Low-VOC general-purpose colorant composition

Abstract

A general-purpose colorant composition that is compatible with water-based and solvent-based base paints and stains for coloring. The general-purpose colorant composition includes one or more modified polyether dispersants having one or more pigment affinity groups, which wet, disperse, and stabilize the included pigments. The general-purpose colorant composition provides low viscosity reduction and excellent compatibility when using the colorant composition to color a base paint or stain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 366,787, filed on June 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Architectural paints and stains are typically dispensed in a limited number of base paints or stain colors. To meet customer demands for custom paint colors and to enable compatibility with existing painted or stained surfaces, manufacturers use one or more colorant compositions to tint the dispensed base paint or stain. Colorant compositions are often dispensed in arrays of 12 to 20 or more colors, with each colorant composition containing pigments of different colors to impart different colors to the base paint or stain. By volumetrically adding one or more colorant compositions to the base paint or stain using a color - matching device and thoroughly mixing, the base paint or stain can be tinted to the desired color. To achieve color homogeneity in the base paint or stain, the pigments must be uniformly dispersed throughout the base paint or stain, which has heretofore been done by wetting the pigments with one or more surfactants present in the colorant composition.

[0003] Previously, all base paints and stains were solvent - based, but water - based latex paints and stains are becoming increasingly common. Conventionally, to accommodate tinting of both solvent - based and water - based base paints and stains, separate arrays of solvent - based colorant compositions have been used to tint solvent - based base paints and stains, and separate arrays of water - based colorant compositions have been formulated and used to tint water - based base paints or stains. The trend has been gradually shifting towards water - based paints and stains, but some end - users continue to prefer solvent - based alkyd paints and stains for certain applications.

[0004] To simplify distribution and use, a general-purpose colorant composition has been developed that can be used to color both water-based and solvent-based base paints and stains. The general-purpose colorant composition is typically formulated by modifying a nominal water-based colorant composition to enable dispersion of the pigments in the colorant composition in either a water-based or solvent-based base paint or stain by including suitable surfactants, as well as dispersants and cosolvents, in the colorant composition to color and disperse the pigments.

[0005] The surfactant in the colorant composition helps to disperse, wet, and stabilize the dry pigments in the liquid carrier. Pigment dispersion is accomplished by assisting the grinding of the pigments by high mechanical shear in a media mill. Pigment wetting is achieved by replacing the pigment-carrier solid-air interface with a solid-liquid interface (pigment-carrier). The presence of micelles by including surfactants in the colorant composition can help to stabilize the pigments in the composition both before and after addition to the base paint or stain. Based on the hydrophobic / hydrophilic balance of the one or more surfactants used, the formulated colorant composition can be adjusted to be compatible with the performance in solvent-based alkyd-based or water-based latex-based base paints or stains.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,659,340 (B2), U.S. Patent No. 8,242,206 (B2), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0174924 (A1) disclose low-VOC general-purpose colorant compositions that require a combination of at least one hydrophobic, alkyd-compatible, or solvent-compatible surfactant and one hydrophilic, latex-compatible, or water-compatible surfactant. The combination of two or more of these surfactants, which have a low molecular weight (generally less than 1000 Daltons, number average), enables the colorant composition to be compatible in both solvent-based alkyd-based paints and stains and water-based latex-based paints and stains. Phosphate-based or sulfate-based anionic surfactants have typically been used for alkyd compatibility.

[0007] Instead, the general-purpose colorant compositions of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,040,624 (B2), 9,187,614 (B2), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0031904 (A1) require phosphate ester-based surfactants, which likewise tend to adversely affect the viscosity of the flavored base paint or stain. In U.S. Patent No. 10,934,151 (B2) and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0010148 (A1), a co-agent is added to the solvent-based base paint or stain to make it more compatible with the general-purpose colorant composition. Such a solution adds additional complexity to the colorant system and requires the dispensing of additional components.

[0008] Each of these conventional solutions relies on the presence of surfactants to assist in the wetting, dispersion, and stabilization of pigments and to provide the desired final compatibility of the colorant composition in solvent-based or water-based paints or stains. Surfactants in general-purpose colorants can help wet, disperse, and stabilize pigments in both the colorant composition and the base paint or stain, but surfactants can have an adverse effect on several properties. For example, in water-based paints or stains tinted with conventional general-purpose colorants, the tinted base paint or stain can have higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), surfactant leaching, increased tackiness, reduced blocking resistance, and decreased tinted paint viscosity. In addition, architectural base paints and stains often contain associative thickeners such as hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane resin (HEUR) or hydrophobically-modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE), and it is common for surfactants in conventional general-purpose colorants to adversely affect the effectiveness of the thickener and result in a viscosity decrease. Without wishing to be bound by theory, surfactants present in the colorant composition may outcompete associative thickeners for adsorption onto the surface of latex particles in the paint or stain composition, resulting in a significant and undesirable decrease in tinted paint viscosity, which may be perceived by the consumer as a tinted paint or stain having an undesirable thin consistency.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a general-purpose colorant composition that can be used to tint both solvent-based and low-VOC water-based base paints and stains without compromising the performance of the resulting tinted paint or stain product to meet the order. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A general-purpose colorant composition is disclosed that includes a modified polyether dispersant having one or more pigment affinity groups. The compositions of the present disclosure can color (and maintain low-VOC quality) low-VOC water-based and solvent-based base paints and stains with a reduced viscosity decrease compared to existing general-purpose colorant compositions. In contrast to conventional general-purpose colorant compositions that require two or more low molecular weight surfactants (each surfactant having a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons) for compatibility with the alkyd component of solvent-based paints or stains and the latex component of water-based paints or stains, the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure require only a single relatively high molecular weight dispersant to assist in wetting and dispersing the pigments. The presence of the pigment affinity groups in the dispersant enables the dispersant to wet the pigments in both water-based and solvent-based base paints or stains. The general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure are low-VOC and can thus preferably be used to color low-VOC water-based base paints and stains.

