Thickener composition

Abstract

To provide a thickener composition with superior viscosity expression.SOLUTION: A thickener composition contains (A) hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose, (B) aromatic sulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate or salts thereof, and (C) di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or salts thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thickener composition, an additive for a thickener composition, a powder mixture, and a hydraulic composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Thickeners are widely used in foods, cosmetics and other industrial products to increase the viscosity of the system by retaining and binding solvents, dispersion media and dispersoids, thereby contributing to achieving the appropriate texture required for each application and improving the stability of the system.

[0003] Based on the idea of ​​the thickener retaining and binding the solvent, dispersion medium, and dispersoid, the molecular design is considered to have a structural unit that exhibits an interactive force with the solvent, dispersion medium, and dispersoid. Representative thickeners include cellulose ether thickeners, acrylic thickeners, polyvinyl alcohol thickeners, polyoxyethylene thickeners, clay thickeners, etc.

[0004] In particular, for industrial product applications such as those in the civil engineering and construction fields, cellulose ether thickeners, which are ether-modified cellulose obtained from natural raw materials such as pulp and cotton, are mainly used from the standpoint of safety, as well as their thickening properties. Representative cellulose ether thickeners include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0005] In addition, since such thickeners exhibit their thickening properties by dispersing or dissolving in a solvent or dispersing medium, many of them are often distributed as powdered products from the standpoint of handling and transportation, with as little solvent or dispersing medium removed as possible.

[0006] On the other hand, surfactants are amphiphilic molecules that have, within the same molecule, a hydrophilic group that has a high affinity for water and a hydrophobic group that has a high affinity for oil. They control emulsification, dispersion, foaming, wetting, etc., and are indispensable agents for industrial products. They are often used in combination with the above-mentioned cellulose ether thickeners.

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses an aqueous suspension pesticide composition containing (1) a pesticidal active ingredient, (2) a carboxymethylcellulose salt, (3) a montmorillonite mineral-based inorganic thickener, (4) a surfactant, and (5) water. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an agricultural chemical composition containing an agricultural chemical active ingredient, an ionic surfactant, a water-soluble polymer having an IOB value of 3.5 or less, and water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-51871 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-197209 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, when a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, which is a cellulose ether-based thickener, is used in combination with an aromatic sulfonic acid-formalin condensate such as a naphthalene sulfonic acid-formalin condensate or a salt thereof, the hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose significantly thickens, resulting in the formation of lumps and the risk of the thickening performance not being fully expressed. The present invention provides a thickener composition, an additive for a thickener composition, a powder mixture, and a hydraulic composition, all of which are excellent in viscosity development. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a thickener composition comprising (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose (hereinafter referred to as component (A)), (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (B)), and (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (C)).

[0011] The present invention also relates to a thickener composition additive for use in a thickener composition containing component (A), the thickener composition additive comprising component (B) and component (C).

[0012] The present invention also relates to a powder mixture comprising a hydraulic powder, a component (A), a component (B), and a component (C).

[0013] The present invention also relates to a hydraulic composition comprising a hydraulic powder, water, a component (A), a component (B), and a component (C). Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, there are provided a thickener composition, an additive for a thickener composition, a powder mixture, and a hydraulic composition, all of which are excellent in viscosity development. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In recent years, the SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. The present invention is believed to be a technology that can contribute to the achievement of SDGs Nos. 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15 by reducing the amount of hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose required to thicken a system by suppressing the formation of splices in the thickener composition.

[0016] The present inventors have found that when preparing an aqueous dispersion or solution of the thickener composition of the present invention, the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution increases significantly within a short time, for example, 10 seconds to 10 minutes, after mixing. The reason why such an effect occurs is not necessarily clear, but is presumed to be as follows. The aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate or its salt, which is the component (B), is a surfactant and has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part. In water, it is considered that the hydrophobic part is the starting point to form a network structure in which the hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose, which is the component (A), is crosslinked, and exhibits remarkable thickening properties. However, it is considered that the thickener composition containing the components (A) and (B) is excellent in thickening properties, and therefore, when it comes into contact with water, it is instantly "gelatinized" and forms a splint that entraps air by preventing the movement of water. The dibranched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid and its salt, which is the component (C), is excellent in interfacial tension reduction ability among surfactants, and effectively reduces the surface tension of water with its hydrophilic sulfo group structure, thereby promoting the infiltration of water into the splint, and since the branched alkyl chain structure has low stability at the interface, it does not remain in the network structure formed by the components (B) and (A), and does not hinder the formation and thickening of this network structure, and is therefore considered to be excellent in viscosity expression, especially at the initial stage of kneading. The thickener composition, the additive for the thickener composition, the powder mixture, and the hydraulic composition of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned mechanism of action.

[0017] <Thickener composition> The thickener composition of the present invention comprises (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose (hereinafter referred to as component (A)), (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (B)), and (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (C)).

[0018] <Component (A)> The component (A) is a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose. The component (A) may be one or a combination of two or more hydroxyalkyl alkyl celluloses. The component (A) is preferably one or more selected from hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, more preferably hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. From the viewpoint of viscosity development in the aqueous dispersion or solution, the viscosity of a 2 mass % aqueous solution of component (A) at 20°C, as measured with a B-type viscometer, is preferably from 100 mPa·s to 200,000 mPa·s.

[0019] The viscosity of a 2 mass% aqueous solution of component (A) at 20°C is, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, preferably 100 mPa·s or more, more preferably 500 mPa·s or more, even more preferably 1,000 mPa·s or more, still more preferably 1,500 mPa·s or more, and still more preferably 2,000 mPa·s or more, and from the viewpoint of water dispersibility or water solubility, preferably 200,000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 150,000 mPa·s or less, even more preferably 100,000 mPa·s or less, and still more preferably 50,000 mPa·s or less.

[0020] <Method of measuring viscosity> The viscosity of a 2% by mass aqueous solution of component (A) at 20°C is measured using a B-type viscometer (Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd.) at 20°C, with No. 2 rotor, at 60 rpm, and after 10 seconds. However, if the viscosity exceeds 500 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor under these conditions (hereinafter referred to as measurement with the No. 2 rotor), it is measured at 20°C, with No. 2 rotor, at 6 rpm, and after 10 seconds; if the viscosity exceeds 5,000 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor, it is measured at 20°C, with No. 4 rotor, at 60 rpm, and if the viscosity exceeds 10,000 mPa·s when measured at 20°C, with No. 4 rotor, at 60 rpm, it is measured at 20°C, with No. 4 rotor, at 6 rpm, and after 10 seconds.

