Low volatile organic compound universal colorant composition

Abstract

A universal colorant composition compatible with toning aqueous and solvent based base paints and colorants. The universal colorant composition includes one or more modified polyether dispersants having one or more pigment affinity groups that wet, disperse, and stabilize dispersed contained pigments. When the universal colorant composition is used in a toning base paint or a colorant, the colorant composition provides a low viscosity drop and excellent compatibility.

Description

[0001] Reference to previous application

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 366,787, filed on June 22, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] Architectural paints and stains are usually distributed in a limited number of base paint or stain colors. In order to accommodate customers' expectations of custom paint colors, and in order to allow matching with existing painted or dyed surfaces, manufacturers use one or more colorant compositions to tones the distributed base paint or stain. Colorant compositions are usually distributed in an array of 12 to 20 or more colors, and each colorant composition includes pigments of different colors to give different colors to the base paint or stain. The base paint or stain can be toned to a desired color by adding one or more colorant compositions to the base paint or stain and mixing them thoroughly using a color customization toning device. In order to achieve uniformity of color in the base paint or stain, the pigment must be evenly dispersed throughout the base paint or stain, which historically has occurred by wetting the pigment with one or more surfactants present in the colorant composition.

[0004] Historically, base paints and stains were solvent-based, but water-based latex paints and stains have become increasingly common. Conventionally, to accommodate the tinting of solvent-based and water-based base paints and stains, a separate array of solvent-based colorant compositions are used to tint solvent-based base paints and stains, and a separate array of water-based colorant compositions are formulated and used to tint water-based base paints or stains. Although this trend has increasingly shifted to water-based paints and stains, some end users still prefer solvent-based alkyd resin paints and stains for certain applications.

[0005] To simplify dispensing and use, universal colorant compositions have been developed that can be used to tint both waterborne and solventborne base paints and stains. Universal colorant compositions are typically formulated by modifying a nominally waterborne colorant composition to enable it to tint and disperse the pigments in the colorant composition in either waterborne or solventborne base paints or stains by including suitable surfactants as well as dispersants and co-solvents in the colorant composition.

[0006] The surfactant in the colorant composition helps to disperse, wet and stabilize the dry pigment in the liquid carrier. The dispersion of the pigment is carried out by aiding the grinding of the pigment in a media mill by high mechanical shear. The wetting of the pigment is carried out by replacing the pigment-carrier solid-air interface with a solid-liquid interface (pigment-carrier). The micelles produced by including a surfactant in the colorant composition can help stabilize the pigment in the composition before and after addition to the base paint or stain. Based on the hydrophobic / lipophilic balance of the one or more surfactants used, the formulated colorant composition can be modulated to have compatible properties in solvent-borne alkyd-based or water-based latex-based base paints or stains.

[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,659,340 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,242,206 B2 and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2017 / 0174924 A1 disclose a VOC universal colorant composition requiring a combination of at least one hydrophobic, alkyd or solvent compatible surfactant and one hydrophilic, latex or water compatible surfactant. The combination of these two or more surfactants of low molecular weight (usually less than 1000 Daltons, number average) allows the colorant composition to be compatible in both solvent-based alkyd base paints and colorants and water-based latex base paints and stains. Phosphate or sulfate-based anionic surfactants are typically used for alkyd compatibility.

[0008] Alternatively, the universal colorant compositions of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,040,624 B2, 9,187,614 B2 and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2019 / 0031904 A1 require phosphate-based surfactants, which also tend to negatively affect the viscosity of the tinted base paint or stain. In U.S. Patent No. 10,934,151 B2 and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2022 / 0010148 A1, synergists are added to solvent-based base paints or stains to make the base paints or stains more compatible with the universal colorant composition. Such solutions add additional complexity and require the allocation of additional components to the colorant system.

[0009] Each conventional solution in these conventional solutions relies on the existence of surfactant to help wetting, dispersion and stabilizing pigment, and provides the required final compatibility of colorant composition and solvent-based or water-based base paint or coloring agent.Although the surfactant in the universal coloring agent can contribute to wetting, dispersion and stabilizing pigment in both colorant composition and base paint or coloring agent, surfactant can have a negative impact on some characteristics.For example, in water-based paint or coloring agent with previous universal coloring agent toning, the base paint or coloring agent of toning can have the volatile organic compound (VOC) of higher content, surfactant leaching, the viscosity of increase, the anti-blocking of reduction and the paint viscosity of toning of reduction.In addition, building base paint and coloring agent generally include associative thickener, as hydrophobically modified ethoxylated polyurethane resin (HEUR) or hydrophobically modified alkali swollen emulsion (HASE), and the surfactant in previous universal coloring agent generally has a negative impact on thickening effect, causes viscosity decline. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the surfactant present in the colorant composition is more capable of adsorbing to the surfaces of latex particles in the paint or stain composition than the associative thickener, resulting in a sometimes significant and undesirable reduction in the viscosity of the tinted paint, which can appear to the consumer as a tinted paint or stain having an undesirably thin consistency.

[0010]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a universal colorant composition that can be used to tint low VOC waterborne as well as solventborne base paints and stains without compromising the properties of the resulting custom tinted paint or stain. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention discloses a universal colorant composition, which includes a modified polyether dispersant having one or more pigment affinity groups. Compared with existing universal colorant compositions, the compositions of the present disclosure can dye low VOC water-based and solvent-based base paints and stains (and maintain low VOC quality) with reduced viscosity drop. Compared with previous universal colorant compositions (which require two or more low molecular weight surfactants (each surfactant molecular weight <1000 Daltons) to be compatible with the alkyd component of the solvent-based base paint or stain and the latex component of the water-based base paint or stain), the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure only requires a single relatively high molecular weight dispersant to help wetting and disperse the pigment. The presence of the pigment affinity group in the dispersant allows the dispersant to wet the pigment in the water-based and solvent-based base paint or stain. The universal colorant composition of the present disclosure is low VOC, and is therefore preferably used for toning low VOC water-based base paints and stains.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention discloses a universal colorant composition, the universal colorant composition comprising a vehicle, a pigment or dye and a modified polyether dispersant, the polyether dispersant comprising one or more polyoxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted oxyphenyl, etherketone, polyetheretherketone or epoxide structural units or a combination thereof; and wherein the pigment affinity group is aliphatic or aromatic each containing a plurality of carbon atoms; and wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least about 1000 g / mol. In some methods, the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1500 g / mol, and in some methods, a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 2000 g / mol.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention discloses a point of sale system for preparing custom tinted water-based or solvent-based paints or stains, the point of sale system comprising an array of liquid colorant compositions, each of which contains the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure.

[0014] In a third aspect, the present invention discloses a method of preparing a custom-tinted paint or stain comprising adding one or more universal colorant compositions of the present disclosure to a base paint or stain.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the present invention discloses a tinted paint or stain comprising one or more universal colorant compositions of the present disclosure and a base paint or stain.

[0016] The disclosed aspects may include other optional features which may be combined alone or with any other aspect.

[0017] definition

[0018] Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings and shall apply in both the singular and the plural:

[0019] "A", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Thus, for example, a system or method that includes "a" pigment means that the system or method may include "one or more" pigments.

[0020] When used to describe an amount, the term "about" means that the amount includes measurement error, experimental error, manufacturing error, and the amount of trace material that may or may not be present in the measurement.

[0021] The terms "architectural paint" and "architectural stain" mean paint and stain, respectively, for use on interior or exterior building or architectural surfaces (e.g., walls, trim, floors, decks, railings, ceilings, roofs (including metal roofs, shingles and tiles), roads, sidewalks, etc.).

[0022] When used with respect to colorants, the term "array" refers to a class of colorants intended to be used alone or in appropriate combinations to tint a base paint or stain to provide a custom color over a wide gamut of tones. A typical array typically contains at least white, green, blue, and red colorant compositions, and typically also contains one or more black colorant compositions, one or more yellow colorant compositions, and one or more oxide colorant compositions, such as red oxide or yellow oxide. The individual colorants in a typical array are typically supplied by a single manufacturer, packaged in similar containers, with similar labels, each label having a different SKU identifier, and may carry the unified trademark of the array or the unified trademark of the brand of paint or stain with which the array is intended to be used.