[0011] In a first aspect, a general-purpose colorant composition comprising a vehicle, a pigment or dye, and a modified polyether dispersant, wherein the polyether dispersant comprises one or more polyoxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted oxyphenyl, ether ketone, polyether ether ketone, or cyclic oxide structural units, or combinations thereof, and wherein each pigment affinity group is aliphatic or aromatic and contains a plurality of carbon atoms, and wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least about 1000 g / mol, is disclosed. In some approaches, the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1500 g / mol, and in some approaches, at least 2000 g / mol.

[0012] In a second aspect, a point-of-sale system for creating a water-based or solvent-based paint or stain color-matched to order, the system comprising an array of liquid colorant compositions each containing a general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure, is disclosed.

[0013] In a third aspect, a method of making a pigmented paint or stain to order, the method including adding one or more of the disclosed general purpose colorant compositions to a base paint or stain, is disclosed.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, a pigmented paint or stain including one or more of the disclosed general purpose colorant compositions and a base paint or stain is disclosed.

[0015] The disclosed aspects may include any other optional features that may be combined alone or in combination with any other aspect.

[0016] Definitions Unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings and are applicable to the singular and plural forms.

[0017] The terms "a", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Thus, for example, a system or method that includes "a" pigment means that the system or method can include "one or more" pigments.

[0018] When used to describe an amount, the term "about" means that the amount includes the amount for measurement errors, experimental errors, manufacturing errors, and amounts for trace amounts of materials that may or may not be present when measured.

[0019] The terms "architectural paint" and "architectural stain" mean, respectively, paints and stains for use on the surfaces of indoor or outdoor buildings or structures, such as walls, trim, floors, decks, handrails, ceilings, roofs (including metal roofs, roof panels, and tiles), roads, sidewalks, and the like.

[0020] As used with respect to colorants, the term "array" means a pack of colorants intended to be used individually or in suitable combinations to colorize a base paint or stain so as to provide user-customized colors over a broad color gamut. A typical array usually contains at least white, green, blue, and red colorant compositions, and usually contains one or more black colorant compositions, one or more yellow colorant compositions, and one or more oxide colorant compositions such as red oxide or yellow oxide. The individual colorants within a typical array are usually supplied by a single manufacturer, packaged in similar containers, each having a similar label with a separate SKU identifier, and may have a trademark for the array or for the brand of paint or stain for which the array is intended.

[0021] The term "automatic colorant dispenser" means a dispenser for paint or stain colorants that dispenses a controlled amount of one or more colorants (e.g., colorants that are only water) into a base paint or stain container, thereby being controlled or controllable via electronically adjusted precision weighing or volumetric metering devices to facilitate the preparation of a colorized paint or stain whose color is selected from an array of hues. The type and amount of colorants selected by such an automatic colorant dispenser are optionally and preferably controlled using software and a suitable database.

[0022] The term "base paint or stain" means an aqueous or solvent-based paint or stain product packaged in a point-of-sale container having a volume of about 0.2 - 20 L, mostly filled but not completely filled, with an openable and resealable lid, cap, or other closure, which may be used as is, but usually one or more colorants are added to the paint or stain product within the container and the contents of the container are stirred, shaken, or otherwise mixed to disperse the colorants compatibly and homogeneously throughout the base paint or stain product, whereby it can be colorized at the point of sale.

[0023] The term "binder" means a natural or synthetic polymer suitable for use in paints or stains.

[0024] The term "colorant" means a composition that can be added (e.g., dispensed) to a container at the time of sale, which changes the hue or lightness of a base paint or stain, such that the majority of the internal volume (e.g., two-thirds or more of the volume of the container) is filled with such a base paint or stain, but is not completely filled in advance, and which contains pigments and a vehicle, but substantially no binder.

[0025] The terms "compatible" and "compatible" when used with respect to a colorant composition mean that when a 4 fluid ounce colorant composition is added to a nominal (128 fluid ounce) gallon of base paint or stain and shaken for 5 minutes with a standard paint shaker, the colorant composition is dispersed throughout the base paint or stain and does not undergo visually distinguishable separation when left at room temperature for one week.

[0026] The term "custom-colored" when used with respect to a system or method for coloring a base paint or stain means that one or more colorants can be dispensed into and mixed in a base paint or stain to provide a finished paint or stain that matches a variety of (e.g., more than 100, or even more than 1000) preselected blend colors, or if desired, randomly selected colors. The preselected blend colors are typically viewed by potential end-users using a printed color chart or a displayed computer image.

[0027] A "dispersant" is an additive that aids in the wetting, dispersion, and stabilization of solid pigments in a liquid medium and has a molecular weight of 1000 g / mol or more.

[0028] A "surfactant" is an additive that aids in the wetting, dispersion, and stabilization of solid particles in a liquid medium and has a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol.

[0029] A "low molecular weight surfactant" is a surfactant having a molecular weight of less than 550 g / mol.

[0030] As used with respect to a colorant composition, the terms "homogeneous" and "homogeneously" mean that when a 4 fluid ounce colorant composition is added to a nominal (128 fluid ounce) gallon of base paint or stain and shaken for 5 minutes in a standard paint shaker, the colorant composition disperses uniformly throughout the base paint or stain without visually distinguishable separation.

[0031] As used to describe a material that can exist in several different phases, the term "liquid" refers to the phase occupied by that material at room temperature (23 °C) and 1 atm.

[0032] The term "volatile organic compound" ("VOC") is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 C.F.R. 51.100(s) and refers to any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which, except for the excluded compounds, participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions as defined by the regulations.

[0033] As used with respect to a colorant, paint, or stain, the terms "low volatile organic compound" and "low VOC" mean that when the colorant, paint, or stain is in liquid form, it contains less than 50 grams per liter (g / L) of VOC.

[0034] The term "manual colorant dispenser" means a non-automatic dispenser for paint or stain colorants with a manually movable piston, the stroke of which is calibrated to manually meter amounts of one or more colorants into a base paint or stain container, thereby facilitating the preparation of a pigmented paint or stain in which the color is selected from an array of colors.

[0035] The term "molecular weight" when used in connection with a polymeric material means the weight average molecular weight as determined using gel permeation chromatography and polystyrene standards.

