Rheology control agent

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a liquid carrier that is liquid at a temperature of 23 DEG C, a urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn of between 400 g / mol and 30,000 g / mol dissolved in the liquid carrier, and an ionic compound dissolved in the liquid carrier wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, guanidine hydrochloride, NaSCN, NaBr.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a composition comprising a liquid carrier that is liquid at 23°C, a urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30,000 g / mol dissolved in the liquid carrier, and an ionic compound dissolved in the liquid carrier, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one selected from CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, and NaBr. It further relates to liquid compositions, coated articles, the use of said composition for controlling the rheology of liquid compositions, the use of ionic compounds for improving the solubility of urea components, and methods for controlling the rheology of liquid compositions.

[0002] In fields such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, molding compounds, and oil drilling fluids, the rheological properties of these liquid systems must be tailored, primarily by adjusting viscosity. This can be achieved, for example, through the selection of binding agents, solvents, and the concentration of pigments and / or fillers. Typically, so-called rheology modifiers are added to these liquids. These modifiers function to adjust the rheological properties of the system, such as viscosity and viscoelasticity. This often improves the system's properties in terms of sag resistance, improved storage stability (due to reduced solid particle settling), or a general increase in viscosity (often referred to as "thickening").

[0003] Rheology control aids often utilize optionally organically modified clays (e.g., bentonite and / or silica); hydrogenated castor oil; and polyamide waxes to control the rheology of liquid systems. The disadvantage of these rheology control aids is that they are mostly dry solids that must be processed into semi-finished forms using solvents and shear forces, and / or introduced into liquid systems with targeted temperature control. Failure to adhere to these temperature and / or appropriate incorporation conditions not only leads to poor rheological properties but also to undesirable properties of the product.

[0004] In the case of liquid systems that are coating compositions, these rheology control additives often cause turbidity and haze in clear, transparent coatings. Furthermore, operating with dry, powdered products that generate dust during processing may be technically disadvantageous.

[0005] Liquid application alternatives to these rheology control auxiliaries can be provided by solutions of specific urea components, as described, for example, in EP 1 188 779 A. Alternatively, ionic liquids can be used instead of classic organic diluents, as described in DE 102008059702 A.

[0006] Another aspect to consider regarding rheology control additives supplied in liquid form is their storage stability. For example, prolonged storage time or increased storage stress, such as under non-constant temperature storage conditions, can lead to decreased storage stability, accompanied by reduced effectiveness in the target system. Therefore, it is desirable for rheology control additives to possess good storage stability and to be resistant to precipitation or gelation during storage.

[0007] To prevent premature precipitation during storage, small amounts of salt, especially halides such as LiCl, are typically added as stabilizers. Lithium salts pose several sustainability problems, such as excessive water consumption and a potential lack of reliable sources. Furthermore, lithium salts exhibit reprotoxic properties or potential reproductive toxicity.

[0008] All the parameters mentioned above limit the selection of suitable formulations. The selection of suitable rheology control auxiliaries is therefore difficult because they must be compatible with the subsequent application system and meet a variety of requirements. They must not only exhibit improved rheological activity in the application system but also broad compatibility in the application-related formulations. The need for improved rheology additives continues. The use of improved rheology additives should provide reliable thickening effects in various formulations, while the storage stability of these rheology control auxiliaries needs to be favorable.

[0009] Therefore, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a high-quality rheology control agent with good performance that can be used in a wide range of application systems. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a rheology control agent that does not require lithium salts but provides comparable performance in terms of storage stability, anti-sag behavior, discoloration, and other properties. Another object of the present invention is to find a rheology control agent that brings about significant anti-sag behavior.

[0010] Surprisingly, it has been found that these objectives can be achieved by a composition comprising a liquid carrier that is liquid at 23°C, a urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol dissolved in the liquid carrier, and an ionic compound dissolved in the liquid carrier, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, and NaBr.

[0011] Guanidine hydrochloride (carbamimidoylazanium chloride) is CH5N3·HCl (guanidine hydrochloride CAS No. 50-01-1).

[0012] The urea component and ionic compound are dissolved in a liquid carrier. This means that the urea component, ionic compound, and liquid carrier form a solution, which is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. The urea component and ionic compound are completely or almost completely dissolved in the liquid carrier, with no dispersed or emulsified portions of the urea component or ionic compound present.

[0013] In one embodiment, the urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol comprises a urea-urethane-compound. In another embodiment, the urea component comprises a molecule containing at least one urea group and at least one urethane group. In yet another embodiment, the urea component comprises a molecule containing at least one urea group and at least two urethane groups. In yet another embodiment, the urea component comprises a molecule containing at least two urea groups; in a different embodiment, the urea component comprises two urea groups and two urethane groups; in still another embodiment, the urea component comprises a molecule containing at least four urea groups or more than four urea groups. In a different embodiment, the urea component comprises a molecule containing at least two urea groups and at least two urethane groups. In a different embodiment of the invention, the urethane group may not even be present.

[0014] Suitablely, the urea component according to claim 11 of WO 2015 / 158407, claim 13 of WO 2015 / 158407, claim 16 of WO 2015 / 158407 and claim 1 of EP 1396510 A1 is used.

[0015] A preferred class of urea components with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol can be described according to the following general formula (U-1).

[0016] R31-[R33-Z-R34-W-] n -R32 (U-1)

[0017] in

[0018] R31 and R32 independently, and each time they appear, represent branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated organic groups containing 1 to 100 carbon atoms and having no more than one urea group and no more than one carbamate group.

[0019] R33 and R34 independently, and each time in their respective appearances, represent: a branched or unbranched polyester group containing 1 to 300 carbon atoms and optionally containing an ether group; a branched or unbranched polyether group containing 2 to 300 carbon atoms; a branched or unbranched polyamide group containing 1 to 300 carbon atoms; a polysiloxane group containing 3 to 100 silicon atoms; a branched or unbranched C2 to C22 alkylene group; a branched or unbranched C2 to C22 cycloalkylene group; a branched or unbranched C2 to C18 alkenylene group; a C6 to C12 arylene group; and / or a branched or unbranched C7 to C22 arylalkylene group.

[0020] Z and W independently represent NH—CO—O and / or NH—CO—NH, in multiple occurrences.