[0021] From the viewpoint of viscosity development in an aqueous dispersion or solution, the hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose of component (A) has a molar substitution number of hydroxyalkoxy groups, a total molar substitution number of hydroxyethoxy groups and hydroxypropoxy groups, and a molar substitution number of hydroxypropoxy groups of preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.15 or more, and preferably 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.5 or less. Here, the "molar number of hydroxyalkoxy groups substituted" refers to the average number of moles of hydroxyalkoxy groups introduced per mole of glucose unit (having three hydroxyl groups) of cellulose. The same applies to the "total number of moles of hydroxyethoxy groups and hydroxypropoxy groups substituted" and the "molar number of hydroxypropoxy groups substituted".

[0022] In addition, from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose of component (A) preferably has a degree of alkoxy group substitution, and further a degree of methoxy group substitution, of 1.4 or more, more preferably 1.7 or more, and preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.9 or less. Here, the "degree of alkoxy substitution" refers to the average number of alkoxy groups introduced per glucose unit (having three hydroxyl groups) of cellulose. The same applies to the "degree of methoxy group substitution."

[0023] The weight average molecular weight of component (A) is preferably 50,000 or more, more preferably 100,000 or more, and even more preferably 500,000 or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution, and is preferably 10,000,000 or less, more preferably 5,000,000 or less, and even more preferably 2,000,000 or less, from the viewpoint of water dispersibility or water solubility. The weight average molecular weight of component (A) is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography under the following measurement conditions, using polyethylene glycol of known molecular weight as a standard sample. <Method for measuring weight average molecular weight of component (A)> Column: α-M + α-M (cation) Eluent: 50 mmоl / L LiCl, ethanol / water = 3:7 mass% mixture Flow rate: 0.6mL / min Column temperature: 40℃ Detector: RI

[0024] The hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose of component (A), for example, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, may be produced by a known method, for example, as described in JP-A-10-158302, or may be a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available products include the Metrose series manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., the NEOVISCO-MC series manufactured by Sansho Co., Ltd., the Meserose series manufactured by Tomoe Engineering Co., Ltd., the Mapolose series manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co., Ltd., and the METHOCEL series manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company. Among these commercially available products, those with a 2 mass % viscosity of 100 mPa s or more and 200,000 mPa s or less are: METOLOSE 60SH-4000 (4,000, 1.9), 60SH-10000 (10,000, 1.9), 65SH-4000 (4,000, 1.8), 65SH-15000 (15,000, 1.8), 90SH-4000 (4,000, 1.4), 90SH-15000 (15,000, 1.4), 90SH-30000 (30,000, 1.4), 90SH-100000 (100,000, 1.4) manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.; NEOVISCO MC HM-4000 (4,000, 1.8), HM-15000 (15,000, 1.8), RM-4000 (4,000, 1.4), RM-8000 (8,000, 1.4), RM-15000 (15,000, 1.4), RM-30000 (30,000, 1.4), Matsumoto Yushi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. MARPOLOSE 60MP-4000 (4,000, 1.9), 65MP-4000 (4,000, 1.8), 90MP-4000 (4,000, 1.4), 90MP-15000 (15,000, 1.4), 90MP-30000 (30,000, 1.4), Dow Chemical Company METHOCEL Examples include K4M (4,300, 1.4), K15M (16,000, 1.4), E4M (4,300, 1.9), and E10M (10,800, 1.9).Among these, examples of those having a degree of substitution of methoxy groups of 1.7 to 1.9 include METOLOSE 60SH-4000, 60SH-10000, 65SH-4000, and 65SH-15000 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., NEOVISCO MC HM-4000 and HM-15000 manufactured by Sansho Corporation, MARPOLOSE 60MP-4000 and 65MP-4000 manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi Seiyaku Co., Ltd., and METHOCEL E4M and E10M manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company. The numbers in parentheses for the commercially available products indicate the 2% by mass viscosity (mPa s) and the degree of substitution of methoxy groups, respectively.

[0025] <(B) component> The component (B) is an aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or a salt thereof. The component (B) may be one or a combination of two or more selected from aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensates and their salts. The component (B) is a condensate of an aromatic sulfonic acid and formaldehyde or a salt thereof, and examples of the aromatic sulfonic acid include monocyclic aromatic sulfonic acids such as cresol sulfonic acid and phenol sulfonic acid; and alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acids such as α-naphthalenesulfonic acid, β-naphthalenesulfonic acid, α-naphtholsulfonic acid, β-naphtholsulfonic acid, methylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, and butylnaphthalenesulfonic acid. Among these, α-naphthalenesulfonic acid and β-naphthalenesulfonic acid are preferred.

[0026] Examples of the salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate include α- or β-naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate (hereinafter, α-naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate or β-naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate are collectively referred to simply as "naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate") or a salt thereof. Among these, naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate or a salt thereof is preferred. The naphthalenesulfonic acid-formalin condensate or its salt may contain other structural units within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of the other structural units include structural units derived from copolymerizable compounds such as alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acids.

[0027] Examples of the salt of component (B) include sodium salts, potassium salts, ammonium salts, etc. Among these, one or more selected from sodium salts and ammonium salts are preferred.

[0028] The weight average molecular weight of component (B) is, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, preferably 1,000 or more, more preferably 3,000 or more, even more preferably 4,000 or more, and even more preferably 5,000 or more, and from the viewpoint of water dispersibility or water solubility, preferably 200,000 or less, more preferably 100,000 or less, even more preferably 80,000 or less, and even more preferably 50,000 or less.

[0029] <Method for measuring weight average molecular weight of component (B)> The weight average molecular weight of the component (B) is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following conditions. [GPC conditions] Equipment: Tosoh Corporation HLC-8320GPC Column: Tosoh Corporation G4000SWXL+G2000SWXL Eluent: 30mMCH3COONa / CH3CN=6 / 4 Flow rate: 0.7mL / min Detector: UV 280nm Sample size: 3.33mg / mL Standard material: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SCIENTIFIC POLYMER PRODUCTS, INC.) SODIUM POLYSTYRENE SULFONATE - narrow distribution -: MW = 1,690, 7,540, 16,000, 68,300, 126,700, 587,600

[0030] The aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde (formalin) condensate can be produced, for example, by a method in which an aromatic sulfonic acid and formaldehyde are subjected to a condensation reaction to obtain a condensate, and the condensate is neutralized with a basic substance. After the neutralization, water-insoluble matters present in the system may be removed. Commercially available salts of aromatic sulfonic acid-formalin condensates include 150, HS, 150R, 150RX, 150V, 150HB-2, and 100 from the "Mitei" series manufactured by Kao Corporation, and AS, MS, N, NL, RN, RN-L, SC-30, SC-B, SN-B, SS-L, T, and T-45 from the "Demol" series, etc.