[0036] The term "paint" means a coating composition containing a pigment and a binder, which, when applied to freshly sanded smooth wood surfaces to form a thin (e.g., 100 μm) wet film thickness coating, hides or substantially hides the wood grain when dry and presents a new surface with its own appearance.

[0037] The term "pigment" means both a colored dispersible solid particulate material and (for the sake of brevity) a colored dispersible or soluble dye material, which, when added (e.g., dispensed therein) 5 wt% (in the case of colored dispersible solid particulates) or 0.05 wt% (in the case of colored dispersible or soluble dyes) of the material to a base paint or stain, imparts a visually noticeable color to the base paint or stain. The presence or absence of a visually noticeable color can be evaluated by preparing drawdown samples of the base paint or stain with and without the pigment, casting such samples as a 25 μm dry film thickness coating on the white portion of a BYK-Gardner No. PA-2811 opacity drawdown chart (manufactured by BYK-Gardner USA) or an equivalent chart, and inspecting the coating film under normal ceiling room lighting.

[0038] The term "pigment to dispersant ratio" means the weight ratio of the total weight of the pigment present in a colorant composition to the total weight of the modified polyether dispersant present in the colorant composition.

[0039] The terms "point of sale" and "retail store" when used in connection with a job site, storage location, warehouse, or other store refer to the location where paint or stain that has been mixed to order for sale to end users (e.g., painters, contractors, and homeowners) is color-matched and mixed in small batch lots (e.g., containers of 1 / 2 pint, 1 pint, 1 quart, 1 liter, 1 gallon, 4 liters, 5 gallons, or 20 liters, corresponding to containers of approximately 0.2 - 20 L). Representative point of sale retail, wholesale, or combined retail / wholesale store locations include paint stores, hardware stores, building supply stores (including warehouses), and distribution centers.

[0040] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present disclosure that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, in the same or other circumstances, other embodiments may be preferred. Further, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] The term "solid" when used to describe a material that can exist in several different phases refers to the phase occupied by that material at room temperature (23 °C) and 1 atm.

[0042] The term "solvent" when used in connection with paint, stain, or colorant means a non-aqueous organic liquid that dissolves or disperses other substances in the paint, stain, or colorant and is considered to include both volatile and non-volatile as well as both reactive and non-reactive substances.

[0043] The term "solvent-based", when used with respect to paints, stains, or colorants, means that the main liquid vehicle or carrier of the paint, stain, or colorant is a non-aqueous solvent or a mixture of non-aqueous solvents, an organic solvent-based paint. Solvent-based paints or stains are homogeneous dispersed mixtures with viscosities ranging from thin liquids to semi-solid pastes, and contain a polymer binder, an organic solvent carrier, pigments, colorants, tinting agents, and / or metallic effect agents, as well as other additives. The polymer binder can be a drying oil, a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic resin, such as a polyacrylate, polyurethane, modified alkyd resin, or other film-forming polymer. The binder usually also contains crosslinking agents, hardeners, curing agents, and / or secondary resins having crosslinking ability.

[0044] The term "substantially free of", when used with respect to a component or composition, means that the component or composition being referred to contains less than 0.1% by weight of the component(s) listed. The term "completely free of" a particular compound means that the material or composition listed contains less than 100 parts per million (ppm) of the compound.

[0045] The term "stain" means a coating composition containing a binder that, when applied to form a thin (e.g., 100 μm) wet film thickness on a freshly sanded smooth wood surface, does not hide the wood grain and its texture when dry. When a semi-transparent stain is applied to wood, both the wood grain and its texture usually remain visible, but when an opaque (i.e., solid-color) stain is applied, the wood grain usually becomes hidden, but the texture usually remains visible. Stains typically penetrate much more deeply into wood or other porous substrates (e.g., concrete) than paints.

[0046] The term "aqueous" when used in connection with paints, stains, or colorants means that the primary liquid vehicle or carrier of the paint, stain, or colorant is water. Aqueous paints or stains are latex or emulsion paints ranging in viscosity from thin liquids to semi-solid pastes, consisting of a resin dispersant and a dispersant for one or more pigments, colorants, color modifiers, and / or metallic effect agents, in addition to various paint additives such as fillers and extenders. The binder in an aqueous paint or stain is typically a latex polymer such as an acrylic, methacrylic, or polyurethane polymer or copolymer.

[0047] Test Methods Rub-up Test: The rub-up test evaluates the compatibility of a colorant composition in a colorable base paint and its ability to become uniformly dispersed in the paint or stain. The rub-up test is an estimate of in-field colorant compatibility and performance. Add the colorant to the base paint or stain, shake the colored paint or stain for 1 minute in a RED-DEVIL cradle-type paint shaker, and then take a small aliquot of the colored paint. Shake the remaining sample for an additional 14 minutes for a total of 15 minutes. Do a drawdown on a white LENETA™ card using a BIRD™ film applicator and compare the samples shaken for 1 minute and 15 minutes. Using the index finger and gentle pressure, create a uniform circular "rub-up" pattern on the upper outer edge of each paint film, apply shear to the application area without rubbing through the film, and typically use at least 5 and up to 25 rubs on each paint film. Rub-up is evaluated on a scale of none, trace, slight, moderate, or severe, and moderate or severe evaluations are visually unacceptable. Thus, the rub-up test provides an assessment of the degree to which the colorant separates from the colored paint or stain due to incompatibility or non-uniformity.

[0048] ΔE Colorimeter Test: Add the colorant to the base paint or stain, shake the colored paint or stain for 1 minute with a RED-DEVIL cradle-type paint shaker, and then take out a small aliquot of the colored paint. Shake the remaining sample for an additional 14 minutes, for a total of 15 minutes. Perform a drawdown on a white LENETA (trademark) card using a BIRD (trademark) film applicator and compare the samples shaken for 1 minute and 15 minutes. Air-dry the drawdown of the colored base paint or stain prepared by the above method. During drying, use a spectrophotometer to measure the color strength and CIELAB delta E color difference between the samples shaken for 1 minute and 15 minutes. A color strength ratio of 90% to 110% for the 15-minute vs. 1-minute shaking time indicates acceptable compatibility, and a ratio of 95% to 105% indicates preferred acceptable compatibility.