[0021] n represents an integer from 1 to 150, preferably from 2 to 150. When n appears more than once, n independently represents an integer from 1 to 150, preferably from 2 to 150.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the urea component is selected from general formulas (U-2a), (U-2b), (U-2c), (U-2d), and (U-2e).

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

[0027]

[0028] in

[0029] AM is selected from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 2 to 50 carbon atoms. In cases where AM appears multiple times, AM is independently selected from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 2 to 50 carbon atoms.

[0030] AM1 and AM2 independently, and in multiple instances, represent linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 1 to 50 carbon atoms.

[0031] IC1 and IC2 independently, and in multiple occurrences, represent linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon organic groups having 2 to 40 carbon atoms.

[0032] IC3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic, or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms. In cases where IC3 appears multiple times, IC3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic, or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0033] IC4 is selected from the groups described for IC1 and IC2 or segments containing urethane groups having the following structures.

[0034] -[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]-

[0035] Wherein RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups. Where RP3 appears multiple times, RP3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups.

[0036] RP1 and RP2 independently, and in multiple instances, represent linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 1 to 24 C atoms and / or polyether groups having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or polyester groups having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, and / or polyamide groups having 1 to 100 amide groups, and / or polysiloxane groups having 3 to 100 silicon atoms.

[0037] RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing an ether group. In cases where RP3 appears multiple times, RP3 independently represents the aforementioned groups.

[0038] m is an integer from 0 to 20, preferably from 1 to 20, and more preferably from 1 to 5. p represents 0 and / or 1. q is an integer from 0 to 20.

[0039] Preferably, the urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol has a structure according to formula (U-2a), wherein

[0040] RP1 is selected from hydrocarbon groups having 4 to 24 carbon atoms or polyether segments having up to 50 repeating alkylene oxide units, preferably segment Q-(O-AO). r Where Q is a C1 to C18 alkyl or alkenyl group, AO is a group C2H4 or C3H6, and r is an integer from 2 to 35.

[0041] IC1 and IC2 are preferably selected from one of the following divalent groups (“ (Indicating the connection point)

[0042] ,

[0043] ,

[0044] ,

[0045] ,

[0046] ,

[0047] Furthermore, AM is selected from the groups C2H4, C3H6, C4H8, and C5H. 10、 C6H 12 C6H 10 –CH2-C6H4-CH2- or groups

[0048]

[0049]

[0050] Where R x and R y It represents H or CH3.

[0051] In a highly preferred embodiment of (U-2a), IC1 and / or IC2 are selected from...

[0052]

[0053]

[0054] More preferably, IC1 and IC2 are selected from

[0055]

[0056] In a highly preferred embodiment of (U-2a), AM is selected from C2H4 and –CH2-C6H4-CH2-.

[0057] In a highly preferred embodiment of (U-2a), m is an integer from 0 to 10. In a particular embodiment, m is an integer from 1 to 5. In another embodiment, m is 0.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment, the urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol has a structure according to formula (U-2b), wherein

[0059] Preferred embodiments of IC1 and IC2 are as described in (U-2a), particularly the group C7H6 or the group -C6H4-CH2-C6H4-.

[0060] AM1 and AM2 are selected from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl or group C6H5-CH2-, and

[0061] RP3 is selected from hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms or polyether segments having 1 to 40 ether oxygen atoms, preferably polyether segments containing 1 to 30 repeating units based on ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the urea component has a structure according to formula (U-2c), wherein

[0063] Preferred embodiments of AM1 and AM2 are as described in reference (U-2b).

[0064] The preferred embodiment of AM is as described in (U-2a), and

[0065] IC4 is selected from groups as described for IC1 and IC2, or segments containing urethane groups having the following structures.

[0066] -[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]-

[0067] IC2 is defined as described in (U-2a), and RP3 is defined as described in (U-2b).

[0068] For (U-2c), IC4 is particularly preferred to be selected from the group C7H6, the group -C6H4-CH2-C6H4-, and the group

[0069] -[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]-

[0070] Wherein IC2 represents the group C7H6 or the group -C6H4-CH2-C6H4-, and RP3 represents a polyether segment containing 1 to 30 repeating units based on ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of (U-2c), q is 0 to 15, more preferably 0 to 7, and most preferably 0 to 4, such as an integer from 1 to 4.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, at least 50% by weight of the urea component having a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol has a structure according to formula (U-2a) or (U-2c).

[0073] In a highly preferred embodiment, at least 50% by weight of the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol has the structure according to formula (U-2a), and m is 0 or m is 1 to 5; most preferably, m is 0.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol is a urea urethane, and 95–100% by weight of this component contains at least one molecular chain segment of general formula (U-3a).

[0075] —O—CO—NH—Y1—NH—CO—NH— (U-3a)

[0076] in

[0077] Y1 represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms. When Y1 appears multiple times, Y1 independently represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0078] And in each case, it does not contain molecular chain segments of the general formula (U-3b).

[0079] —O—CO—NH—Y2—NH—CO—O— (U-3b)

[0080] in

[0081] Y2 represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms. When Y2 appears multiple times, Y2 independently represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0082] The synthesis of urea components with a number-average molecular weight (Mn) in the range of 400 g / mol to 30,000 g / mol can suitably be carried out directly in the presence of a liquid support and an ionic compound. In another embodiment, the component with a number-average molecular weight (Mn) in the range of 400 g / mol to 30,000 g / mol is synthesized in the presence of a liquid support, followed by the addition of an ionic compound. In a further embodiment, the component with a number-average molecular weight (Mn) in the range of 400 g / mol to 30,000 g / mol is synthesized in the presence of an ionic compound and a liquid support, followed by the addition of a second liquid support different from the first liquid support. In yet another embodiment, the component with a number-average molecular weight (Mn) in the range of 400 g / mol to 30,000 g / mol is synthesized in the presence of a first ionic compound and a liquid support, followed by the addition of a second amount of the same ionic compound or a second ionic compound different from the first ionic compound.

[0083] The urea component has a number-average molecular weight of 400 g / mol to 30,000 g / mol. Preferably, the urea component has a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 400 g / mol, more preferably at least 500 g / mol. More preferably, the number-average molecular weight is higher than 600 g / mol, even more preferably higher than 650 g / mol, and most preferably higher than 800 g / mol. Furthermore, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the urea component is preferably lower than 20,000 g / mol, more preferably lower than 10,000 g / mol, and most preferably lower than 8,000 g / mol. Preferably, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) is in the range of 650 g / mol to 20,000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 800 g / mol to 8,000 g / mol, and even more preferably in the range of 800 g / mol to 5,000 g / mol.