[0023] The term "automatic colorant dispenser" means a dispenser for paint or stain colorants that is controlled or controllable via an electronically regulated, accurately weighted weighing or volumetric metering device to dispense a controlled amount of one or more colorants (e.g., aqueous colorants only) into a base paint or stain container and thereby facilitate the preparation of a toned paint or stain whose toner is selected from an array of toners. The type and amount of colorant selected by such an automatic colorant dispenser will optionally and preferably be controlled using software and a suitable database.

[0024] The term "base paint or stain" means a water-based or solvent-based paint or stain product that is packaged in a mostly but not completely filled point-of-sale container of about 0.2 L to 20 L in volume that is equipped with an openable and reclosable lid, cap or other closure and that can be used as is but will typically be tinted at the point of sale by adding one or more colorants to the paint or stain product in its container and stirring, shaking or otherwise mixing the container contents to disperse the colorant(s) throughout the base paint or stain product.

[0025] The term "binder" means a natural or synthetic polymer suitable for use in paints or stains.

[0026] The term "colorant" means a composition that can be added to (e.g., dispensed into) a point-of-sale container whose interior volume is mostly (e.g., two-thirds or more of the volume of the container) but not completely filled with a base paint or stain in order to change the hue or lightness of such base paint or stain, and which composition contains a pigment and a vehicle but is substantially free of a binder.

[0027] The terms "compatible" and "compatibly" when used with respect to a tint composition mean that if 4 fluid ounces of the tint composition are added to a nominal (128 fluid ounces) gallon of a base paint or stain and shaken on a standard paint shaker for five minutes, the tint composition disperses throughout the base paint or stain and does not undergo visibly discernible separation when allowed to stand at room temperature for one week.

[0028] The term "custom tinted" when used with respect to a system or method for tinting a base paint or stain means that one or more colorants can be dispensed into a base paint or stain and mixed to provide a finished paint or stain in a variety (e.g., more than one hundred or even more than one thousand) of pre-selected formulated colors (or, if desired, to match a randomly selected color). Potential end users typically view the pre-selected formulated colors using a printed tint chart or displayed computer image.

[0029] A "dispersant" is an additive that aids in the wetting, dispersion and stabilization of solid pigments in a liquid medium and has a molecular weight equal to or greater than 1000 g / mol.

[0030] A "surfactant" is an additive that aids in the wetting, dispersion and stabilization of solid particles in a liquid medium and has a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol.

[0031] A "low molecular weight surfactant" is a surfactant having a molecular weight of less than 550 g / mol.

[0032] The terms "homogeneous" and "uniformly" when used with respect to a stain composition mean that if 4 fluid ounces of stain were added to a nominal (128 fluid ounces) gallon of base paint or stain and shaken on a standard paint shaker for five minutes, the stain composition would be evenly dispersed throughout the base paint or stain with no visibly discernible separation.

[0033] The term "liquid" when used to describe a material that can exist in several different phases refers to the phase occupied by the material at room temperature (23°C) and 1 atm.

[0034] The term “volatile organic compound” (“VOC”) is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR 51.100(s) to mean any carbon compound, other than carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, that participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions as defined in the regulations, except exempt compounds.

[0035] The terms "low volatile organic compounds" and "low VOC" when used with respect to a stain, paint or stain means that the stain, paint or stain contains less than 50 grams per liter (g / L) of VOC when in liquid form.

[0036] The term "manual colorant dispenser" means a non-automatic dispenser for paint or stain colorants that is equipped with a manually movable piston whose stroke is indexed to manually meter an amount of one or more colorants into a base paint or stain container to facilitate the preparation of a tinted paint or stain whose tint is selected from an array of tints.

[0037] The term "molecular weight" when used in reference to a polymeric material means the weight average molecular weight as determined using gel permeation chromatography and polystyrene standards.

[0038] The term "paint" means a coating composition comprising pigment and binder which, when applied to form a thin (e.g., 100 μm) wet thickness film on a freshly sanded smooth wood surface, will hide or substantially hide the wood grain when dry and will present a new surface with its own appearance.

[0039] The term "pigment" means both a colored, dispersed solid particulate material and (for brevity) a colored, dispersed or soluble dye material, wherein when 5% by weight (in the case of a colored, dispersed solid particulate) or 0.05% by weight (in the case of a colored, dispersed or soluble dye) of the material is added to (e.g., dispersed into) a base paint or stain, the material imparts a visually perceptible color to the base paint or stain. The presence or absence of visually perceptible color can be assessed by preparing drawdown samples of the base paint or stain with and without the pigment, casting such samples as 25 μm dry thickness coated films on the white portion of a BYK-Gardner No. PA-2811 Opacity Drawdown Chart (obtained from BYK-Gardner USA) or comparable chart, and inspecting the coated films under normal overhead interior lighting.

[0040] The term "pigment to dispersant ratio" means the weight ratio of the total weight of pigments present in the colorant composition to the total weight of modified polyether dispersants present in the colorant composition.

[0041] The terms "point of sale" and "retail" when used with respect to a site, location, store, or other outlet means a place where custom mixed paints or stains are tinted and mixed in small batches (e.g., one-half pint, one pint, one quart, one liter, one gallon, four liter, five gallon, or 20 liter containers, corresponding to containers of about 0.2 L to 20 L) for sale to end users (e.g., painters, builders, and homeowners). Representative point of sale retail, wholesale, or combination retail / wholesale outlets include paint stores, hardware stores, building supply stores (including warehouses), and distribution centers.

[0042] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present disclosure that may provide certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. In addition, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] The term "solid" when used to describe a material that can exist in several different phases refers to the phase occupied by the material at room temperature (23°C) and 1 atm.

[0044] The term "solvent" when used with respect to paints, stains or colorants means a liquid other than aqueous that dissolves or disperses the other materials in the paint, stain or colorant and is considered to include both volatile and nonvolatile materials and both reactive and non-reactive materials.

[0045] When used with respect to paints, stains or colorants, the term "solvent-based" means that the primary liquid vehicle or carrier of the paint, stain or colorant is a non-aqueous solvent or a mixture of non-aqueous solvents. Organic solvent-based paints. Solvent-based paints or stains are uniformly dispersed mixtures with viscosities ranging from thin liquids to semi-solid pastes and include polymer binders, organic solvent carriers, pigments, colorants, toners and / or metallic effect agents; and other additives. The polymer binder can be a drying oil, a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic resin, such as a polyacrylate, polyurethane, modified alkyd resin or other film-forming polymer. The binder typically also includes a crosslinker, a hardener, a curing agent and / or an auxiliary resin with crosslinking capability.

[0046] When used with respect to an ingredient or composition, the term "substantially free" means that the referenced ingredient or composition contains less than 0.1% by weight of the recited component. The term "completely free" of a particular compound means that the recited material or composition contains less than 100 parts per million (ppm) of the compound.

[0047] The term "stain" means a coating composition comprising a binder which, when applied to form a thin (e.g., 100 μm) wet thickness film on a freshly sanded, smooth wood surface, will not conceal the wood grain and its texture when dry. When a semi-transparent stain is applied to wood, both the wood grain and its texture generally remain perceptible, whereas when a solid color (i.e., opaque) stain is applied, the wood grain generally becomes hidden, while the texture generally remains perceptible. Stains generally penetrate into wood or other porous substrates (e.g., concrete) to a much greater extent than paints.

[0048] When used with respect to paints, stains or colorants, the term "water-based" means that the primary liquid vehicle or carrier of the paint, stain or colorant is water. Aqueous paints or stains are latex or emulsion paints with viscosities ranging from thin liquids to semisolid pastes, which consist of a dispersion of a resin dispersion and one or more pigments, colorants, toners and / or metallic effect agents, plus various paint additives (such as fillers and extenders). The binder in an aqueous paint or stain is typically a latex polymer, such as an acrylic, methacrylic or polyurethane polymer or copolymer.