[0049] Color Strength Test: Color strength is the degree to which a pigment or dye changes the color of a material. The color strength index is measured relative to a standard material and defines the ratio of the sample color strength to the standard. Color strength is evaluated using a spectrophotometric instrument such as, but not limited to, a Datacolor DC500, DC800, or similar spectrophotometer, a D65 light source, a CIE 1964 10° standard observer angle, and reflectance mode, and is measured in accordance with ASTM D4838-88(2016).

[0050] Viscosity Reduction Test: Measure the Stormer KU (Krebs units) viscosity of an uncolored sample of the aqueous latex paint in accordance with ASTM D562-81. Then, color an aliquot of 1 / 2 pint (8 fluid ounces) of the aqueous latex paint at the maximum recommended colorant loading level, shake it for 1 minute with a RED-DEVIL cradle-type paint shaker, and then measure the Stormer KU viscosity of the shaken paint sample in Krebs units in accordance with ASTM D562-10(2018). Record this difference as the viscosity reduction due to the addition of the colorant.

[0051] VOC: The VOC content of the composition is measured by ASTM D6886-14e1 (Standard Test Method for Determination of the Weight Percent Individual Volatile Organic Compounds in Waterborne Air-Dry Coatings by Gas Chromatography), which uses methyl palmitate as a reference marker. Compounds that elute before the marker are considered VOCs, and compounds that elute after the marker are not considered VOCs. As used herein, the term "non-VOC" refers to compounds that elute after the methyl palmitate marker or compounds that elute before the methyl palmitate but are "excluded" from VOCs in that they are known to be less volatile than methyl palmitate, such as acetone and t-butyl acetate. The term "excluded" may be used interchangeably with "non-VOC" when referring to the components of the compositions described herein.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0052] Disclosed is a general-purpose colorant composition for tinting both water-based and solvent-based basecoats and stains to order. The general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure includes at least one dispersant having a pigment affinity group to wet, disperse, and stabilize pigments in both the colorant composition and the basecoat or stain after tinting. Colorant compositions containing a dispersant having a pigment affinity group can be formulated to contain little or no VOC in some approaches. The colorant compositions of the present disclosure have general compatibility for tinting both water-based and solvent-based paints and stains. The compositions of the present disclosure are preferably low in VOC and have a lower impact (e.g., viscosity reduction) on the viscosity of the basecoat or stain when used for tinting compared to conventional colorant compositions.

[0053] carrier The general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure is aqueous and includes an aqueous vehicle or carrier. Preferred vehicles or carriers are water, which can be, for example, tap water, deionized water, desalted water (e.g., by reverse osmosis), or distilled water. A co-solvent can assist in dispersing the pigment into the colorant or into a base paint or stain, can accelerate, delay, or otherwise change the time or release associated with drying, can improve wet-edge or overlap properties, can improve freeze-thaw protection, or can provide or improve other characteristics and generally is not retained in the coating film of a paint or stain that has dried, cured, or otherwise solidified. The co-solvent present in the vehicle is preferably selected such that the general-purpose colorant composition contains less than 50 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 20 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 10 g / L of VOC, or even more preferably less than 5 g / L of VOC.

[0054] The co-solvent selected may be a hazardous air pollutant solvent (HAPS material), but is preferably a non-HAPS material or substantially free of HAPS materials. Exemplary co-solvents typically have a low molecular weight (e.g., up to about 700, up to about 600, up to about 500, or up to about 400 g / mol) and include, for example, glycols (e.g., ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and propylene glycol), glycol ethers (e.g., DOWANOL™ DPM and Butyl CELLOSOLVE™ from Dow Chemical Co.), alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol, isoamyl alcohol, and other primary amyl alcohol isomers, n-pentanol, 2-ethylhexanol, 4-hydroxy-2,6,8-trimethylnonane, and diisobutyl carbinol), esters and ester alcohols (e.g., isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, primary amyl acetate mixed isomers, and UCAR™ Ester EEP from Dow Chemical Co.), ketones (e.g., diisobutyl ketone and ECOSOFT™ Solvent IK from Dow Chemical Co.), CARBOWAX™ 300 and CARBOWAX 600 polyethylene from Dow Chemical Co., mixtures thereof, and the like. The colorant may contain, for example, at least about 8, at least about 10, or at least about 12 weight percent vehicle or carrier, and up to about 70, up to about 60, or up to about 50 weight percent vehicle or carrier.

[0055] Pigment The general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure also include one or more pigments or dyes. Various pigments may be used in the disclosed colorants (as well as base paints or stains), and these are well known to those skilled in the art. It is desirable for the pigments to form a stable dispersion that does not require agitation before use. In some cases, suitable pigments may also or instead be commercially referred to as dyes. Exemplary pigments include treated or untreated inorganic pigments and mixtures thereof, such as titanium dioxide, iron oxides of various colors (including black), and metal oxides including zinc oxide; and metal flakes such as aluminum flakes and pearlescent flakes. Exemplary pigments also include, further or instead, treated or untreated organic pigments and mixtures thereof, such as carbon black, azo pigments, benzimidazolinones, carbazoles such as carbazole violet, diketopyrrolopyrrole, indanthrone, isoindolinone, isoindoline, perylene, phthalocyanine, quinacridone, and thioindigo red. Suitable pigments are commercially available from various suppliers including BASF Colors&Effects GmbH, LANXESS, Cabot Corp, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Clariant, Ferro Corporation, Shepherd Color Company, Sun Chemical and Tomatec America, Inc. Other exemplary pigments are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,141,599 (B2) (Korenkiewicz et al.), 8,746,291 (B2) (Hertz et al.), and 8,748,550 (B2) (Cavallin et al.). When a paint or stain tinted to order with maximum outdoor durability is desired, a colorant or colorant array containing only inorganic pigments or pigment mixtures may be preferred. In some embodiments, the colorant array includes a non-infrared-absorbing pigment for tinting dark-colored exterior paints and an infrared-absorbing pigment for tinting dark-colored interior paints, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,752,594 (B2) (Gebhard et al.).The colorant compositions disclosed herein can contain, for example, at least about 2, at least about 3, or at least about 5 weight percent of a pigment, and up to about 90, up to about 80, or up to about 70 weight percent of a pigment.