[0084] In a further preferred embodiment, the number average molecular weight of the urea component is at least 800 g / mol, preferably 1000 g / mol, more preferably at least 1500 g / mol, preferably in the range of 1500 g / mol to 20000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 1500 g / mol to 8000 g / mol, and even more preferably in the range of 1500 to 5000 g / mol.

[0085] Number-average molecular weight and weight-average molecular weight can be determined according to DIN EN ISO 13885-2 (November 2021) by gel permeation chromatography (eluent: lithium bromide (5 g / L) in dimethylacetamide, standard: polymethyl methacrylate, column temperature: 50 °C). Alternatively, the number-average molecular weight can be determined by calculation. Furthermore, the number-average molecular weight of small molecules up to 1000 g / mol can be determined by other methods, such as mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

[0086] Preferably, the urea component dissolved in the liquid carrier, having a number-average molecular weight (Mn) in the range of 400 g / mol to 30,000 g / mol, is not cross-linked. A typical example of a cross-linked component is an elastomer. Preferably, the urea component does not contain any cross-linked portion; further preferably, the urea component is not an elastomer or does not contain an elastomer.

[0087] The composition according to the invention comprises a liquid carrier that is liquid at a temperature of 23°C and 1013 mbar.

[0088] Preferably, the liquid carrier is an organic solvent. More preferably, the liquid carrier is an organic aprotic solvent. Even more preferably, the liquid carrier is a polar organic solvent.

[0089] Even more preferably, the liquid carrier is an organic polar aprotic solvent.

[0090] Suitablely, the liquid carrier comprises a compound having at least one of an N-substituted amide group and a sulfoxide group.

[0091] Preferably, the liquid carrier comprises at least one of an amide group and a sulfoxide group, wherein the amide nitrogen of the amide group has two substituents selected from aliphatic and aromatic groups. Suitably, the amide nitrogen of the amide group has two substituents, in which case the amide group cannot be an NH amide group.

[0092] The liquid carrier suitably comprises at least one of N-substituted cyclic amides, noncyclic dialkyl amides of monofunctional and difunctional carboxylic acids, N-acylmorpholine and sulfoxide.

[0093] Suitable liquid carriers are, for example, N-substituted cyclic amides: N-alkyl lactams, preferably N-alkylbutyrolactam, N-alkylvalerolactam, and N-alkylcaprolactam (wherein the alkyl group suitably has 1 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms), as well as hydroxyalkyl lactams (e.g., hydroxyethylpyrrolidone) and N-cycloalkyl lactams. Cyclic amides are amides in which the amide nitrogen and the amide carbonyl carbon are part of a cyclic structure.

[0094] Suitable examples of N-alkylbutyrolactams are N-methylbutyrolactam, N-ethylbutyrolactam, N-butylbutyrolactam, N-octylbutyrolactam, and N-hydroxyethylbutyrolactam. N-cyclohexylbutyrolactam is another suitable example. Suitable examples of N-substituted caprolactams are N-ethylcaprolactam, N-methylcaprolactam, N-butylcaprolactam, and N-propylcaprolactam.

[0095] Other suitable liquid carriers are acyclic dialkylamides of monofunctional and difunctional carboxylic acids: N,N-dialkylamides of C1-C18 monocarboxylic acids, and bis(N,N-dialkyl)amides of C1-C18 dicarboxylic acids; optionally, these carboxylic acids contain hydroxyl, ether, or ester groups, such as N,N-dialkylamide alkyl esters, N,N-dialkylamide alkyl ethers, and N,N-dialkyl lactamides. Sulfoxides are also suitable, preferably dimethyl sulfoxide. Acyclic amides are amides in which neither the amide nitrogen nor the amide carbonyl carbon is part of a cyclic structure. Under this definition, for example, N-formylmorpholine is considered an acyclic amide.

[0096] Another suitable liquid carrier is acyclic amides that can be obtained from the reaction of diamines and monocarboxylic acids. Suitable examples are the reaction products of C1 to C18 monocarboxylic acids and C2 to C12 alkylene diamines.

[0097] Suitable liquid carriers also include linear amides, such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylamide of C3 to C18 monocarboxylic acids (preferably N,N-dimethylamide of C6 to C10 monocarboxylic acids), N,N-dialkylamide alkyl esters, N,N-dialkylamide alkyl ethers, and acylmorpholine.

[0098] Preferred examples of these include N,N-dimethylaminoalkyl esters, N,N-dimethylaminoalkyl ethers, N-formylmorpholine, and N-acetylmorpholine.

[0099] Other suitable carriers that are preferably used in combination with at least one liquid carrier containing at least one of an amide group and a sulfoxide group are N-acetylcaprolactam, ε-caprolactam, and 2-pyrrolidone.

[0100] Preferably, the liquid carrier comprises at least one of N-alkyllactam, N-cycloalkyllactam, noncyclic dialkylamides of monofunctional and difunctional carboxylic acids, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dialkyllactic acid esters, N,N-dialkyllactic acid ethers, and N-acylmorpholine.

[0101] In another preferred embodiment, the liquid carrier comprises at least one of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethyllactic acid (2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylpropionic acid) or an organic solvent.

[0102] Based on the total weight of the liquid carrier, urea component, and ionic compound, the composition suitably contains 5.0 to 90.0% by weight of the liquid carrier.

[0103] Preferably, the composition comprises 10.0 to 90.0% by weight, more preferably 15.0 to 85.0% by weight, even more preferably 25.0 to 80.0% by weight, and most preferably 27.0 to 75.0% by weight of a liquid carrier. Based on the total weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound, particularly preferred ranges are 35.0 to 75.0% by weight, 40.0 to 75.0% by weight, and 45.0 to 75.0% by weight.

[0104] In one particular embodiment, the composition comprises at least two liquid carriers that are different from each other, wherein one of the liquid carriers is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and the second liquid carrier is a liquid carrier containing at least one dialiphatic substituted amide group. Preferably, the weight of DMSO relative to the total weight of DMSO and the second liquid carrier containing at least one dialiphatic substituted amide group is at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, more preferably at least 5%, even more preferably at least 7%, and most preferably at least 10%. It is also preferred that the weight of DMSO relative to the total weight of DMSO and the second liquid carrier containing at least one dialiphatic substituted amide group is at most 60%, preferably at most 50%, more preferably at most 45%, even more preferably at most 40%, and most preferably at most 35%, for example at most 30%.