[0031] <(C) component> The component (C) is a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof. The component (C) may be one or a combination of two or more selected from di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acids and salts thereof. The component (C) is preferably a sulfosuccinic acid diester having two branched alkyl groups having 4 to 16 carbon atoms, or a salt thereof.

[0032] The component (C) may be a compound represented by the following general formula (C1).

[0033] [ka]

[0034] [In the formula, R 1 , R 2 are each a branched alkyl group having 4 to 16 carbon atoms, 1 O, A 2 Each O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, x1 and x2 are the average number of moles added, each being a number of 0 to 10, and M is a cation.

[0035] In general formula (C1), R 1 and R 2 may be the same or different and each is a branched chain alkyl group having 4 to 16 carbon atoms. R 1 and R 2The number of carbon atoms in the branched chain alkyl group is, from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution, 4 or more, preferably 5 or more, more preferably 6 or more, even more preferably 7 or more, and 16 or less, preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less, even more preferably 10 or less.

[0036] In general formula (C1), R 1 and R 2 From the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the total number of carbon atoms of R is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, even more preferably 14 or more, and is preferably 28 or less, more preferably 24 or less, even more preferably 20 or less. 1 and R 2 In the case where two or more compounds having different total carbon numbers are contained, R 1 and R 2 The total number of carbon atoms in each compound is R 1 and R 2 represents the molar average of the total carbon number.

[0037] In general formula (C1), R 1 and R 2 From the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the branched alkyl group preferably has a side chain having 1 or more carbon atoms, and more preferably has a side chain having 2 or more carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms in the side chain may be 6 or less, and further 4 or less. 1 and R 2 Among the branched chain alkyl groups, the carbon bonded to the oxygen atom (O) in the formula is the first carbon, and the longest sequence of carbon atoms is called the main chain, and the number of carbon atoms in the main chain is X(R 1 and R 2 (Since the number of carbon atoms in the main chain is 4 or more, X is 2 or more.) The hydrocarbon groups bonded to any of the 1st to X-1th carbon atoms in the main chain are called side chains. In addition, R 1 and R 2 may be a group derived from a Guerbet alcohol.

[0038] R in general formula (C1) 1 and R 2are each independently preferably a branched chain alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably a branched chain alkyl group having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a branched chain alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution.

[0039] In the present invention, the branched chain alkyl group includes a hydrocarbon residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from a secondary alcohol. R 1 and R 2 are each a branched-chain alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, the total number of carbon atoms constituting the side chains may be the same or different, and from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution, is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and is preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 3. In the present invention, the total number of carbon atoms constituting the side chains refers to the total number of carbon atoms in all side chains other than the main chain in one branched-chain alkyl group, and when there are multiple side chains, it refers to the total number of carbon atoms in all of those side chains.

[0040] R 1 and R 2 The number of side chains of R may be the same or different, and from the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution, is 1 or more, and preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less. 1 and R 2 From the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the number of side chains of each is preferably 1. In the present invention, the number of side chains refers to the number of side chains branching from the main chain, and the number of side chains does not change even if the side chain has a further side chain branching from the side chain. However, although the side chain may have a further side chain branching from the side chain, it is preferable that the side chain is a straight chain from the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution.

[0041] R 1 and R 2 are each independently a branched chain alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, R 1 , R 2The number of branched carbon atoms in R may be the same or different, and from the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution, is 1 or more, and preferably 3 or less, and more preferably 2 or less. 1 and R 2 From the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the number of branched carbons is preferably 1. In the present invention, the number of branched carbons refers to the total number of tertiary carbon atoms and quaternary carbon atoms in the branched alkyl group.

[0042] R 1 , R 2 A more preferred embodiment of the above, from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution, is a branched-chain alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, in which the number of carbon atoms in the main chain is independently from 6 to 8, the number of carbon atoms constituting the side chains is independently preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 3, and the number of side chains is independently preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 1. R 1 , R 2 From the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution, each of the branched alkyl groups is preferably a branched octyl group, a branched decyl group, and a branched dodecyl group, and from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution, a branched decyl group is more preferable. Examples of the branched octyl group include a 2-ethylhexyl group. Examples of the branched decyl group include a 2-propylheptyl group and a group derived from decyl alcohol manufactured by KH Neochem Co., Ltd., and the like, with the 2-propylheptyl group being preferred. Examples of the branched dodecyl group include a 2-butyloctyl group.

[0043] In general formula (C1), R 1 Branched chain alkyl group and R 2 The branched alkyl groups in R may be the same or different. 1 Branched chain alkyl group and R 2 It is preferable that the branched chain alkyl groups are the same in terms of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution.

[0044] In general formula (C1), A 1 O, A 2 O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, from the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution. 1 O, A 2 Each of these represents the average number of moles of O added, and is from 0 to 10, and from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution, is preferably a number of 6 or less, more preferably 4 or less, even more preferably 2 or less, and still more preferably 0.

[0045] In the general formula (C1), M is a cation. M is preferably a cation other than a hydrogen ion. Examples of M include alkali metal ions such as lithium ion, sodium ion, and potassium ion, alkaline earth metal ions such as magnesium ion, calcium ion, and barium ion, and organic ammonium ions such as triethanolammonium ion, diethanolammonium ion, monoethanolammonium ion, trimethylammonium ion, and monomethylammonium ion. From the viewpoint of viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion or solution, M is preferably an alkali metal ion or an alkanol ammonium ion, more preferably a sodium ion, a potassium ion, a triethanol ammonium ion, a diethanol ammonium ion or a monoethanol ammonium ion, and still more preferably a sodium ion.

[0046] <Composition of thickener composition and other components> The thickener composition of the present invention contains component (A) in an amount of preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, and even more preferably 4% by mass or more from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, and in an amount of preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less, and even more preferably 70% by mass or less from the viewpoint of the handleability of the aqueous dispersion or solution.

[0047] From the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the thickener composition of the present invention is used so that, when used, the amount of component (A) per 100 parts by mass of water blended into the aqueous dispersion or solution containing the thickener composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.05 part by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1 part by mass or more, and preferably 8 parts by mass or less, more preferably 4 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 2 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 1 part by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or less.

[0048] The thickener composition of the present invention contains component (B) in an amount of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, and preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 50% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution.

