Technical Data Sheet
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Ambient Crosslinking
Emulsion Polymer
For Aqueous Gloss and Semigloss Enamels
Introduction
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer was developed specifically for low VOC aqueous gloss
enamels with excellent durability and resistance properties. It is recommended for interior/exterior
applications in both high gloss and semigloss finishes. RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer uses
new ambient temperature crosslinking technology to offer improved performance versus conventional
latex polymers. This new polymer technology was designed to provide VOC compliant enamels with
excellent hardness development and durability for high traffic interior applications.
Benefits of
Aqueousgloss
Enamels Based
on RHOPLEX™
HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer
•
•
•
•
•
New Ambient
Temperature
Crosslinking
Technology
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer offers the benefits of ambient temperature crosslinking
chemistry in a true one-pack system. Paints formulated with RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
will form a covalently crosslinked network.
Typical Physical
Properties1
Early and ultimate block and print resistance
Excellent alkyd adhesion
Excellent resistance to household chemicals, grease, and hand creams
Combines low coalescent demand with low VOC (below 200 g/l) capabilities
100% acrylic composition
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer will oxidatively cure after the coalescing of latex particles
to form a crosslinked film with improved hardness, toughness, and resistance properties. Aqueous
gloss enamels based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer will have very similar drying
characteristics to conventional latex paints. Enamels exhibit very good early properties and will
continue to improve during the curing process which may require 2-4 weeks for some properties to
fully develop. Figure 1 (on page 3) shows the development of solvent resistance as the binder cures
over time. RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer outperforms the conventional gloss copolymer
and begins to approach the performance of the alkyd. Solvent resistance is measured by MEK
(methyl ethyl ketone) rubs on a 1-2 mil dry film.
Property
Appearance
Solids Content, %
Viscosity, Brookfield, cP, max
(#2 spindle, 60 rpm)
pH
Density, US gal/lb
Bulking Value, US lb/gal
Dry Solids
Minimum Film Formation
Temperature, (MFFT), °C
Typical Values
Milky White Liquid
46.5
500
8.5 - 9.5
8.84
0.1053
26
1. These properties are typical but do not constitute specifications.
Page 1 of 8
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RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
Form No. 884-00131-0612-NAR-EN-CDP
Performance
Advantages
Improved Toughness and Hardness
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer was developed for use in low VOC aqueous gloss enamels
that offer improved hardness, toughness, and resistance properties and represents a viable
alternative to solvent-based gloss paints. RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer has a lower
coalescent demand than most other gloss copolymers in a similar hardness range. This reduced
coalescent demand improves early block resistance, and some formulations develop room
temperature block resistance after as little as six hours drying time. RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer has very good block and print resistance under practical “summer day” conditions as shown
in Figure 2.
The thermoplastic behavior of conventional acrylic emulsion binders can cause paint films to soften at
high temperatures and high humidity. RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer develops sufficient
thermoset characteristics to improve performance under these conditions making it ideal for
applications such as doors, window frames, and bookcases.
Improved Resistance to Household Chemicals
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer offers improved resistance to household chemicals
compared to existing latex technology. Figures 3 and 4 describe the significant resistance
improvement over conventional gloss copolymer technology. The excellent chemical resistance and
film properties make RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer ideal for demanding applications.
Excellent Adhesion
Gloss enamels based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer demonstrate excellent adhesion
qualities over a variety of substrates. Over five years of exterior exposure data has been collected on
this polymer. Very good exterior performance has been found in gloss enamels based on
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer.
Figure 1: Solvent Resistance
of RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer
Page 2 of 8
®TM Trademark
Figure 2: Effect Dry Time on High
Temperature Block Resistance
(120°F/30 min/2 psi)
of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
Form No. 884-00131-0612-NAR-EN-CDP
Figure 3: Effect of Dry Time on
Household Chemical Resistance
Test
Figure 4: Effect of Household Oils
on Film Integrity After 16-Hour Spot
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Formulation
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer offers the benefits of a new crosslinking technology in low
VOC aqueous gloss enamels with excellent durability and resistance properties. It was developed for
use in interior and exterior applications in both high gloss and semigloss finishes.
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer will behave differently than conventional acrylic emulsions
and may require some new formulating approaches to fully take advantage of the crosslinking
technology.
Paints formulated with RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer will crosslink over time and may
require two to four weeks to fully cure and reach their maximum performance level.
Some additives and chemicals can cause pre-crosslinking of the RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer, resulting in a poorly coalesced film when the paint is applied. Formaldehyde or
formaldehyde-releasing preservatives will cause pre-crosslinking and are not recommended for use
with this emulsion polymer. Aldehydes from the hydrolysis of vinyl acrylic polymers will also cause precrosslinking, and blends of RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer with vinyl acrylic latexes are not
recommended.