[0105] The composition comprises an ionic compound dissolved in a liquid carrier, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one selected from CaCl2 (calcium chloride), MgCl2 (magnesium chloride), SrCl2 (strontium chloride), carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN (sodium thiocyanate), and NaBr (sodium bromide). Preferably, the composition comprises at least one selected from CaCl2, MgCl2, and carbamimidoylazanium chloride. More preferably, the composition comprises at least one selected from CaCl2 and MgCl2. Most preferably, the composition comprises CaCl2. Typically, the ionic compound may be present in an anhydrous form. Hydrated forms, especially highly hydrated forms, such as CaCl2 monohydrate, dihydrate, tetrahydrate, and hexahydrate, may be used, but are not particularly preferred.

[0106] Based on the total weight of the liquid carrier, the urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol, and the ionic compound, the composition suitably contains 0.01 to 15.00% by weight of the ionic compound.

[0107] Preferably, the composition contains 0.1 to 10.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 7.5% by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, most preferably 0.1 to 3.0% by weight, such as 0.2 to 3.0% by weight or 0.3 to 3.0% by weight of an ionic compound.

[0108] In a further preferred embodiment, the composition does not contain a salt selected from lithium salts. If the composition does not contain lithium salts, preferably, the lithium salt content is no more than 1.00% by weight, more preferably no more than 0.50% by weight, and more preferably no more than 0.30% by weight, for example no more than 0.10% by weight or 0.01% by weight, based on the weight of the total composition. In another preferred embodiment, the composition contains only trace amounts of lithium, for example, no lithium salt is intentionally added to the composition. In another preferred embodiment, the composition is substantially free of lithium salts. Preferably, the lithium salt discussed in this paragraph is selected from lithium chloride (LiCl) and lithium nitrate (LiNO3), and very preferably, the lithium salt is lithium chloride (LiCl). In yet another preferred embodiment, the composition does not contain lithium salts, but at least contains an ionic liquid.

[0109] In other embodiments, the composition further comprises an ionic liquid. The term "ionic liquid" is to be understood herein as an organic salt or mixture of organic salts that is liquid at room temperature (23°C) and 10¹³ mbar, wherein the organic salt or ionic compound, in general, and the salt, are solid at 23°C and 10¹³ mbar and have a crystalline structure.

[0110] The cations of the ionic liquids used are preferably based on ammonium, pyridinium, pyrrolidinium, pyrrolium, oxazolium, oxazolinium, imidazolium, thiazolium, or phosphonium ions, and mixtures thereof. Cations based on imidazolium and oxazolium ions are particularly preferred.

[0111] The anion is preferably selected from alkylsulfates, arylsulfates, sulfate, hydrogensulfate, phosphate, alkylphosphates, arylphosphates, tosylates, alkylborates, haloborates (e.g., tetrafluoroborate), halobaluminates (e.g., tetrachloroaluminate), carboxylates (e.g., acetate and trifluoroacetate), perchlorate, and mixtures thereof. Alkylsulfates, tosylsulfates, and acetates are particularly preferred.

[0112] Suitably, the composition comprises at least one ionic liquid having a cation selected from imidazolium and oxazolium and an anion selected from alkyl sulfate, toluenesulfonate, tetrafluoroborate and acetate.

[0113] Suitably, based on the weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound, the composition contains 0.1 to 15.0% by weight of the ionic compound. More suitably, based on the weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound, the composition contains 0.2 to 12.0% by weight, more suitably 0.4 to 10.0% by weight, and most suitably 0.5 to 8.0% by weight of the ionic compound.

[0114] More preferably, the composition comprises a urea component and an ionic compound in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 120:1. More preferably, the composition comprises a urea component and an ionic compound in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 60:1, even more preferably 4:1 to 50:1, such as 5:1 to 35:1 or 5:1 to 20:1.

[0115] Further preferably, the composition comprises urea groups and ionic compounds in a molar ratio of 0.5:1 to 10:1 for the urea component. More preferably, the composition comprises urea groups and ionic compounds in a molar ratio of 0.6:1 to 9:1, even more preferably 0.7:1 to 8:1, such as 0.8:1 to 7:1 or 0.9:1 to 6:1. Particularly preferred is a molar ratio of urea groups and ionic compounds in the urea component of 1:1 to 5:1, such as 1:1 to 3:1.

[0116] Typically, the composition is liquid at 23°C and 1013 mbar.

[0117] Preferably, the composition contains

[0118] 5.0 to 60.0% by weight of urea components

[0119] 5.0 to 90.0% by weight of liquid carrier, and

[0120] 0.1 to 15.0% by weight of ionic compounds,

[0121] Calculated based on the total weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound.

[0122] More preferably, the composition comprises

[0123] 7.5 to 55.0% by weight of urea components

[0124] 10.0 to 90.0% by weight of liquid carrier, and

[0125] 0.2 to 12.0% by weight of ionic compounds,

[0126] Calculated based on the total weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound.

[0127] More preferably, the composition contains

[0128] 10.0 to 52.5% by weight of urea components

[0129] 15.0 to 85.0% by weight of liquid carrier, and

[0130] 0.4 to 10.0% by weight of ionic compounds,

[0131] Calculated based on the total weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound.

[0132] More preferably, the composition contains

[0133] 10.0 to 50.0% by weight of urea components

[0134] 25.0 to 80.0% by weight of liquid carrier, and

[0135] 0.5 to 8.0% by weight of ionic compounds,

[0136] Calculated based on the total weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound.

[0137] More preferably, the composition contains

[0138] 12.0 to 48.0% by weight of urea components

[0139] 27.0 to 75.0% by weight of liquid carrier, and

[0140] 0.7 to 7.5% by weight of ionic compounds,

[0141] Calculated based on the total weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound.

[0142] Furthermore, this invention relates to the use of this composition for controlling the rheology of liquid compositions. The term "liquid composition" according to this invention refers to a composition that is liquid at 23°C and 1013 mbar, i.e., a composition of at least two substances. Within this invention, the term "liquid" refers to any liquid medium, regardless of its viscosity. Therefore, liquids include very low-viscosity media as well as high-viscosity media, such as pastes.