[0049] From the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the thickener composition of the present invention is used so that, when used, the amount of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of water blended into the aqueous dispersion or solution containing the thickener composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.02 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 0.04 parts by mass or more, and preferably 4 parts by mass or less, more preferably 2 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 1 part by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or less.

[0050] From the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the thickener composition of the present invention contains component (C) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more, and from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, it contains preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 98.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 97% by mass or less, and even more preferably 95% by mass or less.

[0051] From the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the thickener composition of the present invention is used so that, when used, the amount of component (C) per 100 parts by mass of water blended into the aqueous dispersion or solution containing the thickener composition of the present invention is preferably 0.0001 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.001 part by mass or more, even more preferably 0.01 part by mass or more, still more preferably 0.02 parts by mass or more, still more preferably 0.04 parts by mass or more, and preferably 10 parts by mass or less, more preferably 7.5 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 1 part by mass or less, still more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.1 part by mass or less.

[0052] In the thickener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (B) / (A) of the content of the (B) component to the content of the (A) component is preferably 0.02 or more, more preferably 0.03 or more, even more preferably 0.08 or more, and still more preferably 0.32 or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution, and is preferably 2.5 or less, more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 1.5 or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution.

[0053] In the thickener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (C) / (B) of the content of the (C) component to the content of the (B) component is preferably 0.02 or more, more preferably 0.06 or more, even more preferably 0.12 or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution, and is preferably 70 or less, more preferably 60 or less, even more preferably 50 or less, still more preferably 25 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or aqueous solution.

[0054] The thickener composition of the present invention can contain (D) water (hereinafter referred to as component (D)). The water may be tap water, purified water, groundwater, or industrial water. Component (D) is used as the balance excluding components (A), (B), (C), and the optional components described below. When the thickener composition of the present invention contains component (D), from the viewpoint of handleability of the thickener composition, the thickener composition of the present invention contains component (D) in an amount of preferably 1 mass % or more, more preferably 5 mass % or more, and even more preferably 10 mass % or more, and from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the thickener composition of the present invention contains component (D) in an amount of preferably 99.9 mass % or less, more preferably 75 mass % or less, and even more preferably 50 mass % or less.

[0055] The thickener compositions of the present invention may optionally contain preservatives, antifoaming agents, and stabilizers.

[0056] The thickener composition of the present invention may also contain an inorganic powder. The inorganic powder may be used for a water dispersion (slurry) of a hydraulic powder, for example, hydraulic powder such as cement or gypsum, powder having pozzolanic action and / or latent hydraulic property such as blast furnace slag, ash, amorphous silica, or kaolin, stone powder (calcium carbonate powder), etc. A preferred embodiment of the hydraulic powder will be described in detail in the hydraulic composition of the present invention. Examples of inorganic powders include inorganic powders for producing ceramics, such as alumina, zirconia, barium titanate, hydroxyapatite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, fluorite, boron nitride, ferrite, lead zirconate titanate, steatite, and zinc oxide. Examples of inorganic powders include inorganic powders that are coloring materials (pigments), such as iron oxide, carbon black, chromium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, talc, kaolin, mica, and sericite; inorganic powders for granulated materials such as cat litter, such as bentonite and zeolite; and inorganic powders that are conductive materials, such as silver and its alloys, copper and its alloys, gold and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys, magnesium and its alloys, tungsten and its alloys, molybdenum and its alloys, zinc and its alloys, nickel and its alloys, iron and its alloys, platinum and its alloys, tin and its alloys, steel and its alloys, lead and its alloys, and mercury and its alloys.

[0057] The thickener composition of the present invention may contain a monomer, such as a copolymerizable monomer having a vinyl group or an aryl group, for example, (meth)acrylic acid and its derivatives, ethylene and its derivatives, styrene and its derivatives, propylene and its derivatives, alkylene glycol and its derivatives, dicarboxylic acid and its derivatives, benzene and its derivatives, and naphthalene and its derivatives. The thickener composition of the present invention may also contain pulp, pulp sludge, sawdust, used tea leaves, and the like as powders for granulated materials such as cat litter, and carbon and its alloys, and the like as conductive powders.

[0058] The thickener composition of the present invention may be one or more types of thickener compositions selected from those for aqueous dispersions of hydraulic powders, those for dispersions of inorganic powders for ceramic production, those for emulsified dispersions of monomers and the like, those for dispersions of coloring materials and the like, those for granulated materials such as cat litter, and those for dispersions of conductive materials and the like, and is suitable as a thickener composition for aqueous dispersions of hydraulic powders. As an example of the water dispersion of hydraulic powder containing the thickener composition of the present invention, the following hydraulic composition of the present invention can be mentioned.

[0059] The thickener composition of the present invention contains an inorganic powder in an amount of preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and even more preferably 50% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, and preferably 90% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less, and even more preferably 70% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution.

[0060] From the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion or solution, the thickener composition of the present invention is used so that, when used, the amount of inorganic powder blended per 100 parts by mass of water blended into the aqueous dispersion or solution containing the thickener composition of the present invention is preferably 10 parts by mass or more, more preferably 20 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 30 parts by mass or more, and preferably 200 parts by mass or less, more preferably 100 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 50 parts by mass or less.

[0061] <Hydraulic composition> The present invention provides a hydraulic composition comprising a hydraulic powder, water, a component (A), a component (B), and a component (C). The hydraulic composition of the present invention may be a hydraulic composition containing a hydraulic composition, water, and the thickener composition of the present invention. In the hydraulic composition of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the components (A), (B), (C) and optional components are the same as those described in the thickener composition of the present invention. In the hydraulic composition of the present invention, the water is, for example, tap water, lake water, river water, groundwater, or the like.

[0062] The hydraulic powder is a powder that hardens when mixed with water, and examples thereof include ordinary Portland cement, high-early-strength Portland cement, ultra-high-early-strength Portland cement, sulfate-resistant Portland cement, low-heat Portland cement, moderate-heat Portland cement, white Portland cement, and ecocement (e.g., JIS R5214, etc.). Among these, from the viewpoints of procurement and handling, cement selected from early-early-strength Portland cement, ordinary Portland cement, sulfate-resistant Portland cement, and white Portland cement is preferred, and early-early-strength Portland cement and ordinary Portland cement are more preferred.

[0063] The hydraulic powder may include blast furnace slag, fly ash, silica fume, anhydrous gypsum, etc., and may also include non-hydraulic limestone fine powder, etc. As the hydraulic powder, blast furnace cement, fly ash cement, or silica fume cement, which is a mixture of cement with blast furnace slag, fly ash, silica fume, etc., may be used.

