Building the future together
Products for Joint Compounds
With good chemistry great things happen.™
Ashland Products for
Joint Treatment
Ashland water-soluble polymers are used to improve the application properties
of joint treatment products. They stabilize joint compound and improve its
workability, rheology, water retention and adhesion properties. As an innovative
leader in polysaccharide chemistry with a broad portfolio of cellulose-based
thickeners, Ashland is well positioned to effectively meet industry needs.
Some of the special products offered by us are:
• Nexton™ water-soluble polymers
• Culminal™ methylcellulose derivatives
• Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose
• Aqualon™ carboxymethylcellulose
• Galactasol™ guar derivatives
Invisible to the eye, and yet indispensable, each Ashland product contributes to
performance and quality. We recognize that our products are required to be top
performers in every respect, available at the right time, at the right place and in
perfect condition. To continuously achieve this, Ashland declares total quality
one of the highest priorities throughout the entire organization. In 2008, Ashland
production facilities received ISO 14001:2004 status, a testimony to our continued
pursuit of business excellence since we received our first certification, ISO
9001/9002 in 1994. Quality is not static and neither is it something that develops
by itself. All Ashland employees undergo training in the use of problem-solving
techniques and participate in improvement projects.
Table 1
Depending on the type and density of joint compound to be produced, the following products are recommended:
Polymer Type
Viscosity range
Use Recommendation
Rheology Effect
Key Attribute
Natrosol™
hydroxyethylcellulose
(Brookfield 1%)
250 HHXR
3000-4500
All types, co-thickener
Provides body
Thickening efficiency
250 HXR
1500-3000
All types, co-thickener
Provides body
Thickening efficiency
250 H4BR
2600-3300
All types, single
component
Creamy, no gel
Working time, smooth
Culminal™
methylcellulose and
MC derivatives
(Brookfield 2%, Dry Basis)
MHEC 6000 PFS
5500-6500
All types, co-thickener
Longer, smooth flow
Good dispersibility
C 4053
38000-51500
All types, single
component
Pseudoplasticity
Efficiency,can reduce
use level
MHEC 35000 P1R
30000-40000
All types, co-thickener &
single component
Pseudoplasticity
Open time, adhesion
MHEC 15000 PFR
10000-20000
All types, co-thickener
Yield point control
Adhesion, easy-to-handle
Ashland also offers a wide range of Nexton™ water-soluble polymers that are excellent for all applications of joint compounds and
provide specific benefits such as efficiency, good yield and ease of handling.
There is more to quality than a good product and satisfied customers. Quality is also reflected in our attitude towards the environment.
To minimize environmental impact as much as possible during a product’s lifecycle, Ashland has made a commitment to the Guiding
Care Principles of Responsible Care. By adhering to these principles, Ashland is committed to continuous progress towards the vision of
zero accidents, injuries or harm to the environment and to publicly report our health, safety and environmental performance. Ashland is
also be led in ethical ways that increasingly benefit society, the economy and the environment.
Water Retention
One of the many vital functions of water-soluble polymers in
joint compound is to control and manage the large volume of
water present. This not only includes thickening and control
of product rheological properties, but also the prevention of
syneresis in storage, as well as water evaporation and absorption
into the substrate during application. Compound workability,
open time and adhesion are maximized by optimizing water
retention. Effective control of the water activity extends joint
compound stability by controlling time thickening and syneresis.
Workability
The pseudoplastic or shear-thinning rheology provided
by Ashland’s water-soluble polymers guarantees superior
application properties as the joint compound is troweled onto
the board surface. Soft and easy to remove from its container,
high quality joint compound spreads easily to uniformly cover
the wallboard creating a smooth surface that is easily sanded
upon drying. The superior water holding ability of the watersoluble polymer allows for long open time during application
and extends the time before the joint compound becomes thick
and unmanageable due to excessive loss of water.
Adhesion
Adhesion is a function of the control of water activity and limited
interaction between the water-soluble polymer and minerals
present in the joint compound. Ashland polymers are designed
so that these interactions are at optimal levels.
Adhesion vs. Water Retention
100
Adhesion (%)
90
80
70
60
50
17
18
19
20
Water Retention (sec)
21
22
Ashland’s products play a crucial role in hundreds of different
product formulations. Application areas include personal
care, pharmaceuticals, paper, cement and gypsum-based
products, food, paints and coatings, emulsion polymers, and
latex-based building materials. Ashland encourages customer
communication. Ashland believes active communication leads to
better products and services for the industries we serve. Through
our mission statement of “ We satisfy our customers by delivering
results through quality chemical products and services. Our
desire to grow drives our passion to win in the marketplace. With
a unified, low-cost operating structure, we’ll remain competitive
across every business and in every geographic region. ”, Ashland
wants to be your supplier of choice.
Stability
The chemical stability of Ashland’s water-soluble polymers in
the diverse chemical environment of joint compound results
in excellent long-term stability on aging. Polymer compatibility
with all ingredients, and ease of homogeneous dispersion
during joint compound manufacturing lead to an equilibrium at
packout, so that further dissolution with subsequent undesirable
rheology changes will not occur.
Dry properties
Joint compounds made with Ashland water-soluble polymers
dry to a homogeneous, smooth, easy-to-sand finish. The integrity
imparted by the polymer prevents the dried coating from flaking
or coming off the wall. A humid environment will not cause
absorption of moisture which could lead to swelling and loss of
bond between the paper tape and the wallboard.