[0143] The compositions of the present invention can be used to control the rheology of various types of liquid compositions. Therefore, in one embodiment, the liquid composition can be an aqueous composition. The primary or even sole liquid diluent of the aqueous liquid composition is water. Additionally, the aqueous liquid composition may contain a certain amount of an organic diluent. This organic diluent may be the same as or different from the at least one liquid carrier. Preferably, the aqueous liquid composition contains less than 35% by weight, preferably less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, and most preferably less than 10% or even less than 5% by weight of organic diluent based on the total weight of the liquid composition. In a particular embodiment, the aqueous liquid composition is completely free of organic diluent.

[0144] Generally, the aqueous liquid composition contains at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight of water. In some cases, the aqueous liquid composition may contain at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight of water. Generally, the aqueous liquid composition contains up to 90% by weight of water, such as up to 80% by weight or up to 70% by weight. In a particular embodiment, the aqueous liquid composition contains up to 95% by weight or even up to 97, 98, or 99% by weight of water.

[0145] In another embodiment, the liquid composition may be a non-aqueous composition. A non-aqueous liquid composition is substantially free of water. This means that the liquid composition suitably contains water in an amount ranging from 0.0 to 10.0% by weight, preferably from 0.0 to 7.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid composition. More preferably, the non-aqueous liquid composition contains less than 5.0% by weight of water. For example, the liquid composition contains less than 3.0% by weight or less than 1.0% by weight of water based on the total weight of the liquid composition.

[0146] Suitablely, the liquid composition is selected from coating compositions, clear coating compositions, lacquer, varnish, plastic formulations, pigment pastes, effect pigment pastes, polymer formulations, sealant formulations, cosmetic formulations, home care or industrial care formulations (including fragrance and flavor formulations), ceramic formulations, adhesive formulations, liquid formulations for oil and gas extraction, compositions for the manufacture of electrical components and circuits, liquid formulations for energy storage media, cleaning agents, potting compounds, building material formulations, lubricants, filling compounds, wax emulsions, metalworking fluids, metalworking products, liquid compositions in the form of sprays, so-called deposition aids (e.g., for plant protection agents or for general purposes of drift reduction), inks, printing inks and inkjet inks, or compositions that can be used for corrosion protection in the fields of marine and protective coatings, and mixtures thereof.

[0147] Other liquid compositions that can be used with the compositions according to the invention are solvent-based or solvent-free paints, printing inks, and inks and lacquers, such as lacquers for coating plastics, wireenamels, floor coatings, coating compositions for coating food and seeds, and so-called colorresist (used, for example, in color filters in flat panel displays, such as liquid crystal displays). Applications of lacquers also include pastes that typically have a very high proportion of solids and a small proportion of liquid components, such as so-called pigment pastes or pastes based on effect pigments (e.g., metallic effect pigments, such as aluminum pigments, silver pigments, brass pigments, zinc pigments, copper pigments, bronze pigments such as gold bronze, fire-dyed bronze, or iron oxide-aluminum pigments). Effect pigments also include, for example, interference pigments or pearlescent pigments, such as metal oxide-mica pigments, fish silver pigments, bismuth oxychloride, or basic lead carbonate.

[0148] Plastic formulations can be liquid or non-liquid starting materials used to produce plastic materials, which are preferably converted into rigid bodies via chemical crosslinking (“curing”). Preferred plastic formulations include unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, acrylate resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, and formaldehyde resins (such as melamine-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde). These can be cured under very different conditions, such as at room temperature (cold-curing systems) or at elevated temperatures (heat-curing systems), optionally with pressure applied (“closed-mold” applications, sheet molding compounds, or block molding compounds). Plastic formulations also include PVC plastisols.

[0149] Cosmetic formulations can be various liquid compositions used in the so-called personal care or health care industry, such as lotions, creams, ointments such as toothpaste, foams such as shaving foam, gels such as shaving gel, shower gel or active ingredients in gel formulations, shampoos, liquid soaps, nail polish, lipsticks and hair dyes.

[0150] The so-called wax emulsion is preferably a dispersion of solid wax in particulate form in water or an organic medium at room temperature.

[0151] Building material formulations can be liquid or paste-like materials used in the construction industry that solidify upon curing. Examples include hydraulic adhesives such as concrete, cement, mortar, tile adhesive, and plaster.

[0152] Metalworking fluids can be cutting fluids, drilling fluids (as used in metalworking), forging fluids, or generally, lubricants. Other possible areas include release agents (usually in the form of aqueous emulsions, such as in aluminum die casting and foundry applications), foundry washes (foundry coatings), and liquids for surface treatments of metals (such as surface finishing, surface treatment, and plating).

[0153] Lubricants are means of lubrication, meaning they help reduce friction and wear, as well as provide power, cooling, vibration damping, sealing, and corrosion protection; liquid lubricants are preferred here.

[0154] Cleaning agents can be used to clean a wide range of objects, such as in household or industrial care. They remove impurities, residues, and attachments. Cleaning agents also include detergents (primarily used for cleaning textiles, their precursors, leather, and dishes) and personal care products. Formulations containing fragrances and other flavorings (as liquid ingredients or in encapsulated form), such as perfume gels, also fall into this application area.

[0155] Liquid formulations used in gas and oil production are formulations used to open and exploit reservoirs. Drilling fluid or drilling mud is a preferred example. Another application example is fluids used to prepare for or perform hydraulic fracturing processes and fluids supporting oil and gas production processes.

[0156] Adhesives can be any adhesive material that is liquid under processing conditions and can bond parts together through surface adhesion and internal strength.

[0157] The liquid compositions of the present invention may further comprise conventional additives. Examples of additives include anti-blocking agents, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, additional rheology modifiers, UV absorbers, free radical scavengers, slip additives, defoamers, adhesion promoters, leveling agents, waxes, nanoparticles, film-forming aids, and flame retardants. Preferred additives are wetting agents, dispersants, and / or emulsifiers, and rheology modifiers different from those used in the compositions of the present invention, such as clay-based thickeners (including organoclays), (poly)amides, polysaccharides (such as cellulose derivatives, guar gum, xanthan gum), polyacrylates, or associative thickeners. In one example, the compositions of the present invention may be used in combination with other thickeners that affect the low-shear, medium-shear, and / or high-shear properties of the liquid composition to which modification of its rheological behavior is required.