[0049] Test Method

[0050] Friction discoloration test : The Friction Color Test evaluates the compatibility of a colorant composition in a base paint that can be tinted and its ability to disperse evenly in a paint or stain. The Friction Color Test is an evaluation of field colorant compatibility and performance. The colorant is added to the base paint or stain and the tinted paint or stain is shaken on a RED-DEVIL cradle-type paint shaker for 1 minute, after which a small aliquot of the tinted paint is removed. The remaining sample is shaken for an additional 14 minutes, for a total of 15 minutes. Using BIRD TM Film applicator in white LENETA TM The card is scraped to compare the sample shaken for 1 minute and the sample shaken for 15 minutes.Use the index finger to form a uniform circular "friction color" pattern on the upper outer edge of each coating film with slight pressure, apply shear to the coating area without wiping through the film, and usually use at least 5 times and up to 25 frictions on each coating film.Friction color is rated with a visual scale of no, trace, slight, moderate or severe, wherein the grade of moderate or severe is obviously annoying.Therefore, the friction color test provides an assessment of the degree of separation of the colorant from the paint or dye of the toning due to incompatibility or non-uniformity.

[0051] ΔE Colorimeter Test: Add the colorant to the base paint or stain and shake the tinted paint or stain on a RED-DEVIL cradle-type paint shaker for 1 minute, then remove a small aliquot of the tinted paint. Shake the remaining sample for an additional 14 minutes, for a total of 15 minutes. Use BIRD TM Film applicator in white LENETA TM A drawdown was performed on a card to compare the 1 minute shake sample and the 15 minute shake sample. The coating of the tinted base paint or stain prepared by the above method was allowed to air dry. When dry, a spectrophotometer was used to measure the tint strength and CIELAB ΔE color difference between the 1 minute shake sample and the 15 minute shake sample, wherein a tint strength ratio of 90% to 110% for 15 minute shake time to 1 minute shake time indicates acceptable compatibility, and wherein a ratio of 95% to 105% indicates very acceptable compatibility.

[0052] Color intensity test : Tinting strength is the degree to which a pigment or dye changes the color of a material. The Tinting Strength Index is measured relative to a standard material that defines the ratio of the sample's tinting strength relative to the standard. Tinting strength is evaluated using a spectrophotometric instrument such as (but not limited to) a Datacolor DC500, DC800 or similar spectrophotometer, D65 illuminant, CIE1964 10° standard observer angle and reflection mode, and is measured according to ASTM D4838-88 (2016).

[0053] Viscosity drop test : Stormer KU (Krebs Unit) viscosity of untinted samples of waterborne latex paints was measured according to ASTM D562-81. A 1 / 2 pint (8 fluid ounce) sample of waterborne latex paint was then tinted at the maximum recommended colorant fill level and shaken on a RED-DEVIL cradle-type paint shaker for 1 minute, followed by measurement of the Stromer KU viscosity of the shaken paint sample in Krebs units according to ASTM D562-10 (2018). The difference was recorded as the viscosity drop caused by the addition of colorant.

[0054] VOC:The VOC content of the composition is measured by ASTM D6886-14e1 (Standard Test Method for Determination of the Weight Percent Individual Volatile Organic Compounds in Waterborne Air-Dry Coatings by Gas Chromatography), which uses methyl palmitate as a reference marker. Compounds eluted before the marker are considered to be VOCs, while compounds eluted after the marker are not considered to be VOCs. As used herein, the term "non-VOC" refers to compounds eluted after the methyl palmitate marker, or "exempt" VOC refers to compounds eluted before methyl palmitate but known to be less volatile than methyl palmitate, such as acetone and tert-butyl acetate. When it comes to the components of the compositions described herein, the term "exempt" can be used interchangeably with "non-VOC". DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The present invention discloses a universal colorant composition for customizing water-based and solvent-based base paints and stains. The universal colorant composition of the present disclosure includes at least one dispersant with a pigment affinity group for wetting, dispersing and stabilizing the pigment in the colorant composition and in the base paint or stain after toning. In some methods, the colorant composition including a dispersant with a pigment affinity group can be formulated to include almost no VOC. The colorant composition of the present disclosure has universal compatibility for toning water-based and solvent-based paints and stains. Compared with previous colorant compositions, the composition of the present disclosure is preferably low VOC, and has a lower impact (e.g., viscosity drop) on the viscosity of the base paint or stain when used for toning.

[0056] Carrier

[0057] The universal colorant composition of the present disclosure is aqueous and includes an aqueous vehicle or carrier. Water is a preferred vehicle or carrier and can be, for example, tap water, deionized water desalted (e.g., via reverse osmosis) water, or distilled water. The cosolvent can help disperse the pigment into the colorant or disperse into the base paint or stain; can accelerate, delay or otherwise change the time or discharge associated with drying; can improve wet edge properties or overlapping properties; can improve freeze-thaw protection, or can provide or improve other features, and generally will not remain in the film of the paint or stain that is dried, cured or otherwise hardened. The cosolvent present in the vehicle is preferably selected so that the universal colorant composition contains less than 50g / L VOC, preferably less than 20g / L VOC, preferably less than 10g / L VOC, or even more preferably less than 5g / L VOC.

[0058] The co-solvent selected may be a hazardous air pollutant solvent (HAPS material), but is preferably a non-HAPS material or substantially free of HAPS material. Exemplary co-solvents are typically of low molecular weight (e.g., up to about 700 g / mol, up to about 600 g / mol, up to about 500 g / mol, or up to about 400 g / mol) and may include, for example, glycols (e.g., ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and propylene glycol), glycol ethers (e.g., DOWANOL from Dow Chemical Co. TM DPM and Butyl CELLOSOLVE TM ), alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol, isopentanol and other primary amyl alcohol isomers, n-pentanol, 2-ethylhexanol, 4-hydroxy-2,6,8-trimethylnonane and diisobutylcarbinol), esters and ester alcohols (e.g., isopropyl acetate; n-butyl acetate; isobutyl acetate; n-propyl acetate; primary amyl acetate mixed isomers and UCAR from Dow Chemical Co. TM Ester EEP), ketones (e.g., diisobutyl ketone and ECOSOFT from Dow Chemical Co. TM Solvent IK), CARBOWAX from Dow Chemical Co. TM 300 and CARBOWAX 600 polyethylene, mixtures thereof, etc. The colorant may, for example, contain at least about 8 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, or at least about 12 wt% vehicle or carrier and up to about 70 wt%, up to about 60 wt%, or up to about 50 wt% vehicle or carrier.

[0059] pigment

[0060] The universal colorant composition of the present disclosure also includes one or more pigments or dyes. A variety of pigments can be used in the disclosed colorants (as well as base paints or stains), and will be familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. The pigment ideally forms a stable dispersion that does not require stirring before use. In some cases, suitable pigments may also or alternatively be referred to as dyes commercially. Exemplary pigments include treated or untreated inorganic pigments and mixtures thereof, such as metal oxides, including titanium dioxide, iron oxides of various colors (including black), and zinc oxide; and metal flakes, such as aluminum flakes, pearlescent flakes, etc. Exemplary pigments also include or alternatively include treated or untreated organic pigments and mixtures thereof, such as carbon black, azo pigments, hydroxybenzimidazoles, carbazoles such as carbazole violet, diketopyrrolopyrroles, indanthrones, isoindolinones, isoindolinones, perylenes, phthalocyanines, quinacridones, and thioindigo red. Suitable pigments are commercially available from various commercial suppliers including BASF Colors & Effects GmbH, LANXESS, Cabot Corp, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Clariant, Ferro Corporation, Shepherd Color Company, Sun Chemical, and Tomatec America, Inc. Other exemplary pigments are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,141,599 B2 (Korenkiewicz et al.), 8,746,291 B2 (Hertz et al.), and 8,748,550 B2 (Cavallin et al.). In the case of custom-tinted paints or stains with maximum exterior durability, a colorant or colorant array containing a completely inorganic pigment or a mixture of pigments may be preferred. In some embodiments, the colorant array includes non-infrared absorbing pigments for tinting dark exterior paints and infrared absorbing pigments for tinting dark interior paints, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,752,594 B2 (Gebhard et al.). The colorant compositions disclosed herein may, for example, contain at least about 2 wt%, at least about 3 wt%, or at least about 5 wt% pigment and up to about 90 wt%, up to about 80 wt%, or up to about 70 wt% pigment.