Adhesion vs. Molecular Weight
120
Adhesion (%)
100
80
60
40
20
0
1.4
1.9
Molecular Weight (millions)
2.4
Ashland invites customers to share their interests and ideas, and
to suggest product refinements based on their own practical
experience, thereby optimizing the product performance.
Technical support based on in-depth application knowledge
and industry experience is offered by Ashland’s specialists, who
have excellent laboratory facilities at their disposal. Our goal is to
totally meet our customers’ demands. Additional information is
provided through extensive documentation and research reports,
as well as seminars and workshops. We recognize there is a clear
need for this, not only for the benefit of Ashland’s customers, but
also for those who regularly handle Ashland products.
Lastly, Ashland’s sales and logistic organization maintains
representatives, sales offices and stock points in most countries
of the world.
Technical Comments
Addition Levels
Typical water-soluble polymer use levels range from 0.3 to
0.6%, based on the total weight of the formulation. Actual use
levels are affected by formulation variables, use-point climate
conditions and other factors.
Shelf Life/Preservative Use
Good in dry powder form as provided. Ashland makes no claim
that its products are sterile or non-supportive of bioactivity. If
water-soluble product solutions or products containing Ashland
polymers in their hydrated state are to be stored or mixed with
other non-sterile materials, such as latex or mineral fillers, they
should be protected with suitable and effective preservatives. As
is typical of water-soluble polymers, effective preservative use
and good housekeeping are the responsibility of the formulator
and should provide for problem-free product use.
Applications
Ashland water-soluble polymers are designed for use in
ready- and site-mixed joint compounds. Specific products are
recommended for each type of compound. Factors affecting
optimal polymer choice include compound density, clay
and mica content, and limestone type. Ashland products are
compatible with commonly used polyvinyl acetate and ethylene/
vinyl acetate latex emulsions.
Examples of Basic Joint Compound Starting Formulations (in parts by weight)
All-purpose Heavy-weight All-purpose Light-weight
Topping Light-weight
Limestone
60.6
39.4
40.2
Attapulgite Clay
1.85
3.0
3.0
Mica
5.0
4.0
4.0
Latex Emulsion
2.0
2.5
2.0
Water-soluble Polymer
0.45
0.5
0.4
Perlite
—
8.5
8.5
Biocide
0.1
0.1
0.1
0 - 0.10
—
—
30.
42.0
41.8
Defoamer
Water
Global Headquarters
Ashland Inc.
50 East RiverCenter Blvd.
Covington, KY 41012 USA
Tel: +1 859 815 3333
Ashland Specialty Ingredients
8145 Blazer Drive
Wilmington, DE 19808 USA
Tel: +1 877 546 2782
Regional Sales Offices
North America
Bridgewater, NJ USA
Tel: +1 877 546 2782
constructionNA@ashland.com
Latin America
São Paulo, Brazil
Tel: +55 11 3649 0455
Fax: +55 11 3649 0450
Mexico City, Mexico
Tel: +52 55 5276 6110
Fax: +52 55 2614 2939
constructionSA@ashland.com
Asia Pacific
Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 5366
Fax: +65 6775 5433
Shanghai, P.R. China
Tel: +86 21 2402 4888
Fax: +86 21 2402 4850
Mumbai, India
Tel: +91 22 61484646
Fax: +91 22 61484639
constructionAP@ashland.com
Europe
Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Tel: +41 52 560 5500
coatingsandconstructionEU@ashland.com
coatingsandconstructionCIS@ashland.com
Middle East and Africa
Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: +971 4 381 8515
coatingsandconstructionMEA@ashland.com
ashland.com
® Registered trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
™ Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries
©2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, Ashland
PC-10913.5
The information contained in this brochure and the various
products described are intended for use only by persons
having technical skill and at their own discretion and risk after
they have performed necessary technical investigations, tests
and evaluations of the products and their uses. Certain end
uses of these products may be regulated pursuant to rules or
regulations governing medical devices, drug uses, or pesticidal
or antimicrobial uses. It is the end user’s responsibility to
determine the applicability of such regulations to its products.
All statements, information, and data presented herein are
believed to be accurate and reliable, but are not to be taken as a
guarantee of fitness for a particular purpose, or representation,
express or implied, for which seller assumes legal responsibility.
No freedom to use any patent owned by Ashland, its
subsidiaries, or its suppliers is to be inferred.
About us
Ashland Specialty Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., is a global leader in
the production of products that manage the physical properties of aqueous systems.
Our products perform in a variety of applications including tile and adhesive cements,
gypsum plasters, renders, joint compounds, concrete, external insulation systems,
masonry and mortar cements and self-leveling compounds. They provide functional
properties including thickening and rheology control, water retention, adhesive strength,
binding power, film formation, conditioning and deposition, colloid stabilization,
suspending, and emulsifying action.
Ashland Specialty Ingredients segments its businesses to focus on the following markets:
• Construction
• Paints and coatings
• Food, personal care and pharmaceutical
• Gas and oil technologies
• Specialties markets
Ashland is strongly committed to delivering performance through continuous
improvement and consistent focus on innovation.
Thanks to its dedicated sales professionals and extensive distributorship network,
Ashland is always close to its customers globally.