[0158] In a further embodiment, the invention also relates to a method for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition, comprising the steps of: providing a composition according to the invention, providing a liquid composition, and mixing the composition according to the invention with the liquid composition. Suitable liquid compositions are those mentioned above, etc. The mixing step can be performed according to current methods known to those skilled in the art. This may involve mixing, particularly by manual or power tools. Mixing involves combining the compositions and applying shear force to the combined compositions.

[0159] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of ionic compounds for improving the solubility of urea components dissolved in a liquid carrier with a number-average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30,000 g / mol, wherein said ionic compound comprises at least one selected from CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, and NaBr. Improving solubility can refer to reducing or preventing precipitation of the urea component, reducing or preventing gel formation, and / or maintaining the solubility of the urea component over an extended period of time.

[0160] The present invention further relates to a liquid composition comprising the composition according to the invention and at least one binder. The binder is generally a material capable of forming a layer on a substrate. Examples of binders include organic polymers and resins, prepolymers, and monomers capable of forming polymers. The binder may be of natural or synthetic origin, or may be a synthetically modified natural material. Suitable binders include at least one of the following: alkyd resins (such as short, medium, or long oil alkyd resins), unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, acrylate resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, polyaspartic resins, phenolic binders, silicone, chlorinated rubber, vinyl-based binders, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl acetate), saturated polyester binders, polyacrylate and acrylate copolymers, urea and melamine resins, silicate binders, cellulose-based binders, and silyl-modified polymers. Preferred binders include at least one of the following: alkyd resins (such as short, medium, or long oil alkyd resins), unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, acrylate resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, polyacrylate and acrylate copolymers, polyaspartic resins, and silyl-modified polymers.

[0161] These adhesives can preferably be solvent-based, solvent-free, or water-based. Solvent-based and water-based adhesives can be delivered as solutions, emulsions, or dispersions. Therefore, the aforementioned adhesives also include water-based adhesive systems, such as styrene-acrylic dispersions, urethane-acrylic dispersions, and alkyd emulsions. The adhesives also include non-aqueous dispersion (NAD) systems.

[0162] The weight ratio of the adhesive to the composition of the present invention is generally in the range of 3:97 to 97:3, preferably 7:93 to 93:7.

[0163] Further preferably, based on the entire liquid composition, the liquid composition contains the composition of the present invention in the range of 0.01 to 10.00% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 7.00% by weight, and most preferably 0.10 to 5.00% by weight.

[0164] Another object of the present invention is a coated article, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the article is coated with the liquid composition. In a different embodiment, the coated article can be obtained by the following steps: providing the article, providing the liquid composition according to the invention, and coating at least a portion of the surface of the article with the liquid composition.

[0165] Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a coated article, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the article is coated with a liquid composition according to the invention, and wherein the liquid composition is hardened. In another embodiment, the coated article can be obtained by the steps of: providing the article, providing a liquid composition according to the invention, coating at least a portion of the surface of the article with the liquid composition, and hardening the liquid composition.

[0166] Suitable articles are all three-dimensional objects, regardless of their size and volume and whether they are movable or stationary. Exemplary but non-limiting examples include building interiors and exteriors, floors, furniture, vehicles for transport (such as automobiles, bicycles, ships, aircraft, agricultural machinery, and various freight vehicles), bridges and tunnels, machinery and production equipment, electrical equipment, cans, metal coils, wires, containers, household goods and hardware, pulp and paper, and various articles made of wood, metal, plastic, or glass (e.g., for functional or decorative purposes). The meaning of the term "coating" is well known to those skilled in the art. Here, it refers to applying a liquid composition to the surface or other area of ​​the article to at least partially cover it or even completely encapsulate it. In this case, the liquid composition toughens or hardens after being applied to the article. Hardening refers to converting the liquid composition into a solid state. This can be achieved by the evaporation of the liquid diluent (physical drying) or by a chemical cross-linking reaction (curing) and by a combination thereof.

[0167] The invention is further illustrated below with reference to embodiments. The selection of respective reaction conditions, such as reaction temperature, reaction time, and stoichiometric rate, is known to those skilled in the art and is described in more detail in the operational embodiments.

[0168] Experimental Section

[0169] Preparation of intermediates

[0170] Table 1: Explanation of Abbreviations

[0171]

[0172] Manufacturing of intermediates I1 to I4

[0173] Table 2: Intermediates

[0174]

[0175] Intermediates I1 to I4:

[0176] Two moles of TDI T65, TDI T80, or TDI T100 and 200 ppm of benzoyl chloride were weighed into a glass flask equipped with a stirrer, reflux condenser, and nitrogen inlet and heated to 40°C. Then, one mole of monool (according to Table 2 above) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60°C for another 5 hours. A clear, pale yellow liquid crude intermediate containing excess diisocyanate was obtained. The excess diisocyanate contained in the obtained crude reaction product was removed by distillation, thereby obtaining intermediates I1 to I4.

[0177] Example

[0178] General synthesis schemes (C1-C26, E1-E17):

[0179] In a four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, the liquid carrier and stabilizer (ionic compound or lithium chloride) were heated to 60°C under a nitrogen atmosphere with stirring. m-Phenylenediamine (MXDA) was added, and the mixture was homogenized. Intermediates I1, I3, or a mixture of intermediates I1 and I2 were added dropwise over 30 minutes with stirring, ensuring the temperature did not exceed 65°C. The molar ratio of the intermediate to m-phenylenediamine was 2:1. The mixture was then stirred at 80°C for 3 hours. A clear, pale yellow product was obtained. The exact amounts are shown in Table 3-1. The liquid carrier is specified in Table 3-2.

[0180] Table 3-1: Embodiments and Comparative Examples of the Invention

[0181]

[0182]

[0183] Table 3-2: Liquid Carriers

[0184]

[0185] Comparison with rheology modifier C27:

[0186] In a glass flask equipped with a stirrer, reflux condenser, and nitrogen inlet, 67.9 g of 1-butylpyrrolidone-2-one was heated to 60 °C with stirring. Then, 2.55 g of 1,3-diaminopropane (34.4 mmol) was added and briefly homogenized. A homogeneous mixture of 29.3 g of intermediate I4 (64.1 mmol) and 276 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate (1.64 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over 25 minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C for an additional 3 hours. A clear, yellow liquid product was obtained, which exhibited a solid precipitate after 24 hours of storage at room temperature.