[0056] Film-forming binder The colorant compositions of the present disclosure contain less binder than the amount of film formed. That is, when applied to a surface, the colorant composition will not form a continuous film upon drying unless first added to a base paint or stain that contains the amount of binder for film formation. As a result, when applied to a surface, dried, and subsequently washed with water, the colorant composition (before addition to the base paint or stain) will be washed away and will not remain adhered to the surface.

[0057] Modified polyether dispersant having a pigment affinity group To disperse, wet, and stabilize the colorant composition pigments, the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure also include at least one modified polyether dispersant, where the modification is the presence of one or more pigment affinity groups in the polyether dispersant. The general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure include, in total, at least 2 weight percent of the modified polyether dispersant, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. In some approaches, the colorant composition includes at least 5 or at least 7 weight percent of the modified polyether dispersant, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. The general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure include, in total, at most 20 weight percent of the modified polyether dispersant, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. In some approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure include, in total, at most about 15, or preferably at most about 12 weight percent of the modified polyether dispersant, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the modified polyether dispersant in the colorant compositions of the present disclosure adsorbs onto the particles and prevents aggregation of the particles by charge repulsion, thereby wetting, dispersing, and stabilizing the pigment.

[0058] The polyether dispersant includes structural units bonded via one or more ether bonds (C-O-C) that can provide hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity to the dispersant. The ether bond can include one or more linear or branched polyoxyalkylene or polyacetal structural groups, such as oxymethylene, oxyethylene, oxypropylene, or oxybutylene groups. Oxypropylene can be a linear n-propylene oxide group or a branched isopropylene oxide group. Similarly, the oxybutylene group can be an n-butylene oxide group or an isobutylene oxide group. When present, the polyoxyalkylene group has the following structure,

[0059] [Chemical Formula] wherein m is the number of carbon atoms in the polyoxyalkylene group and n is the number of repeating oxyalkylene groups. The polyether dispersant can include one or more of the same or different polyoxyalkylene groups in combination with other ether bonds disclosed herein.

[0060] The ether bond can also include one or more oxyphenylene or polyphenylene oxide structural groups having the following structure,

[0061] [Chemical Formula] wherein p is the number of phenyl groups in the oxyphenylene and q is the number of repeating oxyphenylene groups.

[0062] The ether bond can also include one or more polyether ketone structural groups having the following structure,

[0063] [Chemical Formula] wherein r is the number of ketones in the ether ketone group and q is the number of repeating ether ketone groups.

[0064] The ether bond may also include one or more polyether ether ketone structural groups having the following structure,

[0065] [Chemical formula] wherein t is the number of ketone groups in the ether ether ketone group and u is the number of repeating ether ether ketone groups.

[0066] The ether bond may also include one or more cyclic ether structural groups such as oxirane or tetrahydrofuran moieties.

[0067] The ether bond may include one or more ether bonds, alone or in combination with other ether bond groups.

[0068] Generally, ether bonds containing more short-chain groups (e.g., oxyethyl groups) with fewer carbon atoms provide higher hydrophilicity, while bonds containing longer chains (e.g., oxypropyl, oxybutyl, and longer chains) with more carbon atoms provide relatively higher hydrophilicity.

[0069] The polyether dispersant is modified in that it contains one or more pigment affinity groups. The pigment affinity groups present in the modified polyether dispersant wet, stabilize, and disperse pigments in both general-purpose colorant compositions and the tinted base paints or stains after tinting. The pigment affinity groups include hydrophobic aliphatic or aromatic structural units having at least 4 carbon atoms, or combinations thereof. The pigment affinity groups can be saturated or partially unsaturated. In addition, the pigment affinity groups can be adjacent to, bonded to, or terminated by an ester group or a carboxylic acid group. The pigment affinity groups can be unsubstituted or, in some approaches, substituted with one or more nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine atoms that replace hydrogen atoms. In some approaches, one or more carbon atoms within the pigment affinity groups can be substituted with silicon, oxygen, or nitrogen atoms. The aliphatic portion of the pigment affinity groups can be a straight-chain or branched aliphatic chain. The pigment affinity groups of the present disclosure contain at least 4 carbon atoms, or in other approaches, at least 8, at least 10, or at least 12 carbon atoms. The pigment affinity groups can be terminated by a carboxylic acid group. The pigment affinity groups can include saturated or unsaturated fatty ester groups such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, or cerotic acid, or can be unsaturated fatty acids such as myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, or other fatty acids. The fatty acid groups can be saturated or unsaturated and can have at least 8 carbon atoms, at least 14 carbon atoms, at least 18 carbon atoms, or at least 20 carbon atoms.

[0070] The modified polyether dispersant contains at least one pigment affinity group. When two or more pigment affinity groups are present, the pigment affinity groups can be the same or different.

[0071] The dispersant of the present disclosure may include a molar ratio of pigment affinity groups to ether linkage groups of at least 1:20, preferably at least 1:15, 1:5, or 1:4.

[0072] Conventional aqueous general-purpose colorant compositions needed to include two or more surfactants to disperse pigments and make the compositions compatible with both solvent-based and aqueous base paints and stains. Such surfactants are relatively small molecules having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol, usually less than 500 g / mol. The modified polyether dispersants of the present disclosure are relatively large compared to the multiple surfactant approaches of the conventional approaches. In some approaches, the modified polyether dispersants of the present disclosure may have a unimodal, bimodal, or multimodal molecular weight. The maximum average molecular weight peak of the single or multiple modes has an average molecular weight of at least 1000 g / mol, or in other approaches, at least 1500 g / mol, or 2000 g / mol.

[0073] Furthermore, conventional general-purpose colorant compositions required two or more surfactants (at least one to provide compatibility with solvent-based (e.g., alkyd-based) base paints or stains and at least one to provide compatibility with aqueous (e.g., latex-based) base paints or stains). In contrast, the compatibility of the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure is presented by including pigment affinity groups present in the modified polyether dispersants. In some approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions include a single modified polyether dispersant, while in other approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions include two or more modified polyether dispersants, which may be the same or different dispersants, each having the same or different pigment affinity groups.

