Dow Acrysol DR-73 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

Features Of Dow Acrysol DR-73 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

1. Delivers high-shear viscosity and excellent sag resistance in waterborne architectural coatings.

2. Provides superior flow and leveling without compromising brush drag or roller spatter performance.

3. Offers robust rheology control across a broad pH range (pH 7–10), compatible with common alkaline builders.

4. Enables low-foaming performance, supporting formulation stability and application efficiency.

5. Delivers long-term storage stability and compatibility with diverse pigment dispersions and co-thickeners.

Typical Applications Of Dow Acrysol DR-73 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

1. Interior and exterior flat to semi-gloss architectural paints.

2. Textured decorative coatings and elastomeric wall systems.

3. Waterborne primers and undercoats for wood and drywall substrates.

4. Low-VOC and zero-VOC compliant coating formulations.

5. Industrial maintenance coatings requiring balanced rheology and film integrity.

Specifications Of Dow Acrysol DR-73 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener

Dow Acrysol DR-73 Associative Alkali-Swellable Thickener – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does DR-73 differ from conventional non-associative alkali-swellable thickeners (ASE)?

A: DR-73 is an associative alkali-swellable thickener (A-ASE), 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 activation of DR-73?

A: DR-73 requires alkaline conditions to fully ionize and swell—typically activated at pH ≥ 8.0. Effective thickening performance is generally achieved between pH 8.5 and 10.5, with formulation stability maintained across this range when properly neutralized (e.g., with AMP-95™ or NaOH).

Q3: Is DR-73 compatible with common surfactants and co-thickeners used in architectural coatings?

A: Yes, DR-73 demonstrates broad compatibility with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, as well as common co-thickeners such as HEC and HEUR types. However, interactions may vary depending on surfactant HLB, charge density, and formulation ionic strength—compatibility testing under target use conditions is recommended.

Q4: How should DR-73 be incorporated into a water-based formulation?

A: DR-73 is typically added as a pre-neutralized aqueous dispersion during the let-down stage, after pigments and primary binders are dispersed. It should be diluted with water prior to addition and mixed under moderate shear to ensure uniform distribution without excessive air entrapment.

Q5: Does DR-73 contribute to foam generation or stabilization in formulated systems?

A: As an associative thickener, DR-73 has low inherent foaming tendency compared to some HEUR types. While it does not actively suppress foam, it also does not significantly promote or stabilize foam under typical usage conditions—making it suitable for low-foam applications when paired with appropriate defoamers.