[0187] Comparison with rheology modifier C28:

[0188] In a glass flask equipped with a stirrer, reflux condenser, and nitrogen inlet, 0.732 g of lithium chloride (17.3 mmol) was dissolved in 67.2 g of butylpyrrolidone-2-one while stirring at 60 °C for 30 min to obtain a clear solution. Then, 2.55 g of 1,3-diaminopropane (34.4 mmol) was added and briefly homogenized. A homogeneous mixture of 29.3 g of intermediate I4 (64.1 mmol) and 276 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate (1.64 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over 25 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C for an additional 3 h. A clear, yellow liquid product was obtained, which exhibited a solid precipitate after storage at room temperature for 2 weeks.

[0189] The rheology additive E18 of this invention:

[0190] In a glass flask equipped with a stirrer, reflux condenser, and nitrogen inlet, 1.92 g of calcium chloride (17.3 mmol) was dissolved in 66.0 g of butylpyrrolidone-2-one while stirring at 60 °C for 30 min to obtain a clear solution. Then, 2.55 g of 1,3-diaminopropane (34.4 mmol) was added and briefly homogenized. A homogeneous mixture of 29.3 g of intermediate I4 (64.1 mmol) and 276 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate (1.64 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over 25 min. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C for an additional 3 h. A clear, yellow liquid product was obtained.

[0191] Storage stability

[0192] 100 grams of the embodiments and comparative examples of the present invention were stored in sealed glass bottles at room temperature (23°C) until any optical changes became apparent. Optical changes include gelation of the material and / or formation of precipitates.

[0193] Table 4: Results

[0194]

[0195]

[0196] The corresponding embodiments are those with the same Roman numerals and those based on the invention.

[0197] The time between synthesis and the formation of precipitates or gels.

[0198] As can be seen from Table 4, compared with their corresponding comparative examples C1-28, embodiments E1-18 of the present invention exhibit significantly increased or the same storage stability.

[0199] Application Trial

[0200] The values ​​given in Tables 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 describe the amount of raw materials, expressed as a percentage by weight, based on the entire formulation or, for a two-component system, on components A and B.

[0201] Table 5: Raw Materials

[0202]

[0203] Experiment 1: Whitening in water-based 2-pack PU clearcoat

[0204] The water-based two-component PU varnish was produced using the formulation in Table 6. All components of component A were added to a PE beaker under stirring and homogenized for 10 minutes at room temperature (23°C) using a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann) at 1000 rpm with a 4 cm diameter toothed plate. The pH of component A was then adjusted to pH 8.2-8.5 using a 10% aqueous DMEA solution. Component B was prepared under the same stirring conditions. Component A was aliquoted into smaller amounts (50 g in a 175 ml PE beaker) and incorporated into the sample according to the invention at a dosage of 0.5% by weight of urea component (calculated based on total lacquer) under stirring: using a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann) at 1500 rpm with a 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate at room temperature (23°C) for 5 minutes.

[0205] After storing overnight at room temperature, add component B at the specified mixing ratio and homogenize by stirring with a spatula. Apply the sample to glass with a wet film thickness of 120 µm using a frame film applicator (BYK-Gardner GmbH) and dry at room temperature for 1 week. For the whitening test, place a water-soaked household sponge (2 cm x 2 cm) on the paint film for 24 hours. Immediately after removing the sponge and drying, visually assess the whitening of the paint film on a scale of 1-5, i.e., no whitening (grade "1") - strong whitening (grade "5").

[0206]

[0207] Table 7: Results

[0208]

[0209] The control group without rheology modifiers exhibited low viscosity, while samples C18-C22 and E11-E15 with rheology modifiers showed significantly higher viscosity. Table 7 shows that the rheology modifiers E11-E15 of this invention exhibited the same degree of whitening in water-based transparent varnishes as the comparative rheology modifiers C18-C22.

[0210] Experiment 2: Anti-sagging property in water-based acrylic dispersions

[0211] The coalescing agent Texanol was incorporated into the acrylic dispersion using the formulation in Table 8. Texanol was added under stirring: using Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1000 rpm, 4 cm diameter toothed plate, at room temperature (23°C) for 5 minutes. The material was then aliquoted into smaller amounts (50 g in 100 ml glass vials) and incorporated into the sample according to the invention at a dosage of 0.5% by weight of the urea component (calculated based on total lacquer) under stirring: using Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, at room temperature (23°C) for 5 minutes. After overnight storage at room temperature, samples were applied to a wet film thickness of 50-500 µm using a stepped doctor blade, model 421 / S (Erichsen GmbH & Co KG), for anti-sagging testing. Application was performed on a contrast card 2801 (BYK-Gardner GmbH) using an automatic applicator byko-drive XL (BYK-Gardner GmbH) at an application speed of 50 mm / s. After application, the drawn-down sample was hung vertically at room temperature until dry. A visual evaluation of anti-sagging properties was performed after drying. Therefore, a wet film thickness exhibiting clear separation, no runners, and no bulge building between applied film thicknesses was considered.

[0212]

[0213] Table 9: Results

[0214]

[0215] As shown in Table 9, compared with the control without rheology modifiers, Examples E10-E16 according to the present invention exhibit significantly improved anti-sagging properties. Furthermore, compared with the comparative rheology modifiers C18-C22 and C24, they exhibited the same or better anti-sagging properties in water-based acrylic dispersion systems.

[0216] Experiment 3: Rheological effects in water and water mixtures

[0217] 50 g of deionized water (DI water) or an aqueous mixture was placed in a 100 mL glass bottle. The formulation of the aqueous mixture is described in Table 10. The sample of the present invention was incorporated into the water at a dosage of 0.5 wt% of the urea component (based on the total mixture) and into the aqueous mixture at a dosage of 0.75 wt% of the urea component (based on the total mixture) with stirring: using a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, at room temperature (23°C) for 5 minutes. After storing overnight at room temperature, the gel strength and turbidity of the sample were evaluated. The gel strength was visually evaluated, ranging from strong gel (gel strength grade "1") to no gel (gel strength grade "5"), and the turbidity from clear (turbidity grade "1") to highly turbid (turbidity grade "5").

[0218]

[0219] Mix the ingredients and homogenize them at room temperature using a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate for 2 minutes.

[0220] Table 11: Results

[0221]

[0222] As shown in Table 11, compared with the comparative rheology additives C18-C22 and C24, the rheology additives E10-E16 of the present invention exhibit similar or better gel strength and / or similar or lower effect on turbidity in deionized water and in water mixtures.