[0064] The hydraulic composition of the present invention may contain an aggregate. The aggregate may be selected from fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. Examples of fine aggregates include those specified by number 2311 in JIS A0203-2014. Examples of fine aggregates include river sand, land sand, mountain sand, sea sand, lime sand, silica sand and crushed sands thereof, blast furnace slag fine aggregate, ferro-nickel slag fine aggregate, lightweight fine aggregate (artificial and natural), and recycled fine aggregate. Furthermore, examples of the coarse aggregate include those specified by number 2312 in JIS A0203-2014. For example, examples of the coarse aggregate include river gravel, land gravel, mountain gravel, sea gravel, limestone gravel, crushed stones thereof, blast furnace slag coarse aggregate, ferronickel slag coarse aggregate, lightweight coarse aggregate (artificial and natural), and recycled coarse aggregate. Different types of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate may be mixed and used, or a single type may be used.

[0065] The hydraulic composition of the present invention has a water / hydraulic powder ratio (W / C) of preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and even more preferably 40% by mass or more from the viewpoint of homogeneity of the hydraulic composition, and preferably 300% by mass or less, more preferably 150% by mass or less, and even more preferably 75% by mass or less from the viewpoint of strength of the set body of the hydraulic composition. The water / hydraulic powder ratio (W / C) is the ratio of water to hydraulic powder in the hydraulic composition of the present invention expressed as a mass percentage (mass%) and is calculated as (water / hydraulic powder) x 100. In addition, when the hydraulic powder includes powders selected from powders having pozzolanic action, powders having latent hydraulic properties, and stone powder (calcium carbonate powder) in addition to powders having properties that harden through hydration reactions such as cement, the amounts of these powders are also included in the amount of hydraulic powder in the present invention. In addition, when the powder having properties that harden through hydration reactions contains a high-strength admixture, the amount of the high-strength admixture is also included in the amount of hydraulic powder. This also applies to other parts by mass that are related to the mass of the hydraulic powder.

[0066] The hydraulic composition of the present invention contains, from the viewpoint of viscosity development of the hydraulic composition slurry, preferably 0.01 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.05 part by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1 part by mass or more of component (A) relative to 100 parts by mass of water contained in the hydraulic composition, and from the viewpoint of homogeneity of the hydraulic composition, preferably 8 parts by mass or less, more preferably 4 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 2 mass% or less.

[0067] The hydraulic composition of the present invention contains, from the viewpoint of viscosity development of the hydraulic composition slurry, preferably 0.01 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.05 part by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1 part by mass or more of the (B) component relative to 100 parts by mass of water contained in the hydraulic composition, and from the viewpoint of the strength of the set body of the hydraulic composition, preferably 4 parts by mass or less, more preferably 2 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 1 part by mass or less.

[0068] The hydraulic composition of the present invention contains, from the viewpoint of viscosity development of the hydraulic composition slurry, preferably 0.0001 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.001 part by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.01 part by mass or more of component (C) relative to 100 parts by mass of water contained in the hydraulic composition, and from the viewpoint of strength of the set body of the hydraulic composition, preferably 1 part by mass or less, more preferably 0.5 part by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1 part by mass or less.

[0069] In the hydraulic composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (B) / (A) of the content of the component (B) to the content of the component (A) is preferably 0.02 or more, more preferably 0.03 or more, even more preferably 0.08 or more, and still more preferably 0.32 or more, from the viewpoint of the hydraulic composition slurry viscosity, and is preferably 2.5 or less, more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 1.5 or less, from the viewpoint of the hydraulic composition slurry viscosity.

[0070] In the hydraulic composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (C) / (B) of the content of the component (C) to the content of the component (B) is preferably 0.02 or more, more preferably 0.06 or more, and even more preferably 0.12 or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity expression of the hydraulic composition slurry, and is preferably 70 or less, more preferably 60 or less, even more preferably 50 or less, still more preferably 25 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the hydraulic composition slurry.

[0071] <Powder mixture> The thickener composition of the present invention may be in the form of a powder mixture (dry mix) in which it is premixed with a hydraulic powder. That is, the present invention provides a powder mixture containing the hydraulic powder, a component (A), a component (B), and a component (C). Specific examples and preferred examples of the components (A), (B), (C) and optional components in the powder mixture of the present invention are the same as those described in the thickener composition of the present invention. In addition, the preferred embodiments of the hydraulic powder, etc. in the powder mixture of the present invention are the same as those described in the hydraulic composition of the present invention. In addition, the preferred contents of the (A) component, the (B) component, and the (C) component, and the mass ratios of the contents, (B) / (A) and (C) / (B), in the powder mixture of the present invention are the same as those described in the hydraulic composition of the present invention.

[0072] The powder mixture of the present invention contains, from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the hydraulic composition slurry, preferably 0.01 mass % or more, more preferably 0.05 mass % or more, and even more preferably 0.1 mass % or more of component (A) relative to the hydraulic powder contained in the powder mixture, and from the viewpoint of homogeneity of the hydraulic composition, preferably 8 mass % or less, more preferably 4 mass % or less, and even more preferably 2 mass % or less.

[0073] The powder mixture of the present invention contains, from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the hydraulic composition slurry, preferably 0.01 mass % or more, more preferably 0.05 mass % or more, and even more preferably 0.1 mass % or more of the (B) component relative to the hydraulic powder contained in the powder mixture, and from the viewpoint of the strength of the hardened body of the hydraulic composition, preferably 4 mass % or less, more preferably 2 mass % or less, and even more preferably 1 mass % or less.

[0074] The powder mixture of the present invention contains, from the viewpoint of viscosity expression of the hydraulic composition slurry, preferably 0.0001 mass % or more, more preferably 0.001 mass % or more, and even more preferably 0.01 mass % or more of component (C) relative to the hydraulic powder contained in the hydraulic composition, and from the viewpoint of the strength of the hardened body of the hydraulic composition, preferably 1 mass % or less, more preferably 0.5 mass % or less, and even more preferably 0.1 mass % or less.

[0075] <Additives for thickener compositions> The present invention provides a thickener composition additive for use in a thickener composition containing (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose (component (A)), the thickener composition additive comprising (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or a salt thereof (component (B)), and (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof (component (C)). Specific examples and preferred examples of the (A), (B), (C) and optional components in the thickener composition additive of the present invention are the same as those described in the thickener composition of the present invention. In addition, the preferred content of the (A) component in the thickener composition in the thickener composition additive of the present invention is the same as that described in the thickener composition of the present invention.