[0061] Film-forming binder

[0062] The colorant composition of the present disclosure contains less than a film-forming amount of a binder. That is, when applied to a surface, the colorant composition does not form a continuous coating film after drying unless it is first added to a base paint or stain containing a film-forming amount of a binder. Therefore, if applied to a surface, dried, and then washed with water, the colorant composition (before being added to the base paint or stain) will be washed away and will not continue to adhere to the surface.

[0063] Modified polyether dispersant with pigment-affinity groups

[0064] In order to disperse, wet and stabilize the colorant composition pigment, the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure also includes at least one modified polyether dispersant, and the modification is the presence of one or more pigment affinity groups in the polyether dispersant. Based on the wet weight of the colorant composition, the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure includes a total of at least 2% by weight of the modified polyether dispersant. In some methods, the colorant composition includes at least 5% by weight or at least 7% by weight of the modified polyether dispersant based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. Based on the wet weight of the colorant composition, the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure includes up to 20% by weight of the modified polyether dispersant. In some methods, the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure includes up to about 15% by weight or preferably up to about 12% by weight of the modified polyether dispersant based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the modified polyether dispersant in the colorant composition of the present disclosure wets, disperses and stabilizes the pigment by adsorbing onto the particles and preventing the particles from agglomerating by charge repulsion.

[0065] The polyether dispersant comprises structural units connected by one or more ether bonds (COC), which can provide hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity to the dispersant. The ether bonds can contain one or more linear or branched polyoxyalkylene or polyacetal structural groups, such as oxymethylene groups, oxyethylene groups, oxypropylene groups or oxybutylene groups. The oxypropylene can be a linear n-propylene oxide or a branched iso-propylene oxide group. Similarly, the oxybutylene group can be a n-butylene oxide group or an iso-butylene oxide group. If present, the polyoxyalkylene group has the following structure:

[0066] -(C m H 2m O) n -

[0067] Where m is the number of carbons in the polyoxyalkylene group, and n is the number of repeating oxyalkylene groups. The polyether dispersants may contain one or more of the same or different polyoxyalkylene groups, in combination with other ether linkages disclosed herein.

[0068] The ether linkage may also contain one or more oxyphenylene structural groups or polyphenyelene oxide structural groups having the following structure:

[0069]

[0070] wherein p is the number of phenyl groups in the oxyphenylene group, and q is the number of repeating oxyphenylene groups.

[0071] The ether linkage may also contain one or more polyetherketone structural groups having the following structure:

[0072]

[0073] wherein r is the number of ketones in the ether ketone group and q is the number of repeating ether ketone groups.

[0074] The ether linkage may also contain one or more polyetheretherketone structural groups having the following structure:

[0075]

[0076] wherein t is the number of keto groups in the etheretherketone group and u is the number of repeating etheretherketone groups.

[0077] The ether linkage may also comprise one or more cyclic ether structural groups, such as ethylene oxide or tetrahydrofuran moieties.

[0078] The ether linkage may comprise one or more ether linkages, alone or in combination with other ether linkage groups.

[0079] Generally speaking, ether bonds containing more short-chain groups with a smaller number of carbon atoms (such as oxyethyl groups) provide stronger hydrophilicity, while bonds containing long chains with more carbon atoms (e.g., oxypropyl, oxybutyl and long chains) provide relatively stronger hydrophilicity.

[0080] The polyether dispersant is modified in that it contains one or more pigment affinity groups. The pigment affinity groups present in the modified polyether dispersant wet, stabilize and disperse the pigments in the universal colorant composition and the toned base paint or stain after toning. The pigment affinity groups contain hydrophobic aliphatic or aromatic structural units or combinations thereof having at least 4 carbon atoms. The pigment affinity groups can be saturated or partially unsaturated. In addition, the pigment affinity groups can be adjacent to, connected to or terminated by ester groups or carboxylic acid groups. The pigment affinity groups can be unsubstituted, or in some methods, hydrogen atoms can be replaced by one or more nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms or fluorine atoms. In some methods, one or more carbon atoms in the pigment affinity groups can be substituted by silicon atoms, oxygen atoms or nitrogen atoms. The aliphatic portion of the pigment affinity groups can be a straight or branched aliphatic chain. The pigment affinity groups of the present disclosure contain at least 4 carbon atoms, or in other methods, at least 8, at least 10 or at least 12 carbon atoms. The pigment affinity groups can be terminated by carboxylic acid groups. The pigment affinity group may comprise: a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid ester group, such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid or hexacosanoic acid, or an unsaturated fatty acid, such as myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, arachidonic acid or other fatty acids. The fatty acid group may be saturated or unsaturated and may have at least 8 carbon atoms, at least 14 carbon atoms, at least 18 carbon atoms or at least 20 carbon atoms.

[0081] The modified polyether dispersant comprises at least one pigment-affinic group. If more than one pigment-affinic group is present, the pigment-affinic groups may be the same or different.

[0082] The dispersants of the present disclosure may include a molar ratio of pigment-affinic groups to ether-linked groups of at least 1:20, preferably at least 1:15, 1:5, or 1:4.

[0083] Previous aqueous universal colorant compositions need to contain more than one surfactant to disperse the pigment and make the composition compatible with solvent-based and aqueous base paints and stains. Such surfactant molecules are relatively small, with a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol, typically less than 500 g / mol. Compared to the multiple surfactant methods of previous methods, the modified polyether dispersants of the present disclosure are relatively large. In some methods, the modified polyether dispersants of the present disclosure may have a unimodal, bimodal or multimodal molecular weight. The maximum average molecular weight peak of a unimodal or multimodal has an average molecular weight of at least 1000 g / mol, or in other methods, at least 1500 g / mol or 2000 g / mol.

[0084] In addition, previous universal colorant compositions require more than one surfactant - at least one to provide compatibility with solvent-based (e.g., alkyd-based) base paints or toners, and at least one to provide compatibility with water-based (e.g., latex-based) base paints or stains. In contrast, the compatibility of the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure is achieved by including pigment-affinity groups present in modified polyether dispersants. In some approaches, the universal colorant composition includes a single modified polyether dispersant, but in other approaches, the universal colorant composition includes more than one modified polyether dispersant, which can be the same or different dispersants, each having the same or different pigment-affinity groups.

[0085] Thus, in contrast to the disclosed stain compositions, each of the various surfactants used to prepare previous conventional stain compositions compatible with aqueous and solvent-borne base paints and stains typically has an average molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol, typically less than 500 g / mol.

[0086] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the relatively large molecular size of the modified polyether dispersant of the present disclosure sterically hinders the movement of pigment particles in the universal colorant composition and in the toned paint or stain. Therefore, macromolecules containing such groups with affinity for pigment particles can stabilize the pigment particles in the colorant composition and prevent sedimentation. In addition, because the molecular weight of the polyether dispersant is larger than that of previous surfactants, the colorant composition of the present disclosure has a lower viscosity drop compared to previous universal colorant compositions. In this way, the inclusion of a modified polyether dispersant in the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure can resist the viscosity drop of the base paint or stain after dyeing.

[0087] Suitable modified polyether dispersants include: DISPERBYK-182, DISPERBYK-184, DISPERBYK-191, DISPERBYK-193, DISPERBYK-2061, DISPERBYK-2062, DISPERBYK-2090, BYK-3560, BYK-3565 from BYK-Chemie GmbH. ADD-6212, ADD-6230, ADD-6231 from ADD Additives BV. Other suitable modified polyether dispersants include ... Dispers650, Dispers 651, Dispers 653, Dispers 655, Dispers 656, and Ultra FA 4480, 5220, 6230, 7500, and from Solvay SA PSML-20PC.

[0088] In the previous method, when colorant is added to the base paint or stain, the universal colorant composition causes the viscosity of the base paint or stain to be disadvantageously reduced. The reduction of this viscosity affects the performance of the paint or stain of the final toning. For example, low-viscosity paint or stain is difficult to apply, may not provide necessary covering or coverage, and may not have required anti-blocking or anti-adhesion. In addition, since the base paint is made to have low VOC or no VOC by using softer polymers or binder resins, and the low VOC or no VOC colorant added to the base paint also has a high percentage of non-volatile soft components, it is difficult to form a hard film or coating with good mechanical properties (for example, anti-blocking and anti-adhesion).