[0223] Experiment 4: Anti-sagging properties in solvent-based polyester-melamine white coatings

[0224] The solvent-based polyester-melamine white coating was produced using the formulation in Table 12. The white coating was aliquoted into small amounts (50 g in 100 ml glass bottles) and incorporated into the sample according to the invention at a dosage of 0.25% by weight of the urea component (calculated based on the total lacquer) with stirring: using a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, at room temperature (23°C) for 5 minutes.

[0225] After being stored overnight at room temperature, samples were applied with wet film thicknesses of 50-500 µm using a stepped doctor blade, model 421 / S (Erichsen GmbH & Co KG). Sagging resistance was tested using an automatic applicator, byko-drive XL (BYK-Gardner GmbH), at a speed of 50 mm / s on 300 mm x 200 mm black steel plates coated with KTL (Franz Krüppel Industriebedarf GmbH). After application, the drawn-down samples were directly suspended vertically at room temperature for a flash-off time of 15 minutes. The plates were then baked in a convection oven, Binder FDL 115 (Binder GmbH), in an upright position at 140 °C for 20 minutes, followed by a visual evaluation of sagging resistance. Therefore, wet film thicknesses exhibiting clear separation of the drawn-down sample after drying, no runners, and no bulge building between applied film thicknesses are considered.

[0226]

[0227] Table 13: Results

[0228]

[0229] As shown in Table 13, the rheology additives E1-E8 of the present invention exhibit better or similar anti-sagging properties compared with the comparative rheology additives C2, C3, C4, C6, C8, C9, C11 and C13.

[0230] Experiment 5: Rheological Effects in Solvent Mixtures

[0231] 50 g of each solvent mixture from Table 14 was placed in a 100 mL glass vial. The sample of the present invention was incorporated with stirring at a dosage of 1.0 wt% of the urea component (calculated based on the solvent volume): using a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, at room temperature (23°C) for 5 minutes. After storing overnight at room temperature, the gel strength and turbidity of the sample were evaluated. The gel strength was visually assessed, ranging from strong gel (gel strength grade "1") to no gel (gel strength grade "5"), and the turbidity from clear (turbidity grade "1") to highly turbid (turbidity grade "5").

[0232]

[0233] Table 15: Results

[0234]

[0235] As shown in Table 15, the rheology modifiers E1-E6 and E8 of the present invention exhibited significantly increased gel strength compared to the control without rheology modifiers. Furthermore, compared to the comparative rheology modifiers C2, C3, C4, C6, C8, C9, C11, and C13, the rheology modifiers E1-E6 and E8 of the present invention exhibited the same gel strength and similar or lower effects on turbidity.

[0236] Experiment 6: Sedimentation resistance test (Syneresis)

[0237] Weigh the raw materials into 250 mL glass bottles according to the formula in Table 16 and premix with a spatula. Disperse on a lacquer shaker (Andalok model Nathalie) for 20 minutes. After shaking, transfer a portion of the sample to a 100 mL crimp-cap glass tube and store at room temperature for 24 hours. The filling height of the glass tube is 10 cm. After one day of storage, assess the dehydration shrinkage of the sample by measuring the height of the supernatant formed above the sample. The higher the dehydration shrinkage value, the more Guar Gum 5300 precipitates in the sample.

[0238] Table 16: Guar Oil Suspension

[0239]

[0240] Table 17: Results

[0241]

[0242] As can be seen from Table 17, the rheology additive E18 of the present invention exhibits the same dehydration shrinkage results as the comparative rheology additive C28.

Claims

1. A composition comprising - A liquid carrier that is liquid at a temperature of 23°C. - Urea components with a number-average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30000 g / mol dissolved in the liquid carrier, and - An ionic compound dissolved in the liquid carrier, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, guanidine hydrochloride, NaSCN, and NaBr.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.0 to 1.0% by weight of a lithium salt.

3. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid carrier is an organic solvent.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid carrier comprises a compound having at least one of an N-substituted amide group and a sulfoxide group.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid carrier comprises at least one selected from N-alkyllactam, N-cycloalkyllactam, noncyclic dialkylamides of monofunctional and difunctional carboxylic acids, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dialkyllactic acid esters, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl ethers, and N-acylmorpholine.

6. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises at least one of CaCl2 and MgCl2.

7. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 0.1 to 10.0% by weight of the ionic compound, calculated based on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component with a number-average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol comprises at least one of formulas U-2a, U-2b, U-2c, U-2d, and U-2e: in AM is selected from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 2 to 50 carbon atoms. In cases where AM appears multiple times, AM is independently selected from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 2 to 50 carbon atoms. AM1 and AM2 independently, and in multiple instances, represent linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 1 to 50 carbon atoms. IC1 and IC2 independently, and in multiple occurrences, represent linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 40 carbon atoms. IC3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic, or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms. In cases where IC3 appears multiple times, IC3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic, or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms. IC4 is selected from the groups described in IC1 and IC2 or segments containing urethane groups having the following structures. -[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]- Wherein RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups. Where RP3 appears multiple times, RP3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups. RP1 and RP2 independently, and in multiple instances, represent linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic groups having 1 to 24 C atoms and / or polyether groups having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or polyester groups having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, and / or polyamide groups having 1 to 100 amide groups, and / or polysiloxane groups having 3 to 100 silicon atoms. RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups. In cases where RP3 appears multiple times, RP3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups. m is an integer from 0 to 20, p represents 0 and / or 1, and q is an integer from 0 to 20.

9. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the urea component comprises at least two urea groups and at least two carbamate groups.

10. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 5.0 to 60.0% by weight of urea components 5.0 to 90.0% by weight of liquid carrier, and 0.1 to 15.0% by weight of ionic compounds, Calculated based on the total weight of the urea component, liquid carrier, and ionic compound.

11. A liquid composition comprising the composition according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one adhesive.

12. A method for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition, comprising the following steps: - Provide the composition according to claims 1 to 10, - Provide the at least one adhesive, - Mix the composition with the adhesive.

13. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition.

14. Use of an ionic compound for improving the solubility of a urea component with a number-average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30,000 g / mol dissolved in a liquid carrier, wherein said ionic compound comprises at least one selected from CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, guanidine hydrochloride, NaSCN, and NaBr.

15. A coated article, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the article is coated with the liquid composition according to claim 11.

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