[0076] The thickener composition additive of the present invention contains the (B) component in an amount of preferably 0.5 mass % or more, more preferably 1.0 mass % or more, and even more preferably 1.5 mass % or more from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion, aqueous solution, or hydraulic composition slurry, and for example, 80 mass % or less, further 70 mass % or less, further 60 mass % or less, and even 50 mass % or less from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion, aqueous solution, or hydraulic composition slurry.

[0077] The thickener composition additive of the present invention contains the (C) component in an amount of preferably 0.01 mass % or more, more preferably 0.1 mass % or more, and even more preferably 1 mass % or more from the viewpoint of the viscosity development of the aqueous dispersion, aqueous solution, or hydraulic composition slurry, and in an amount of, for example, 99 mass % or less, further 70 mass % or less, further 40 mass % or less, or even 10 mass % or less from the viewpoint of the storage stability of the thickener composition additive.

[0078] In the thickener composition additive of the present invention, the mass ratio (C) / (B) of the content of the component (C) to the content of the component (B) is preferably 0.02 or more, more preferably 0.06 or more, even more preferably 0.12 or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity expression of the aqueous dispersion, aqueous solution, or hydraulic composition slurry, and is preferably 70 or less, more preferably 60 or less, even more preferably 50 or less, still more preferably 25 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion, aqueous solution, or hydraulic composition slurry.

[0079] The thickener composition additive of the present invention is used so that the mass ratio (B) / (A) of the content of the (B) component to the content of the (A) component contained in the thickener composition is preferably 0.02 or more, more preferably 0.03 or more, even more preferably 0.08 or more, and still more preferably 0.32 or more, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion, aqueous solution, or hydraulic composition slurry, and is preferably 2.5 or less, more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 1.5 or less, from the viewpoint of the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion, aqueous solution, or hydraulic composition slurry. That is, the thickener composition additive of the present invention may be an additive for a thickener composition in which the component (B) is used relative to the component (A) in the above-mentioned mass ratio (B) / (A).

[0080] <Kit for producing thickener composition> The present invention provides a kit for producing a thickener composition comprising multiple agents including components selected from the following components (A), (B), and (C), in which component (A) and component (B) are contained in separate agents: (A) Component: Hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose Component (B): Aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or its salt Component (C): Di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or its salt

[0081] Specific examples and preferred examples of the components (A), (B), (C) and optional components in the kit of the present invention are the same as those described in the thickener composition of the present invention. The matters described in the thickener composition of the present invention can be appropriately applied to the kit of the present invention.

[0082] Examples of kits of the present invention include: (1) A kit consisting of a preparation containing component (A) but not containing component (B) and a preparation containing components (B) and (C) but not containing component (A). (2) A kit consisting of a preparation containing component (A) and component (C) but not containing component (B), and a preparation containing component (B) but not containing component (A). (3) A kit consisting of a preparation containing component (A) but not containing component (B), a preparation containing component (B) but not containing component (A), and a preparation containing component (C) (which preparation may optionally contain component (A) or component (B)). Examples include:

[0083] In the kit of the present invention, from the viewpoint of handling, it is preferable that the components (A) and (B) are stored and supplied separately, and from the viewpoint of storage stability, it is preferable to supply a kit of an agent containing the component (A) and an agent containing the components (B) and (C). As the kit, from the viewpoint of agent stability and workability, a kit composed of an agent containing the component (A) but not the component (B) and an agent containing the components (B and (C) but not the component (A) is more preferable.

[0084] In each of the agents constituting the kit of the present invention, the contents of the (A), (B) and (C) components may be, for example, amounts such that a thickener composition of the present invention containing these components in the contents or mass ratios within the above-mentioned ranges can be produced.

[0085] A plurality of ingredients including a component selected from the group consisting of components (A), (B) and (C) are mixed and then diluted with water to prepare a desired thickener composition. The kit for producing the thickener composition of the present invention is suitably used for preparing the thickener composition of the present invention.

[0086] The agent containing the component (A) preferably contains the component (A) in an amount of 1 mass% or more, further 5 mass% or more, further 25 mass% or more, and 100 mass% or less, further 90 mass% or less, and may contain 100 mass% of the component (A). Furthermore, the agent containing the (B) component preferably contains 1 mass % or more, further 5 mass % or more, further 25 mass % or more, and 100 mass % or less, further 90 mass % or less of the (B) component, and may contain 100 mass %. Furthermore, the agent containing the component (C) preferably contains the component (C) in an amount of 1 mass% or more, further 5 mass% or more, further 25 mass% or more, and 100 mass% or less, further 90 mass% or less, and may contain 100 mass% of the component (C). The agent containing component (A), the agent containing component (B) and the agent containing component (C) may contain an optional component such as component (D) mentioned in the thickener composition of the present invention.

[0087] <Method of producing thickener composition> The present invention provides a method for producing a thickener composition, which comprises mixing (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose (component (A)) with an aqueous solution obtained by mixing (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or a salt thereof (component (B)), (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof (component (C)), and (D) water (component (D)). Specific examples and preferred examples of the (A), (B), (C) and optional components in the method for producing the thickener composition of the present invention are the same as those described for the thickener composition of the present invention. The preferred contents and mass ratios of the (A), (B), (C) and (D) components in the thickener composition of the present invention are the preferred mixing amounts and mixing ratios of the (A), (B) and (C) components in the method for producing the thickener composition of the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0088] Aqueous dispersions of thickener compositions shown in Tables 1 to 6 and cement pastes shown in Table 7 were prepared using an agent containing component (A), an agent containing component (B), and an agent containing component (C), and the following evaluations were performed. The aqueous dispersions of thickener compositions or cement pastes contain, as active ingredients of the thickener composition, the components (A), (B), and (C) in the parts by mass shown in the tables per 100 parts by mass of water contained in the aqueous dispersion or cement paste.