[0089] Surprisingly, the universal colorant compositions of the present disclosure provide acceptable viscosity reduction without the need for the presence of multiple surfactants. In some embodiments, the universal colorant compositions of the present disclosure provide lower viscosity reduction when added to a base paint or stain than previous methods. Thus, the present disclosure is more resistant to viscosity reduction than previous methods.

[0090] In addition, in some embodiments, the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure provides a more uniform viscosity drop across the colorant composition. This is particularly desirable because more than one colorant composition (each with its own pigment and color) is used to tint a base paint or stain. The uniformity of the viscosity drop associated with all colorant compositions in an array of colorant compositions provides more predictability of the viscosity drop expected when tinting a base paint or stain.

[0091] The ratio of pigment to modified polyether dispersant varies depending on the pigment(s), dispersant(s) and other additives present in the colorant composition. In some methods, the ratio of pigment to dispersant is greater than about 1. In some methods, the ratio of pigment to dispersant is less than about 20, or in other methods, less than about 15, less than about 6, less than about 4, or less than 2.5.

[0092] Low VOC

[0093] In some methods, the vehicle, dispersant and other components of the universal colorant composition are selected to have a low VOC. Preferably, the universal colorant composition contains less than 50 g / L VOC, preferably less than 20 g / L VOC, preferably less than 10 g / L VOC, even more preferably less than 5 g / L VOC.

[0094] Optional surfactant

[0095] Although the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure may contain one or more surfactants, the composition is preferably substantially free of alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants (APEO). These surfactants are typically made by reacting branched nonylphenol or octylphenol with ethylene oxide. In some methods, the composition is also free of phosphate surfactants, while in other methods, the composition is substantially free of phosphorus-based surfactants containing ethoxylate groups. Such phosphorus-based surfactants are undesirable because, although they provide solvent compatibility, they tend to increase viscosity drop.

[0096] Preferably, the universal colorant composition is substantially free of surfactants having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol, since the inclusion of such surfactants may introduce a viscosity drop which in turn would be reduced compared to a universal colorant composition not comprising a surfactant. Preferably, the universal colorant composition is completely free of surfactants having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol.

[0097] Phospholipids

[0098] In some methods, the universal colorant composition comprises a phospholipid to further stabilize the composition. In some methods, the phospholipid is lecithin.

[0099] Optional additives

[0100] In some methods, the universal colorant composition may optionally include additional components or additives. In some methods, the colorant composition described herein includes one or more preservatives, wetting agents, biocides, fillers, defoamers, pH control agents, thickeners, anti-settling agents, and mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0101] The pigments of the universal colorant compositions of the present disclosure may be supplemented with extenders, inert pigments or fillers such as talc, clay, barite, carbonates, silicates and mixtures thereof, for example magnesium silicate, calcium carbonate, aluminosilicates, silica and various clays; organic materials including plastic beads (e.g., polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride beads), microsphere materials containing one or more voids, and vesicular polymer particles (e.g., those discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,427,835, 4,920,160, 4,594,363, 4,469,825, 4,468,498, 4,880,842, 4,985,064, 5,5157,084, 5,041,464, 5,036,109, 5,409,776 and 5,510,422). Other exemplary extenders, inert pigments or fillers include EXPANCEL TM 551DE20 acrylonitrile / vinyl chloride expanded particles (obtained from Expancel Inc.), SIL-CEL TM 43 Glass microporous filler (obtained from Silbrico Corporation), FILLITE TM 100 ceramic spherical particles (obtained from Trelleborg Fillite Inc.), SPHERICEL TM Hollow glass spheres (available from Potter Industries Inc.), 3M ceramic microspheres (available from 3M) including grades G-200, G-400, G-600, G-800, W-210, W-410 and W-610, 3M hollow microspheres (also available from 3M) including 3M Performance Additive iM30K, INHANCE TM UH 1900 polyethylene particles (obtained from Fluoro-Seal Inc.) and BIPHOR aluminum phosphate (obtained from Bunge Fertilizantes SA, Brazil). The colorant may, for example, contain at least about 0.5 wt %, at least about 1 wt %, or at least about 2 wt % of the combined weight of pigments, extenders, inert pigments, and fillers, and up to about 80 wt %, up to about 70 wt %, or up to about 60 wt % of the combined weight of pigments, extenders, inert pigments, and fillers.

[0102] In some methods, the colorant composition of the present disclosure includes a wetting agent. The wetting agent is selected from diols (e.g., ethylene glycol), polyols (e.g., propylene glycol), polyethers, etc. In a preferred aspect, the wetting agent is a polyether. Exemplary polyethers include, but are not limited to, polyalkylene glycols (e.g., low to medium molecular weight polyethylene and polypropylene glycol), polyhydroxy ethers (e.g., those formed by epoxide polymerization), polysaccharide compounds (e.g., polysorbate (polysorbitan) and polysorbate oxide (polypropylene oxide)), alkylene oxides (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene oxide) and mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0103] In some methods, the colorant compositions disclosed herein include about 1% to 20% by weight of a wetting agent, preferably about 2% to 18% by weight of a wetting agent, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. Polyethers suitable for use in the compositions and methods described herein include linear ethylene glycol polyethers of low molecular weight (e.g., having an average molecular weight of 190 g / mol to 210 g / mol) and medium molecular weight polyethylene glycols (e.g., having an average molecular weight of 285 g / mol to 315 g / mol, 385 g / mol to 415 g / mol, or 585 g / mol to 615 g / mol). Medium molecular weight polyethylene glycols are advantageous for use as vehicles because they are substantially free of ethylene glycol containing 5 moles or less of ethylene oxide.

[0104] Preferably, suitable ethylene glycol polyethers have an average molecular weight of about 190 to about 800, more preferably about 375 to 425 or 575 to 625. Particularly useful commercial polyethylene glycols are PEG 300, PEG 400 and PEG 600.

[0105] Another useful optional additive is a wetting agent, such as wetting agent GRB-2 from Zenica, which contains glycerin and a nonionic surfactant. Other wetting agents containing glycerin and a nonionic surfactant. Other wetting agents that can be used to practice the present disclosure include materials such as glycols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, etc.; polyethylene glycols with a molecular weight of about 300 g / mol, 400 g / mol, 500 g / mol, etc.; polypropylene glycols with a molecular weight of about 300 g / mol, 400 g / mol, 500 g / mol, etc.; glycerin, sorbitol, sodium polyglutamate, modified urea compounds, polyethylene oxide, and ethoxylated surfactants, etc.

[0106] For ease of manufacture, a defoaming agent may be added. Suitable defoaming agents include materials such as mineral oil, silicone oil (such as Drew L-474 from Ashland Chemical) or organomodified silicone oil (such as Drew L-405 from Ashland Chemical) and the like.

[0107] Biocides can also be added to the colorant composition of the present disclosure to eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Biocides typically account for 0% to 1% by weight of the wet colorant composition. Biocidal chemicals include chlorinated hydrocarbons, organometallic compounds, halogen-releasing compounds, metal salts, organosulfur compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds and phenols. Useful commercial biocides examples are Troysan 192 from Arxada Corporation, Kathon LS from Lanxess Corporation, etc.

[0108] Fungicides may also be added to the colorant compositions of the present disclosure to eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Non-limiting examples of fungicides include compounds such as iodopropynyl n-butylcarbamate (IPBC), thiophanate-methyl, zinc pyrithione, 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, and the like. A preferred fungicide is IPBC.

