Dow Acrysol DR-1 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

Features Of Dow Acrysol DR-1 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

1. Delivers high mid-shear viscosity and excellent flow control in waterborne formulations.

2. Provides outstanding sag resistance and leveling balance in architectural coatings.

3. Offers superior compatibility with anionic surfactants and common co-thickeners.

4. Enables low-odor, low-VOC thickening without requiring organic solvents or high-shear dispersion.

5. Delivers robust rheology performance across a broad pH range (pH 7–10.5) after alkaline activation.

Typical Applications Of Dow Acrysol DR-1 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

1. Interior and exterior architectural flat and low-sheen latex paints.

2. Textured coatings and dry-fall paints.

3. Primer and masonry coating formulations.

4. Water-based industrial maintenance coatings.

5. Decorative wall coatings and plasters.

Specifications Of Dow Acrysol DR-1 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

Dow Acrysol DR-1 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does DR-1 differ from conventional non-associative alkali-swellable thickeners (ASE)?

A: DR-1 is an associative ASE thickener, meaning it contains hydrophobic groups that enable intermolecular association in addition to the typical acid–base swelling mechanism. This provides enhanced rheology control—particularly improved high-shear viscosity recovery, better sag resistance, and superior leveling—compared to non-associative ASE types.

Q2: What pH range is required for optimal thickening performance?

A: DR-1 requires alkaline activation to fully ionize its carboxylic acid groups and achieve target viscosity. Effective thickening typically begins above pH 7.5 and is most robust between pH 8.5 and 10.5. Performance may be inconsistent or incomplete at lower pH values without sufficient neutralization.

Q3: Can DR-1 be used in combination with other rheology modifiers?

A: Yes, DR-1 is commonly used in hybrid rheology systems—for example, with cellulosic thickeners (e.g., HEC) to balance low-shear and high-shear viscosity, or with hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethanes (HEUR) to fine-tune flow and leveling. Compatibility testing is recommended to avoid antagonistic interactions or viscosity loss.

Q4: What are typical dosage guidelines for DR-1 in architectural coatings?

A: DR-1 is typically used at low concentrations, generally ranging from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the total formulation, depending on the desired viscosity profile, pigment loading, and co-thickener strategy. It is often added post-neutralization as a pre-diluted paste or aqueous dispersion to ensure uniform distribution.

Q5: Is DR-1 suitable for use in low-VOC or zero-VOC formulations?

A: Yes, DR-1 is supplied as a water-based dispersion with very low volatile organic content, making it compatible with low-VOC and zero-VOC architectural and industrial coating formulations. Its performance is not dependent on VOC-containing solvents, and it supports compliance with evolving environmental regulations.