[0089] <Components of aqueous dispersion of thickener composition or cement paste> <Component (A)> *The viscosity (catalog value) of a 2% by weight aqueous solution of each component at 20°C and the degree of methoxy group substitution are shown in parentheses for each component. A-1: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (100,000 mPa·s, 1.4), Metolose 90SH-100000, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. A-2: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (4,000 mPa·s, 1.4), Metolose 90SH-4000, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. A-3: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (15,000 mPa·s, 1.8), Metolose 65SH-15000, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. A-4: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (4,000 mPa·s, 1.9), Metolose 60SH-4000, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. <Component (A')> A'-1: Methylcellulose (3,500-5,600 mPa·s), manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. A'-2: Hydroxyethyl cellulose (4,500-6,500 mPa·s), manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. A'-3: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. <(B) component> (B) Component: sodium salt of naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate (weight average molecular weight: 13,000), manufactured by Kao Corporation

[0090] <(C) component> C-1: Di-2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinic acid sodium salt, manufactured by Kao Corporation C-2: Di-2-propylheptyl sulfosuccinic acid sodium salt, manufactured by Kao Corporation <(C') component> C'-1: Sulfosuccinic acid tallow amide disodium salt, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-2: Polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether sulfate sodium salt, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-3: sodium laurylbenzenesulfonate, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-4: Potassium oleate, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-5: Dipotassium 2-(alkenyl(C=16-18)) succinate, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-6: Polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-7: Polyoxyethylene (9) oleyl ether, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-8: Polyoxyethylene (5) sec-alkyl (C=11-15) ether, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-9: Sorbitan monolaurate, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-10: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-11: Polyoxyethylene (20) stearylamine, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-12: Palm kernel fatty acid diethanolamide, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-13: Stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-14: Dodecyldimethylammonioacetate, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-15: 2-Ethylhexyl glyceryl ether, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-16: Polyoxyethylene (5) lauryl ether carboxylate sodium salt, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-17: Coconut oil alkyl dimethylamine, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-18: Alkyl (C=9-11) oligoglucopyranoside, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-19: N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine N-(coco-acyl) derivative-sodium salt, manufactured by Kao Corporation C'-20: Lauryl dimethylamine oxide, manufactured by Kao Corporation

[0091] <(D) component> Water: Tap water (Wakayama City tap water, specific gravity 1.00) <Hydraulic powder> Ordinary Portland cement: Belite content 18% by weight, specific gravity 3.16, manufactured by Taiheiyo Cement Corporation

[0092] <Example 1 and Comparative Example 1> (1) Preparation of aqueous dispersion of thickener composition Water, component (B), and component (C) or (C') were added to a 100 mL disposable cup, and the mixture was stirred for 10 seconds with a stirrer (Pencil Mixer DX, AS ONE Corporation, stirring rod type 3, rotation speed 7,000 rpm) to prepare an aqueous solution. Water was added so that the total mass of the water added to the disposable cup, the water in which component (B) was dissolved, and the water in which component (C) or (C') was dissolved was 100 g. In addition, component (B) was added to the disposable cup so that the solid mass (g) per 100 g of the total mass of water added to the disposable cup was the mass parts shown in Tables 1 and 2. In addition, for the poorly water-soluble component (C) or (C'), a dilute aqueous solution of component (C) or component (C') was prepared in advance and poured into the disposable cup so that the mass of solids (g) per 100 g of water added to the disposable cup was the mass parts shown in Tables 1 and 2. Next, component (A) or component (A') was added to this aqueous solution, and the solution was stirred for 2 minutes with a stirrer (Pencil Mixer DX, AS ONE Corporation, stirring rod type 3, rotation speed 7,000 rpm) to prepare an aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition. Component (A) or (A') was added so that the solid content mass (g) per 100 g of water contained in the aqueous solution before the addition of component (A) or (A') was the part by mass shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0093] (2) Evaluation of the degree of dispersion of lumps in an aqueous dispersion of a thickener composition The aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition prepared by the method described in (1) was visually observed, and the degree of dispersion of the lumps in the aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition was evaluated based on the following index. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. [Indicator of degree of dispersion] ○: No splices were found, or splices less than 2 mm in diameter were found. ×: Powder splices with a diameter of 2 mm or more are observed.

[0094] (3) Measurement of Viscosity of Water Dispersion of Thickener Composition The viscosity of the aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition prepared by the method described in (1) was measured using a B-type viscometer (Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd.) at 20°C, No. 2 rotor, and 60 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of the measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 500 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor under these conditions (hereinafter referred to as measurement with the No. 2 rotor), the viscosity was measured at 20°C, No. 2 rotor, and 6 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of the measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 5,000 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor, the viscosity was measured at 20°C, No. 4 rotor, and 60 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of the measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 10,000 mPa·s when measured with the No. 4 rotor and 60 rpm at 20°C, the viscosity was measured at 20°C, No. 4 rotor, and 6 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of the measurement. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0095] (4) Calculation of viscosity improvement Based on the viscosity of the aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition calculated by the measurement in (3) (hereinafter referred to as viscosity A) and the viscosity of an aqueous dispersion of a comparative thickener composition containing the same amounts of components (A) and (B) as those of the aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition, but not containing component (C) (hereinafter referred to as viscosity B), the degree of improvement in thickening was calculated according to the following formula (1). The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. In Table 1, the viscosity of the dispersion of the thickener composition of Comparative Example 1-1 or Comparative Example 1-2 is used as viscosity B, and in Table 2, the viscosity of the dispersion of the thickener composition of Comparative Example 1-7, etc. is used as viscosity B. Viscosity improvement rate (times) = (viscosity A) / (viscosity B) (1)

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] [Table 2]

[0098] In Tables 1 and 2, Examples 1-1 to 1-4 showed superior dispersion of splices and viscosity development at the initial stage of kneading compared to Comparative Example 1-1, Examples 1-5 and 1-6 showed superior dispersion of splices compared to Comparative Examples 1-2 to 1-5, and Examples 1-7 and 1-8 showed superior dispersion of splices compared to Comparative Examples 1-6 to 1-31. This is believed to be because di-branched alkylsulfosuccinic acid and its salts, represented by components C-1 and C-2, effectively reduced the surface tension of water while not interfering with the formation and thickening of the network structure of the naphthalenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, thereby improving viscosity development, especially at the initial stage of kneading.

[0099] <Example 2 and Comparative Example 2> (1) Preparation of aqueous dispersion of thickener composition Water, component (B), and component (C) were added to a 100 mL disposable cup, and the mixture was stirred for 10 seconds with a stirrer (Pencil Mixer DX, AS ONE Corporation, stirring rod type 3, rotation speed 7,000 rpm) to prepare an aqueous solution. The water was added so that the total mass of the water added to the disposable cup, the water in which component (B) was dissolved, and the water in which component (C) or (C') was dissolved was 100 g. The component (B) was added to the disposable cup so that the solid content mass (g) per 100 g of the total mass of water added to the disposable cup was the mass parts shown in Tables 3 to 6. The component (C) or (C') was added to the disposable cup by preparing a dilute aqueous solution of the component (C) or (C') in advance, and the solid content mass (g) per 100 g of the total mass of water added to the disposable cup was the mass parts shown in Tables 3 to 6. Next, component (A) was added to this aqueous solution, and the solution was stirred for 1 to 3 minutes with a stirrer (Pencil Mixer DX, AS ONE Corporation, stirring rod type 3, rotation speed 7,000 rpm) to prepare an aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition. Component (A) was added so that the solid content mass (g) per 100 g of water contained in the aqueous solution before adding component (A) was the part by mass shown in Tables 3 to 6.