[0109] Container for distribution

[0110] The universal colorant composition disclosed herein is typically dispensed in a container that is inserted into a custom tinting machine to tint a base paint or stain at a point-of-sale retail location. In some methods, the universal colorant composition may be provided in an easy-to-use container such as a tube, a syringe, or a caulking-type cartridge. In other methods, the universal colorant composition may be provided in a sealed pouch, allowing the composition to be dispensed in controlled amounts. Suitable containers for use in the present disclosure include metal and plastic tubes (e.g., "toothpaste" type tubes), sealed plastic bags or pouches, and caulking-tube cartridges (e.g., a barrel with a plunger, such as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,622,288, 5,560,521, and 5,297,697, which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0111] Colorant composition array

[0112] In another aspect, a point of sale system is disclosed for preparing custom tinted waterborne and solventborne architectural paints and stains using an array of liquid universal colorant compositions as disclosed herein. The array preferably includes at least white, red, blue, and yellow universal colorant compositions. The point of sale system can be automatic or manual. For example, a variety of automatic paint colorant dispensers can be used with the disclosed systems and methods, including a 1 / 384 fluid ounce (0.077 cm) dispenser from Fluid Management, Inc. 3) minimum dispensed volume ACCUTINTER 1500, 2000, 7000 and 8000 series machines, and the 1 / 1024 fluid ounce (0.029 cm 3 ) minimum dispensing volume sample dispensing system. Additional automatic paint colorant dispensers include the 1 / 192 fluid ounce (0.153 cm 3 ) minimum dispensed COROB MODULA HF machine, and a 1 / 384 fluid ounce (0.077 cm 3 ) minimum dispensing volume TATOCOLOR machine. The selected dispenser may, for example, have a volume of less than 0.01 fluid ounce (<0.3 cm 3 ) minimum fluid dispense volume, preferably less than 0.007 fluid ounces (<0.2 cm 3 ), more preferably less than 0.005 fluid ounces (<0.15 cm 3 Dispensers with even smaller minimum dispensing volumes, such as less than 0.001 fluid ounces (<0.03 cm 3 ) or less than 0.0002(<0.014cm 3 ), but to prepare strong color in large container, this type of distributor also can need longer time amount.In order to overcome this problem, distributor can be modified to provide multiple distribution loops for one or more colorants, for example, for at least some colorants in distributor (for example, green, blue, red and magenta, if used) provide lower flow rate, lower minimum distribution loop and higher flow rate, higher minimum distribution loop.These loops can share some common parts (for example, the take-out line of colorant tank, one or more colorant distribution nozzles or nozzle cleaning device) and can use some non-shared parts (for example, gear pump).The equipment cost of a certain degree of increase caused by this type of method will be compensated by the following: the filling rate that increases when preparing strong color in large container, and by reducing or eliminating the demand of using independent distributor to handle larger or smaller colorant volume.

[0113] Universal colorant compositions each having a different color or pigment can be used in the methods disclosed herein. The compositions and methods described herein preferably use an array of 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 colorants, but fewer colorants can be used where limited color space is acceptable, or more colorants can be used where additional dispenser slots are available and expanded color space is desired and / or acceptable. To tint a base paint or stain, one or more colors of the universal colorant composition are added to the base paint or stain, point-of-sale tinting equipment is used in some methods, and the base paint or stain is mixed until uniform.

[0114] Preferably, the array of colorant compositions of the present disclosure includes less than 14 different colorant compositions, each having a different color. It was surprisingly discovered that an array of 12 colorant compositions consisting of colorants of the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure can accurately custom-tint paints with the same breadth and specificity of paint colors as those paints requiring 14 previously commercially available colorant compositions.

[0115] Tinted base paint or stain

[0116] In some methods, the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure is added to a base paint or stain capable of being tinted in a measured weight manner, so that the tinted paint or stain contains about 0.05 wt % to 15 wt % of one or more universal colorant compositions based on the wet weight of the colorant composition and the wet weight of the base paint or stain. In other methods, the universal colorant composition is added to the base paint or stain capable of being tinted by volume, so that the tinted paint or stain contains about 0.05 wt % to 15 wt % of one or more universal colorant compositions based on the wet weight of the colorant composition and the wet weight of the base paint or stain.

[0117] When added to a waterborne base paint or stain, the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure reduces the viscosity of the waterborne base paint or stain by less than 20 Krebs units, preferably less than 10 Krebs units.

[0118] In some methods, the universal colorant compositions described herein are substantially homogeneous and require little mixing prior to use. In one aspect, the colorant compositions described herein require mechanical shaking for up to about 3 minutes prior to use, but preferably do not require shaking at all, even after extended shelf life.

[0119] List of Exemplary Embodiments

[0120] The following is a non-exhaustive list of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments described in the present disclosure but not included in this list of exemplary embodiments are still embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] Embodiment 1: A universal colorant composition, comprising:

[0122] Aqueous vehicle,

[0123] one or more pigments or dyes,

[0124] and modified polyether dispersants containing one or more pigment-affinity groups;

[0125] The polyether dispersant comprises one or more polyoxyalkyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted polyoxyphenyl groups, polyetherketones, polyetheretherketones, cyclic ethers or combinations thereof, and

[0126] wherein the pigment-affinic groups are each saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic structural units containing a plurality of carbon atoms;

[0127] wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1000 g / mol;

[0128] wherein the universal colorant composition is substantially free of low molecular weight surfactants;

[0129] wherein the universal colorant composition is compatible with waterborne and solventborne base paints and stains and is suitable for use in point-of-sale tinting machines; and

[0130] The colorant composition comprises a binder in an amount less than a film-forming amount.

[0131] Embodiment 2: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of surfactant.

[0132] Embodiment 3: The universal colorant composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the colorant composition comprises a first modified polyether dispersant comprising one or more pigment-affinic groups; and

[0133] a second modified polyether dispersant, the second modified polyether dispersant comprising one or more pigment-affinity groups;

[0134] The one or more pigment affinity groups of the first modified polyether dispersant are the same as or different from the one or more pigment affinity groups of the second modified polyether dispersant.

[0135] Embodiment 4: The universal colorant composition according to any of the preceding embodiments,

[0136] The polyether dispersant comprises oxymethyl, oxyethyl, oxypropyl or oxybutyl structural units.

[0137] Embodiment 5: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the polyether dispersant comprises oxyethylene structural units.

[0138] Embodiment 6: The universal colorant composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polyether dispersant comprises tetrahydrofuran or ethylene oxide structural units.

[0139] Embodiment 7: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of at least 2 weight %, at least 5 weight % or at least 7 weight % based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0140] Embodiment 8: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of up to 20 wt%, up to 15 wt%, or up to 12 wt%, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0141] Embodiment 9: The universal colorant composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one pigment-affinic group is a linear or branched aliphatic chain having at least 4, at least 8, at least 10, or at least 12 carbons.

[0142] Embodiment 10: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pigment-affinic group comprises an aromatic group.

[0143] Embodiment 11: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pigment-affinic group comprises a branched or unbranched C10 alkyl chain.

[0144] Embodiment 12: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pigment-affinic group comprises a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 14 carbon atoms.

[0145] Embodiment 13: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pigment-affinic group comprises a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 18 carbon atoms.

[0146] Embodiment 14: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one pigment-affinic group comprises an unsaturated oleic or linoleic fatty acid.

[0147] Embodiment 15: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the dispersant has a molar ratio of pigment-affinic groups to polyoxyalkyl groups of at least 1:20, preferably at least 1:15, 1:5 or 1:4.

[0148] Embodiment 16: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of at least 2 weight % or at least about 5 weight % based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0149] Embodiment 17: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of up to about 90 weight %, or up to about 80, or up to about 70 weight % based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0150] Embodiment 18: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the composition comprises less than 50 g / L VOC, preferably less than 20 g / L VOC, preferably less than 10 g / L VOC, or even more preferably less than 5 g / L VOC.

[0151] Embodiment 19: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1500 g / mol or at least 2000 g / mol.

[0152] Embodiment 20: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants.

[0153] Embodiment 21: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of phosphate surfactants.

[0154] Embodiment 22: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of phosphorus-based surfactants having ethoxylate groups.

[0155] Embodiment 23: The universal colorant according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the universal colorant further comprises a phospholipid.

[0156] Embodiment 24: The universal colorant composition of Embodiment 23, wherein the phospholipid is lecithin.

[0157] Embodiment 25: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of surfactants having an average molecular weight of less than 500 g / mol, preferably less than 1000 g / mol.