Rheology Modifiers
ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 NPR Rheology Modifier and ACRYSOL™ RM-825 Urethane Associative
Thickeners should be used to achieve optimum rheology with RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer. ACRYSOL™ RM-2020NPR Rheology Modifier is a solvent-free polyurethane that serves as
the primary thickener and is used to achieve the desired ICI viscosity. ACRYSOL™ RM-825 Rheology
Modifier acts as a co-thickener and can then be used to adjust the KU viscosity efficiently with only a
small increase in ICI viscosity. If a higher ICI viscosity is desired, Butyl Carbitol can be added to
suppress the KU viscosity, followed by additional ACRYSOL™ RM-2020 NPR Rheology Modifier to
reach the desired ICI target.
Page 3 of 8
®TM Trademark
of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
Form No. 884-00131-0612-NAR-EN-CDP
HASE thickeners, such as ACRYSOL™ RM-5 Rheology Modifier, can also be used with
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer. Modifications to the suggested HASE formulation HG95P-4
should be evaluated for heat aged stability. Butyl Carbitol can cause heat aged instability in
formulations thickened with ACRYSOL™ RM-5 Rheology Modifier and is not recommended as a
cosolvent in those paints.
Cellulosic thickeners will reduce flow and gloss when used with a small particle size emulsion, and
are not recommended for use as the primary thickener with RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer.
Dispersants
TAMOL™ 731 Dispersant, TAMOL™ 1124 Dispersant, or TAMOL™ 165 Gloss Dispersants are
recommended with RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer. In most cases, TAMOL™ 731
Dispersant or TAMOL™ 165 Gloss Dispersant will give the best stability with HEUR thickeners, while
TAMOL™ 1124 Dispersant usually gives best stability with HASE-type thickeners. TAMOL™ 681
Dispersant will enhance flow, but heat-age stability problems have been experienced in some test
formulations using this dispersant.
Coalescents
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer has a lower coalescent demand than most other latex
polymers in this hardness range. For interior formulations, Texanol ester alcohol is recommended at
a starting point of 9% to 11% on binder solids. For exterior formulations, Texanol ester alcohol should
be evaluated at 10% to 12% on binder solids.
Pigments
The grade of titanium dioxide is another important factor in achieving high gloss in enamels.
Universal Grades such as Ti-Pure R-706 titanium dioxide give very good exterior durability. Some
grades of universal titanium dioxide pigment, such as Millennium RCL-535 titanium dioxide pigment,
require low levels of dispersant (0.35% dispersant solids on pigment solids) for best stability and
color acceptance. Gloss grades of titanium dioxide, such as Ti-Pure R-700 titanium dioxide or Kemira
OR-600 titanium dioxide, can offer slightly higher 20 degree glosses than the universal grades of
titanium dioxide.
Titanium dioxide can also assist the oxidative cure mechanism of RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer. Grades with minimal surface treatment (including many interior grades) will be the most
effective at increasing the rate of crosslinking.
pH Adjustment
Neutralizing the paint with aqueous ammonia to a pH range of 8.8 to 9.1 is recommended for best
formulation stability. Adjusting pH to higher than 9.3 may contribute to heat aged instability in some
paints.
Defoamers
When formulating high gloss systems, it is especially important to use an effective defoamer. Tiny
bubbles or craters, which may or may not be visible in flat paint formulations, may become very
noticeable in high gloss systems. Care should be taken in evaluating and choosing a defoamer.
Some defoamers can reduce the gloss and adversely affect color acceptance.
Byk 022 defoamer is recommended with formulations based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer. Alternate considerations are Foamaster AP defoamer, and Dee Fo HG-12 defoamer.
Page 4 of 8
®TM Trademark
of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
Form No. 884-00131-0612-NAR-EN-CDP
Preservative
KATHON™ LX 1.5% Microbicide is an effective preservative that will protect paint formulations based
on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer. The recommended use level for KATHON™ LX 1.5%
Preservative is 25 ppm or 1.65 pounds per 1,000 pounds of paint. When formulating with
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer this microbicide should be added to the grind.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing additives will adversely affect the performance of paints
based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer and are not recommended for use with this
emulsion polymer. Nuosept 95 preservative and DOWACIL™ 75 Preservative are examples of this
type of additive and are not recommended with RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer.
Tinting Systems
The level and type of colorants added to paints based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
can affect the gloss, rheology, and application properties of the finished paint. Tinting systems such
as the Creanova Colortrend 8800 series (glycol-dispersed) can be used with RHOPLEX™ HG-95P
Emulsion Polymer. Paint formulators may also prepare colors by grinding pigments or with waterdispersed colors such as Harshaw Aurasperse. This method may be preferred for medium and
deeptone paints because it does not affect gloss and rheology as much as some glycol-based
colorants do when used at a high level.