[0074] Thus, in contrast to the colorant compositions of the present disclosure, each of the multiple surfactants used to make conventional general-purpose colorant compositions that are compatible with both aqueous and solvent-based base paints and stains generally had an average molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol, typically less than 500 g / mol.

[0075] Although not wishing to be bound by theory, the relatively large molecular size of the modified polyether dispersants of the present disclosure is thought to sterically impede the movement of pigment particles in general-purpose colorant compositions and in pigmented paints or stains. As a result, by including such large molecules which are groups having an affinity for pigment particles, the pigment particles in the colorant composition are stabilized and sedimentation is prevented. In addition, since the polyether dispersants have a higher molecular weight than previous surfactants, the colorant compositions of the present disclosure have a lower viscosity reduction compared to conventional general-purpose colorant compositions. Thus, including a modified polyether dispersant in the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure resists the viscosity reduction of the base paint or stain during coloring.

[0076] Suitable modified polyether dispersants include DISPERBYK-182, DISPERBYK-184, DISPERBYK-191, DISPERBYK-193, DISPERBYK-2061, DISPERBYK-2062, DISPERBYK-2090, BYK-3560, BYK-3565 manufactured by BYK-Chemie GmbH, ADD-6212, ADD-6230, ADD-6231 manufactured by ADD Additives BV. Other suitable modified polyether dispersants include TEGO® Dispers 650, TEGO® Dispers 651, TEGO® Dispers 653, TEGO® Dispers 655, TEGO® Dispers 656 manufactured by Evonik Operations GmbH, and Dispex® Ultra FA 4480, EFKA® 5220, EFKA® 6230, EFKA® 7500 manufactured by BASF SE, and Alkamuls® PSML-20PC manufactured by Solvay SA.

[0077] In conventional approaches, the general-purpose colorant composition caused an undesirable reduction in the viscosity of the base paint or stain when the colorant was added to the base paint or stain. This viscosity reduction affects the properties of the finished colored paint or stain. For example, a low-viscosity paint or stain can be difficult to apply and may not provide the necessary hiding or coverage, and may not have the required block resistance or tack resistance. Further, the base paint is made to have low VOC or zero VOC by using a softer polymer or binder resin, and the low VOC or zero VOC-containing colorant added to the base paint also has a high proportion of non-volatile soft components, so it is difficult to form a hard film or coating with good mechanical properties, i.e., for example, block resistance and tack resistance.

[0078] Surprisingly, the general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure provides an acceptable viscosity reduction without the need for the presence of multiple surfactants. In some embodiments, the general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure provides a lower viscosity reduction when added to the base paint or stain as compared to conventional approaches. Thus, the present disclosure is more resistant to viscosity reduction than conventional approaches.

[0079] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure provides a more uniform viscosity reduction across the colorant composition. This is particularly desirable when using two or more colorant compositions (each having its own pigment and color) to color a base paint or stain. The uniformity of the viscosity reduction associated with all the colorant compositions in an array of colorant compositions provides a higher predictability of the viscosity reduction expected when the base paint or stain is colored.

[0080] The ratio of the pigment to the modified polyether dispersant varies depending on one or more pigments, one or more dispersants, and other additives present in the colorant composition. In some approaches, the pigment-to-dispersant ratio exceeds about 1. In some approaches, the pigment-to-dispersant ratio is less than about 20, or in other approaches, less than about 15, less than about 6, less than about 4, or less than 2.5.

[0081] Low VOC In some approaches, the vehicle, dispersant, and other components of the general-purpose colorant composition are selected to have low VOC. Preferably, the general-purpose colorant composition contains less than 50 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 20 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 10 g / L of VOC, and even more preferably less than 5 g / L of VOC.

[0082] Optional surfactant The general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure may include one or more surfactants, but the composition preferably does not substantially contain alkyl phenol ethoxylate surfactants (APEO). These surfactants are typically made from branched nonylphenol or octylphenol that reacts with ethylene oxide. In some approaches, the composition also does not contain phosphate ester surfactants, but in other approaches, the composition does not substantially contain phosphorus-based surfactants containing ethoxylate groups. Such phosphorus-based surfactants are not preferred because they provide solvent-based compatibility but tend to increase the viscosity reduction.

[0083] Preferably, the general-purpose colorant composition does not substantially contain surfactants having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol because including such surfactants can result in a viscosity reduction that would otherwise be reduced compared to a general-purpose colorant composition without surfactants. Preferably, the general-purpose colorant composition does not contain any surfactants having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g / mol.

[0084] Phospholipid In some approaches, the general-purpose colorant composition includes phospholipids to further stabilize the composition. In some approaches, the phospholipid is lecithin.

[0085] Optional additives In some approaches, the general-purpose colorant composition may optionally include additional components or additives. In some approaches, the colorant compositions described herein include one or more preservatives, humectants, biocides, fillers, antifoaming agents, pH adjusters, thickeners, anti-settling agents, and mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0086] Pigments of the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure may be supplemented with extenders, inert pigments, or fillers, such as talc, kaolin, barite, carbonates, silicates, and mixtures thereof, such as magnesium silicate, calcium carbonate, aluminosilicate, silica, and various clays; plastic beads (e.g., polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride beads), microsphere materials containing one or more voids, and vesiculated polymer particles (e.g., those discussed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,427,835, 4,920,160, 4,594,363, 4,469,825, 4,468,498, 4,880,842, 4,985,064, 5,5157,084, 5,041,464, 5,036,109, 5,409,776, and 5,510,422). Other exemplary extenders, inert pigments, or fillers include EXPANCEL™ 551DE20 acrylonitrile / vinyl chloride expanded particles (manufactured by Expancel Inc.), SIL-CEL™ 43 glass microporous filler (manufactured by Silbrico Corporation), FILLITE™ 100 ceramic spherical particles (manufactured by Trelleborg Fillite Inc.), SPHERICEL™ hollow glass spheres (manufactured by Potter Industries Inc.), 3M ceramic microspheres including grades G-200, G-400, G-600, G-800, W-210, W-410, and W-610 (manufactured by 3M), 3M hollow microspheres including 3M Performance Additives iM30K (also manufactured by 3M), INHANCE™ UH 1900 polyethylene particles (manufactured by Fluoro-Seal Inc.), and BIPHOR aluminum phosphate (manufactured by Bunge Fertilizantes S.A., Brazil). The colorant may contain, for example, at least about 0.5, at least about 1, or at least about 2 weight percent of the total weight of the pigments, extenders, inert pigments, and fillers, and up to about 80, up to about 70, or up to about 60 weight percent of the total weight of the pigments, extenders, inert pigments, and fillers.

