. High-shear mixing may be required initially, followed by adequate hold time to allow full associative network development.



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