[0158] Embodiment 26: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein when added to a base paint or stain, the viscosity of the base paint or stain is reduced by less than 20 Krebs Units, preferably less than 10 Krebs Units, when measured according to the Viscosity Drop Test.

[0159] Embodiment 27: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the ratio of pigment to dispersant is at least 1.

[0160] Embodiment 28: The universal colorant composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the weight ratio of pigment to dispersant is at most 20, at most 15, at most 6, at most 4, or at most 2.5.

[0161] Embodiment 29: A point of sale system for preparing custom tinted waterborne and solventborne architectural paints and stains, the system comprising:

[0162] An array of universal colorant compositions according to any preceding embodiment; the array comprising at least white, red, blue and yellow colorant compositions,

[0163] The universal colorant composition does not negatively affect the viscosity of tinted latex paints when added to base paints or stains.

[0164] Embodiment 30: A method of preparing a tinted paint or stain, the method comprising adding one or more universal colorant compositions according to any of the preceding embodiments of the tinted base paint to a base paint or stain, and mixing the base paint or stain until uniform.

[0165] Embodiment 31: The method of Embodiment 30, wherein the one or more universal colorant compositions are added by weight to the base paint or stain.

[0166] Embodiment 32: The method of Embodiment 30, wherein the one or more universal colorant compositions are added to the base paint or stain in a fixed volume.

[0167] Embodiment 33: A tinted paint or stain, the tinted paint or stain comprising:

[0168] Base paints or stains that can be tinted; and

[0169] About 0.05 wt. % to 15 wt. % of one or more universal colorant compositions according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0170] Embodiment 34: A system for tinting a base paint or stain, the system comprising:

[0171] An array of universal colorant compositions according to any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the array comprises at least twelve colorant compositions, the at least twelve colorant compositions comprising at least white, red, blue and yellow colors, and

[0172] Base paint or stain.

[0173] Embodiment 35: The system of Embodiment 34, wherein no more than 3 and preferably no more than 5 of the twelve colorant compositions have a viscosity drop of more than 10 KU when each of the universal colorant compositions is added to the base paint or stain.

[0174] Example

[0175] The present disclosure is illustrated by the following examples, which are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Specific embodiments, materials, amounts and procedures are broadly interpreted according to the scope and substance of the present disclosure as described herein. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight, and all molecular weights are weight average molecular weights. Unless otherwise indicated, all chemicals used are commercially available.

[0176] Example 1: Preparation of the colorant composition of the present invention

[0177] By mixing water, pigment and Dispers 651 (a modified polyether dispersant having about 14 mol of polyoxyethylene structural units per equivalent, 1 mol of C10 straight chain aliphatic structural units per equivalent, and 3 mol of aromatic structural units per equivalent (peak molecular weight of about 1500 g / mol)) was mixed with conventional wetting agents, defoamers, preservatives, and thickeners to prepare a colorant composition. The colorant was ground to a Hegmann grinding fineness value of 7 using zirconium grinding beads. Table 1 shows the amount contained in each universal colorant composition by weight percentage.

[0178] Table 1. Components of the colorant composition of the present invention (weight %)

[0179]

[0180] Example 2: Base paint using the universal colorant composition of the present invention and using an existing universal colorant composition Color comparison

[0181] The colorant composition of the present disclosure was prepared and mixed with the commercially available low VOC universal colorant system NovoColor TM II colorant composition for comparison. 1 The colorant compositions of the NovoColor II colorant system were selected for comparison because they rely on a combination of a low molecular weight water-compatible surfactant and a low molecular weight solvent-compatible surfactant. The colorants were used to tint samples of waterborne acrylic latex paints, specifically InteriorAcrylicTint (formulation A96W1251); and SWP ExteriorGlossTint (formulation A2W528) solvent-based paints, both available from The

[0182]

[0183] Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio. Waterborne base paints were tinted with 5 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. Solventborne base paints were tinted with 4 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The tinted paints were then tested according to the tribochromatic test and the colorimeter test and the tinting strength was evaluated.

[0184] Table 2: Tinting strength, ΔE, friction discoloration

[0185]

[0186] The data demonstrates that the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure has excellent compatibility with both waterborne and solventborne base paints.

[0187] Example 3: When tinting a waterborne base paint, the colorant composition of the present invention and a commercially available colorant composition Comparison of viscosity reduction of the compound

[0188] The colorant composition of the present disclosure is mixed with the commercially available low VOC universal colorant system NovoColor TM II colorant composition for comparison. Sample of Interior Matte Ultradeep (Formula A96T1254) water-based latex paint 2 Tinted at 10 ounces of colorant per gallon, and

[0189] The viscosity was measured after shaking on a cradle-type mechanical shaker for 1 minute. TM The colorants of the present disclosure show less impact on the viscosity of the tinted paints than the tinted II colorants. The data are shown in Table 3.

[0190] Table 3: Viscosity drop measurements

[0191]

[0192] The data show that the universal colorant composition of the present invention has a higher performance than existing universal colorant compositions (such as II universal colorant system) Lower viscosity drop. For some colors, the viscosity drop is reduced by more than 50% compared to existing solutions.

[0193] Example 4: Preparation of the colorant composition of the present invention

[0194] By mixing water, pigment and Dispers 653 (a modified polyether dispersant) was mixed with conventional wetting agents, defoamers, preservatives and thickeners to prepare the colorant composition. The colorant was ground to a Hegmann grind fineness value of 7 using zirconium grinding beads. Table 4 shows the weight percentage of each universal colorant composition component based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

[0195] Table 4. Components of the colorant composition of the present invention

[0196]

[0197]

[0198] Example 5: The colorant composition of the present invention and the existing colorant composition are used to color water-based and solvent-based bases Paint color comparison

[0199] The colorant composition of the present disclosure was prepared and mixed with the commercially available low VOC universal colorant system NovoColor TM The NovoColor II colorant system was selected for comparison because their compatibility relies on a combination of a low molecular weight water-compatible surfactant and a low molecular weight solvent-compatible surfactant. The colorant was used to tint samples of waterborne acrylic latex paints, specifically Sherwin-Williams Interior Acrylic Latex (formulation A96W1251, identified by formulation number in the "Base Paint" column of Table 5 below; and solvent-based paint, SWP Exterior Gloss Oil-based (formulation A2W528, identified as "Solvent-based" in the "Base Paint" column of Table 5 below), both available from The Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio. The water-based base paints were tinted at 5 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The solvent-based base paints were tinted at 4 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The tinted paints were then tested according to the Rub Color Test and the Colorimeter Test, and the tint strength was evaluated.

[0200] Table 5. Color intensity, ΔE, friction color change

[0201]

[0202]

[0203]

[0204] The data demonstrates that the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure has excellent compatibility with both waterborne and solventborne base paints.

[0205] Example 6: Comparison of viscosity reduction between the colorant composition of the present invention and the existing colorant composition

[0206] The colorant composition of the present disclosure is mixed with the commercially available low VOC universal colorant system NovoColor TM II colorant composition for comparison. Interior Matte Ultradeep (Formula A96T1254) Water-based Latex Paint 2 A sample of 10 ounces of colorant per gallon was tinted and shaken on a cradle-type mechanical shaker for 1 minute before measuring the viscosity. It will be appreciated that the viscosity of the commercially available NovoColor TM The colorants of the present disclosure show less impact on the viscosity of the tinted paints than the tinted II colorants. The data are shown in Table 6.

[0207] Table 6: Viscosity drop measurements

[0208]

[0209] The data show that the universal colorant composition of the present invention has a higher performance than existing universal colorant compositions (such as II universal colorant system) Lower viscosity drop. For some colors, the viscosity drop is reduced by more than 50% compared to existing solutions.