Primer Recommendations
High gloss enamels based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer show best exterior durability
when applied over previously painted or primed surfaces. A stain-blocking primer based on
RHOPLEX™ MV-23LO Emulsion Copolymer (Formulation P-23LO-22) is recommended for use
under gloss enamels when a primer is required.
Early Rust Resistance
A water-based or oil-based rust-inhibiting primer is recommended under paints based on
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer when they are applied over ferrous metal surfaces.
However, if there is a chance of an enamel based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
coming into direct contact with the metal, then the addition of 1.5 pounds of sodium nitrite per 100
gallons of paint will reduce both flash and early rust. Sodium nitrite should be added to the letdown as
a 15% aqueous solution.
Page 5 of 8
®TM Trademark
of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
Form No. 884-00131-0612-NAR-EN-CDP
Interior / Exterior HEUR-Thickened High Gloss Paint
Based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P and ACRYSOL™ RM-2020NPR Rheology Modifiers
Formulation HG-95P-3
Materials
Propylene Glycol
Water
KATHON™ LX 1.5%
Preservative
TAMOL™ 731 Dispersant
Surfynol 104E defoamer
Byk 022 defoamer
Kemira OR-600 titanium dioxide
Grind
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer
Water
Butyl Carbitol
Texanol ester alcohol
Strodex PK-95G surfactant
ACRYSOL™ RM-2020NPR
Rheology Modifier
ACRYSOL™ RM-8W Rheology
Modifier
Byk 022 defoamer
Formulation Constants
Pigment Volume Concentration, %
Volume, Solids
Viscosity, Initial, KU
Viscosity, Equilibrated, KU
Viscosity, ICI, poise
pH
VOC, g/l
Gloss
60°
20°
Page 6 of 8
} Premix
Totals
Pounds
34.63
25.00
1.00
Gallons
4.00
3.00
0.12
11.51
1.00
0.12
225.00
1.25
0.12
0.02
6.57
521.66
59.00
155.99
6.00
25.76
1.00
25.00
8.72
0.75
3.25
0.10
2.80
2.00
0.23
0.50
1036.17
0.06
100.00
20.5
32.0
98 ± 2
103 ± 2
1.5 ± 0.1
8.9 ± 0.2
194
83
60
®TM Trademark
of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
Form No. 884-00131-0612-NAR-EN-CDP
Interior / Exterior HASE Thickened High Gloss Paint
Based on RHOPLEX™ HG-95P and ACRYSOL™ RM-2020NPR Rheology Modifier
Formulation HG-95P-4
Materials
Propylene Glycol
Water
KATHON™ LX 1.5%
Preservative
TAMOL™ 1124 Dispersant
Surfynol 104E defoamer
Igepal CTA-639W detergent
Byk 022 defoamer
Ti-Pure R-706 titanium dioxide
Grind
RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion
Polymer
Water
Texanol ester alcohol
ACRYSOL™ RM-5 Rheology
Modifier
Water
Byk 022 defoamer
Formulation Constants
Pigment Volume Concentration, %
Volume, Solids, %
Viscosity, Initial, KU
Viscosity, Equilibrated, KU
Viscosity, ICI, poise
pH
VOC, g/l
Gloss
60°
20°
Safe Handling
} Premix
Totals
Pounds
34.63
25.00
1.00
Gallons
4.00
3.00
0.12
4.93
1.00
1.00
0.16
225.00
0.50
0.12
0.11
0.02
6.20
519.37
58.74
144.52
25.75
25.50
17.35
3.25
2.89
25.00
0.50
1021.82
3.00
0.06
100.10
21
32.1
95 ± 2
103 ± 2
1.3 ± 0.1
8.9 ± 0.2
178
82
55
Based on similar materials, this product is not expected to be toxic via single acute oral or dermal
exposure. It may be a mild-to-moderate skin and eye irritant.
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RHOPLEX™ HG-95P Emulsion Polymer
Form No. 884-00131-0612-NAR-EN-CDP
Handling
Precautions
Before using this product, consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data
Sheet (SDS) for details on product hazards, recommended handling precautions and
product storage.
CAUTION! Keep combustible and/or flammable products and their vapors away from heat,
sparks, flames and other sources of ignition including static discharge. Processing or
operating at temperatures near or above product flashpoint may pose a fire hazard. Use
appropriate grounding and bonding techniques to manage static discharge hazards.
CAUTION! Failure to maintain proper volume level when using immersion heaters can
expose tank and solution to excessive heat resulting in a possible combustion hazard,
particularly when plastic tanks are used.
Storage
Store products in tightly closed original containers at temperatures recommended on the
product label.
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Considerations
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