[0100] (2) Evaluation of the degree of dispersion of lumps in an aqueous dispersion of a thickener composition The aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition prepared by the method described in (1) was visually observed 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes after the start of stirring, and the degree of dispersion of the lumps in the aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition was evaluated based on the following index. The results are shown in 3 to 6. [Indicator of the degree of dispersion of powder] ○: No splices were found, or splices less than 2 mm in diameter were found. ×: Powder splices with a diameter of 2 mm or more are observed.

[0101] (3) Measurement of Viscosity of Water Dispersion of Thickener Composition The viscosity of the aqueous dispersion of the thickener composition prepared by the method described in (1) was measured 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes after the start of stirring. In practice, 20 seconds is required from measurement to re-stirring for each stirring time, so measurements were taken at 20°C, No. 2 rotor, and 60 rpm using a B-type viscometer (manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd.) at 1 minute, 2 minutes 20 seconds, and 3 minutes 40 seconds after the start of stirring after the addition of component (A), and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 500 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor, it was measured at 20°C, No. 2 rotor, and 6 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 5,000 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor, it was measured at 20°C, No. 4 rotor, and 60 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 10,000 mPa·s when measured at 20°C with a No. 4 rotor at 60 rpm, the measurement was performed at 20°C with a No. 4 rotor at 6 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of the measurement. The results are shown in Tables 3 to 6.

[0102] [Table 3]

[0103] [Table 4]

[0104] [Table 5]

[0105] [Table 6]

[0106] In Tables 3 to 6, Examples 2-1 and 2-2 showed superior dispersion of splices and viscosity development at the initial stage of kneading compared to Comparative Examples 2-1 and 2-2, Example 2-3 showed superior dispersion of splices compared to Comparative Example 2-3, Example 2-4 showed superior dispersion of splices compared to Comparative Example 2-4, and Example 2-5 showed superior dispersion of splices compared to Comparative Example 2-5. This is believed to be because di-branched alkylsulfosuccinic acid and its salts, represented by components C-1 and C-2, effectively reduced the surface tension of water while not interfering with the formation and thickening of the network structure of the naphthalenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, thereby improving viscosity development, particularly at the initial stage of kneading.

[0107] <Example 3 and Comparative Example 3> (1) Preparation of cement paste Water, component (B) and component (C) were added to a 100 mL disposable cup, and the mixture was stirred for 10 seconds with a stirrer (Pencil Mixer DX, AS ONE Corporation, stirring rod type 3, rotation speed 7,000 rpm) to prepare an aqueous solution. The water was added so that the total mass of the water added to the disposable cup, the water in which component (B) was dissolved, and the water in which component (C) or (C') was dissolved was 50 g. The component (B) was added to the disposable cup so that the solid content mass (g) per 100 g of the total mass of water added to the disposable cup was the mass parts shown in Table 7. The component (C) or (C') was added to the disposable cup by preparing a dilute aqueous solution of the component (C) or (C') in advance, and the solid content mass (g) per 100 g of the total mass of water added to the disposable cup was the mass parts shown in Table 7. Next, 50 g of ordinary Portland cement and half the mass of component (A) listed in Table 7 were mixed by inversion in a polyethylene bag for 10 seconds, and then poured into a 100 mL disposable cup containing the water, component (B), and component (C) described above, and stirred with a mixer (Pencil Mixer DX, AS ONE Corporation, Stirring Rod Type 3, Rotational Speed ​​7,000 rpm) to prepare a cement paste.

[0108] (2) Measurement of cement paste viscosity The cement paste viscosity was measured in the same manner as the viscosity measurement method in (3) of Example 2. Specifically, the cement paste viscosity adjusted by the method described in (1) was measured at 1 minute, 2 minutes 20 seconds, and 3 minutes 40 seconds after the start of stirring using a B-type viscometer (manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd.) at 20 ° C., No. 2 rotor, and 60 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 500 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor, it was measured at 20 ° C., No. 2 rotor, and 6 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 5,000 mPa·s when measured with the No. 2 rotor, it was measured at 20 ° C., No. 4 rotor, and 60 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of measurement. If the viscosity exceeded 10,000 mPa s when measured at 20°C with a No. 4 rotor at 60 rpm, the measurement was carried out at 20°C with a No. 4 rotor at 6 rpm, and the viscosity was recorded 10 seconds after the start of the measurement. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0109] [Table 7]

[0110] In Table 7, Examples 3-1 and 3-2 showed excellent viscosity development in the early stage of cement paste mixing compared to Comparative Example 3-1. This is believed to be because di-branched alkylsulfosuccinic acid and its salts, represented by components C-1 and C-2, effectively reduced the surface tension of water even in cement paste while not interfering with the formation and thickening of the network structure of the naphthalenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, thereby improving viscosity development, especially in the early stage of mixing.

Claims

1. A thickener composition comprising: (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose (hereinafter referred to as component (A)); (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (B)); and (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (C)).

2. 2. The thickener composition according to claim 1, wherein a 2% by mass aqueous solution of component (A) has a viscosity at 20°C of 100 mPa·s or more and 200,000 mPa·s or less.

3. 3. The thickener composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight average molecular weight of component (B) is 1,000 or more and 200,000 or less.

4. 3. The thickener composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio (B) / (A) of the content of the component (B) to the content of the component (A) is 0.03 or more and 2.5 or less.

5. 3. The thickener composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio (C) / (B) of the content of the component (C) to the content of the component (B) is 0.02 or more and 50 or less.

6. The thickener composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising (D) water.

7. The thickener composition according to claim 1 or 2, which is for use in an aqueous dispersion of an inorganic powder.

8. The thickener composition according to claim 7 , wherein the inorganic powder is a hydraulic powder.

9. A thickener composition additive used in a thickener composition containing (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose, the thickener composition additive comprising (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formalin condensate or a salt thereof, and (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof.

10. A powder mixture comprising a hydraulic powder, (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose, (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formalin condensate or a salt thereof, and (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof.

11. A hydraulic composition comprising a hydraulic powder, water, (A) a hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose, (B) an aromatic sulfonic acid-formalin condensate or a salt thereof, and (C) a di-branched alkyl sulfosuccinic acid or a salt thereof.