[0210] Example 7: Preparation of the colorant composition of the present invention

[0211] By mixing water, pigment and (a modified polyether dispersant) was mixed with conventional wetting agents, defoamers, preservatives and thickeners to prepare colorant compositions. The colorants were ground to a Hegmann grinding fineness value of 7 using zirconium grinding beads. Table 7 shows the amount of each component contained in each universal colorant composition by weight percentage based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

[0212] Table 7. Components of the colorant composition of the present invention (weight %)

[0213]

[0214] Example 8: Comparison with commercially available universal colorant composition

[0215] The colorant composition of the present disclosure was prepared and mixed with the commercially available low VOC universal colorant system NovoColor TM II colorant composition for comparison. 1 The colorant compositions of the NovoColor II colorant system were selected for comparison because they rely on a combination of a low molecular weight water-compatible surfactant and a low molecular weight solvent-compatible surfactant. The colorants were used to tint samples of waterborne acrylic latex paints, specifically InteriorAcrylicTin (Formulation A96W1251); and SWP ExteriorGlossTin (Formulation A2W528) solvent-based paints, both available from The Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio. The water-based base paint was tinted with 5 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The solvent-based base paint was tinted with 4 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The tinted paints were then tested according to the Tribocolor Test and the Colorimeter Test, and the tinting strength was evaluated.

[0216] Table 8. Color intensity, ΔE, friction color change

[0217]

[0218]

[0219] The data show that the universal colorant composition of the present disclosure has excellent compatibility with waterborne base paints. Some colors also have excellent compatibility with solvent-based base paints. Other colors require further optimization to improve solvent compatibility.

[0220] Example 9: Comparison of viscosity reduction with existing colorant compositions

[0221] The colorant composition of the present disclosure is mixed with the commercially available low VOC universal colorant system NovoColor TM II colorant composition for comparison. Interior Matte Ultradeep (Formula A96T1254) Water-based Latex Paint 2 A sample of 10 ounces of colorant per gallon was tinted and shaken on a cradle-type mechanical shaker for 1 minute before measuring the viscosity. It will be appreciated that the viscosity of the commercially available NovoColor TM The colorants of the present disclosure show less impact on the viscosity of the tinted paints than the tinted II colorants. The data are shown in Table 9.

[0222] Table 9: Viscosity drop measurements

[0223]

[0224] The data show that some universal colorant compositions of the present invention have better color performance than existing universal colorant compositions (such as II universal colorant system) lower viscosity drop.

[0225] Example 10: Evaluation of the uniformity of viscosity reduction of base paint and stain .

[0226] The colorant compositions in Table 10 were prepared by mixing one or more modified polyether dispersants having pigment-affinity groups with conventional wetting agents, defoamers, preservatives, and thickeners. The colorants were ground to a Hegmann grinding fineness value of 7 using zirconium grinding beads. Table 7 shows the amount of each component contained in each universal colorant composition by weight percentage based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

[0227] Table 10. Components of the colorant composition of the present invention (weight %)

[0228]

[0229] In order to evaluate the viscosity drop compared with the existing colorant composition, each colorant composition is added to a gallon of the base paint or colorant container at a fixed volume (with the maximum colorant volume allowed on the base paint or colorant label). As a control, the same test is carried out using the same color of the Novocolor II colorant composition array from Sherwin-Williams Company, including a combination of a hydrophilic surfactant and a hydrophobic surfactant, so that the colorant composition has versatility. The KU (Stormer) viscosity of the base paint or colorant is measured before and after the addition of the colorant composition to evaluate the viscosity drop associated with each combination of colorant and base paint or colorant. The viscosity drop between 5KU and 10KU is marked with an underline, and the viscosity drop exceeding 10KU is marked with an italic font. The information in the brackets represents: [the count of the viscosity drop between 5KU and 10KU, the count of the viscosity drop above 10KU].

[0230]

[0231]

[0232]

[0233] The data demonstrates that the colorant compositions of the present invention exhibit less viscosity drop than prior art colorant compositions and exhibit a more uniform viscosity drop across all colorants in the array.

Claims

1. A universal colorant composition, comprising: Aqueous vehicle, one or more pigments or dyes, and modified polyether dispersants containing one or more pigment-affinity groups; wherein the polyether dispersant comprises one or more polyoxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted polyoxyphenyl, polyetherketone, polyetheretherketone, or cyclic ether structural units or combinations thereof, and wherein the pigment-affinity groups are each saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic structural units containing a plurality of carbon atoms; wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1000 g / mol; wherein the universal colorant composition is substantially free of low molecular weight surfactants; wherein the universal colorant composition is compatible with waterborne and solventborne base paints and stains and is suitable for use in point-of-sale tinting machines; and The colorant composition comprises a binder in an amount less than a film-forming amount.

2. The universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of surfactant.

3. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein The colorant composition comprises a first modified polyether dispersant comprising one or more pigment-affinic groups; and a second modified polyether dispersant, the second modified polyether dispersant comprising one or more pigment-affinity groups; The one or more pigment affinity groups of the first modified polyether dispersant are the same as or different from the one or more pigment affinity groups of the second modified polyether dispersant.

4. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, The polyether comprises oxymethyl, oxyethyl, oxypropyl or oxybutyl polyalkyl structural units.

5. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, The polyether comprises oxyethylene structural units.

6. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, The polyether comprises tetrahydrofuran or ethylene oxide structural units.

7. The universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of at least 2 wt%, at least 5 wt% or at least 7 wt% based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

8. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of up to 20 wt%, up to 15 wt% or up to 12 wt%, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

9. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, At least one of the pigment-affinic groups is a straight or branched aliphatic chain having at least 4, at least 8, at least 10 or at least 12 carbons.

10. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the pigment-affinic group comprises an aromatic group.

11. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the pigment-affinic group comprises a branched or unbranched C10 alkyl chain.

12. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the pigment affinic group comprises a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 14 carbon atoms.

13. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the pigment affinic group comprises a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 18 carbon atoms.

14. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the pigment affinic group comprises an unsaturated oleic or linoleic fatty acid.

15. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispersant has a molar ratio of pigment-affinic groups to polyoxyalkyl groups of at least 1 :20, preferably at least 1 :15, 1 :5 or 1 :

4.

16. The universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of at least 2 wt. % or at least about 5 wt. % based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

17. The universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of up to about 90 wt%, or up to about 80 wt%, or up to about 70 wt%, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

18. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein The composition comprises less than 50 g / L VOC, preferably less than 20 g / L VOC, preferably less than 10 g / L VOC, or even more preferably less than 5 g / L VOC.

19. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, The modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1500 g / mol or at least 2000 g / mol.

20. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants.

21. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the colorant composition is substantially free of phosphate surfactants.

22. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, The colorant composition is substantially free of phosphorus-based surfactants having ethoxylate groups.

23. A universal colorant according to any preceding claim, The universal colorant further comprises phospholipids.

24. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, The phospholipid is lecithin.

25. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, The colorant composition is substantially free of surfactants having an average molecular weight of less than 500 g / mol, preferably less than 1000 g / mol.

26. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, Wherein when added to a base paint or stain, the base paint or stain has a viscosity reduction of less than 20 Krebs Units, preferably less than 10 Krebs Units, when measured according to the Viscosity Reduction Test.

27. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of pigment to dispersant is at least 1.

28. A universal colorant composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of pigment to dispersant is at most 20, at most 15, at most 6, at most 4, or at most 2.

5.

29. A point of sale system for preparing custom tinted waterborne and solventborne architectural paints and stains, the system comprising: An array of universal colorant compositions according to any preceding claim; The array comprises at least white, red, blue and yellow colorant compositions, The universal colorant composition does not negatively affect the viscosity of tinted latex paints when added to base paints or stains.

30. A method for preparing a toned paint or stain, the method comprising One or more universal colorant compositions according to any preceding claim are added to a base paint or stain and the tinted base paint or stain is mixed until homogeneous.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the one or more universal colorant compositions are added by weight to the base paint or stain.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the one or more universal colorant compositions are added to the base paint or stain by volume.

33. A toned paint or stain, the toned paint or stain comprising: Base paints or stains that can be tinted; and About 0.05% to 15% by weight of one or more universal colorant compositions according to any preceding claim.

34. A system for tinting a base paint or stain, the system comprising: An array of universal colorant compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the array comprises at least twelve colorant compositions, the at least twelve colorant compositions comprising at least white, red, blue and yellow colors, and Base paint or stain.

35. The system according to claim 34, Wherein no more than 3 and preferably no more than 5 of the twelve colorant compositions have a viscosity drop of more than 10 KU when each of the universal colorant compositions is added to the base paint or stain.

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