[0087] In some approaches, the colorant composition of the present disclosure includes a humectant. The humectant is selected from dihydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol), polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol), polyethers, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the humectant is a polyether. Exemplary polyethers include, but are not limited to, polyalkyl glycols (e.g., low to medium molecular weight polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols), polyhydroxyethers (e.g., those formed from epoxide polymerization), polysaccharide compounds (e.g., polysorbate and polysorbitol), polyalkylene oxides (e.g., polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide), and mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0088] In some approaches, the colorant composition disclosed herein includes from about 1 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably from about 2 wt% to 18 wt%, of a humectant, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition. Suitable polyethers for the compositions and methods described herein include low molecular weight linear ethylene glycol polyethers (e.g., having an average molecular weight of 190 - 210 g / mol) and medium molecular weight polyethylene glycols (e.g., having an average molecular weight of 285 - 315 g / mol, 385 - 415 g / mol, or 585 - 615 g / mol). Medium molecular weight polyethylene glycols are advantageous for use as a vehicle because they substantially do not contain ethylene glycol having 5 moles or less of ethylene oxide.

[0089] Preferably, suitable ethylene glycol polyethers have an average molecular weight of from about 190 to about 800, more preferably from about 375 to 425 or 575 to 625. Particularly useful commercially available polyethylene glycols are PEG 300, PEG 400, and PEG 600.

[0090] Another useful optional additive is a humectant such as humectant GRB-2 manufactured by Zenica, which contains, for example, glycerin and a nonionic surfactant. An additional humectant containing glycerin and a nonionic surfactant. Additional humectants useful for practicing the present disclosure include, for example, glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol; polyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of about 300 g / mol, 400 g / mol, 500 g / mol, etc.; polypropylene glycols having a molecular weight of about 300 g / mol, 400 g / mol, 500 g / mol, etc.; materials such as glycerin, sorbitol, sodium polyglutamate, modified urea compounds, polyethylene oxide, and ethoxylated surfactants.

[0091] An antifoaming agent may be added to facilitate production. Suitable antifoaming agents include, for example, materials such as mineral oil, silica oil such as Drew L-474 manufactured by Ashland Chemical, or organically modified silicone oil such as Drew L-405 manufactured by Ashland Chemical.

[0092] A biocide may also be added to the colorant composition of the present disclosure to eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The biocide generally occupies 0 to 1% by weight of the wet colorant composition. Biocidal chemical substances include chlorinated hydrocarbons, organometals, halogen-releasing compounds, metal salts, organic sulfur compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, and phenols. Examples of useful commercially available biocides are Troysan 192 manufactured by Arxada Corporation, Kathon LS manufactured by Lanxess Corporation, etc.

[0093] A fungicide can also be added to the colorant composition of the present disclosure to eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Non-limiting examples of fungicides include, for example, compounds such as 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate (IPBC), chlorothalonil, zinc pyrithione, 2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and the like. A preferred fungicide is IPBC.

[0094] Dispensing container The general-purpose colorant compositions disclosed herein are typically dispensed into a container, which is inserted into a color-matching machine for custom-coloring base paints or stains at the point-of-sale retail location. In some approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions can be provided in user-friendly containers such as tubes, syringes, or caulking-type cartridges. In other approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions can be provided in sealed pouches that allow the composition to be dispensed in controlled amounts. Suitable containers for use in the present disclosure include metal and plastic tubes (e.g., "toothpaste" style tubes), sealed plastic bags or pouches, and caulking tube cartridges (e.g., cartridges having a plunger as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,622,288, 5,560,521, and 5,297,697, which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0095] Colorant composition array In another aspect, a point-of-sale system for making custom-colored aqueous and solvent-based architectural paints and stains using an array of liquid general-purpose colorant compositions as disclosed herein is disclosed. The array preferably includes at least general-purpose colorant compositions of white, red, blue, and yellow. The point-of-sale system can be automatic or manual. For example, various automatic paint colorant dispensers can be used in the disclosed systems and methods, such as the 1 / 384 fluid ounce (0.077 cm 3ACCUTINTER 1500, 2000, 7000, and 8000 series machines with a minimum dispensing volume of 3 ), and a Sample Dispensing System with a minimum dispensing volume of 1 / 1024 fluid ounce (0.029 cm 3 ). Additional automatic paint colorant dispensers include the COROB MODULA HF machine with a minimum dispensing volume of 1 / 192 fluid ounce (0.153 cm 3 ), and the TATOCOLOR machine with a minimum dispensing volume of 1 / 384 fluid ounce (0.077 cm 3 ). The dispenser selected may have a minimum fluid dispensing volume of, for example, less than 0.01 fluid ounce (less than 0.3 cm 3 ), preferably less than 0.007 fluid ounce (less than 0.2 cm 3 ), more preferably less than 0.005 fluid ounce (less than 0.15 cm 3 ). Less than 0.001 fluid ounce (less than 0.03 cm 3Dispensers with even lower minimum dispense volumes, such as the minimum dispense volume (less than) may be used, but such dispensers may also require more time to prepare dark colors in large containers. To overcome this, the dispenser may be modified to provide multiple dispense circuits for one or more colorants, e.g., lower flow rate, lower minimum dispense volume circuits, and higher flow rate, higher minimum dispense volume circuits for at least some (e.g., green, blue, red, and magenta when used) colorants in the dispenser. These circuits may share some common components (e.g., draw lines from colorant canisters, one or more colorant dispense nozzles, or nozzle cleaning devices), and may use some non-shared components (e.g., gear pumps). Some of the increased equipment costs required by such an approach are offset by the increased filling speed when making dark colors in large containers and by reducing or eliminating the need to use separate dispensers to handle larger or smaller colorant volumes.

[0096] General-purpose colorant compositions, each having a different color or pigment, can be used in the methods disclosed herein. The compositions and methods described herein preferably use an array of 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 colorants, but fewer colorants may be used if a limited color space is acceptable, or more colorants may be used if additional dispenser slots are available and an expanded color space is required and / or acceptable. To color the base paint or stain, one or more colors of the general-purpose colorant composition are added to the base paint or stain, and in some approaches, a point-of-sale coloring device is used to mix the base paint or stain until it is uniform.

[0097] Preferably, the array of colorant compositions of the present disclosure includes fewer than 14 distinct colorant compositions, each having a different color. Surprisingly, an array of 12 colorant compositions composed of the colorants of the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure can accurately color-match paints with the same width and specificity of tinted paints that required 14 of the conventional commercially available colorant compositions.

[0098] Tinting of Base Coat or Stain In some approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure are added by weight measurement to a tintable base coat or stain, and thus the tinted paint or stain includes one or more general-purpose colorant compositions of about 0.05 to 15 weight percent, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition and the wet weight of the base coat or stain. In other approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions are added by volume measurement to a tintable base coat or stain, and thus the tinted paint or stain includes one or more general-purpose colorant compositions of about 0.05 to 15 weight percent, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition and the wet weight of the base coat or stain.

[0099] When added to an aqueous base coat or stain, the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure reduce the viscosity of the aqueous base coat or stain by less than 20 Krebs units, preferably less than 10 Krebs units.

[0100] In some approaches, the general-purpose colorant compositions described herein are substantially homogeneous and require little mixing prior to use. In one aspect, the colorant compositions described herein require mechanical shaking for up to about 3 minutes prior to use, but preferably require no shaking even after an extended shelf life.

[0101] List of Exemplary Embodiments The following is a non-exhaustive list of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments that are described in the present disclosure but not included in the list of exemplary embodiments are nevertheless embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] Embodiment 1: A general-purpose colorant composition comprising an aqueous vehicle, one or more pigments or dyes, and a modified polyether dispersant containing one or more pigment affinity groups. The polyether dispersant comprises one or more polyoxyalkyls, substituted or unsubstituted polyoxyphenyls, polyether ketones, polyether ether ketones, cyclic ethers, or combinations thereof. Each of the pigment affinity groups is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic structural unit containing a plurality of carbon atoms. The modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1000 g / mol. The general-purpose colorant composition substantially does not contain a low molecular weight surfactant. The general-purpose colorant composition is compatible with water-based and solvent-based base paints and stains and is suitable for use in point-of-sale color tinting machines. A general-purpose colorant composition in which the colorant composition contains a binder in an amount less than the coating film forming amount.

[0103] Embodiment 2: The general-purpose colorant composition according to Embodiment 1, wherein the colorant composition substantially does not contain a surfactant.

[0104] Embodiment 3: The general-purpose colorant composition according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the colorant composition comprises a first modified polyether dispersant containing one or more pigment affinity groups and a second modified polyether dispersant containing one or more pigment affinity groups, and one or more pigment affinity groups of the first modified polyether dispersant are the same as or different from one or more pigment affinity groups of the second modified polyether dispersant.

[0105] Embodiment 4: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the polyether dispersant comprises an oxymethyl, oxyethyl, oxypropyl, or oxybutyl structural unit.

[0106] Embodiment 5: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the polyether dispersant contains an oxyethyl structural unit.

[0107] Embodiment 6: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the polyether dispersant contains a tetrahydrofuran or oxirane structural unit.

[0108] Embodiment 7: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of at least 2, at least 5, or at least 7 weight percent based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0109] Embodiment 8: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of at most 20, at most 15, or at most 12 weight percent based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0110] Embodiment 9: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least one pigment affinity group is a linear or branched aliphatic chain having at least 4, at least 8, at least 10, or at least 12 carbons.

[0111] Embodiment 10: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein at least one pigment affinity group contains an aromatic group.

[0112] Embodiment 11: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein at least one pigment affinity group contains a branched or unbranched C10 alkyl chain.

[0113] Embodiment 12: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein at least one pigment affinity group contains a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 14 carbon atoms.

[0114] Embodiment 13: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein at least one pigment affinity group contains a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 18 carbon atoms.

[0115] Embodiment 14: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein at least one pigment affinity group contains unsaturated oleic or linoleic fatty acid.

[0116] Embodiment 15: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the dispersant has a molar ratio of at least 1:20, preferably at least 1:15, 1:5, or 1:4 of the pigment affinity group to the polyoxyl alkyl group.

[0117] Embodiment 16: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of at least 2, or at least about 5 weight percent, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0118] Embodiment 17: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 16, wherein one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of at most about 90, or at most about 80, or at most about 70 weight percent, based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

[0119] Embodiment 18: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the composition contains less than 50 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 20 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 10 g / L of VOC, or even more preferably less than 5 g / L of VOC.

[0120] Embodiment 19: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1500 g / mol, or at least 2000 g / mol.

[0121] Embodiment 20: The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the colorant composition is essentially free of alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants.

[0122] Embodiment 21: A general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the colorant composition essentially does not contain a phosphate ester surfactant.

[0123] Embodiment 22: A general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the colorant composition essentially does not contain a phosphorus-based surfactant having an ethoxylate group.

[0124] Embodiment 23: A general-purpose colorant according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the general-purpose colorant further contains phospholipids.

[0125] Embodiment 24: A general-purpose colorant composition according to Embodiment 23, wherein the phospholipid is lecithin.

[0126] Embodiment 25: A general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the colorant composition essentially does not contain a surfactant having an average molecular weight of less than 500 g / mol, preferably less than 1000 g / mol.

[0127] Embodiment 26: A general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 25, wherein when added to a base paint or stain, the viscosity of the base paint or stain decreases by less than 20 Krebs units, preferably less than 10 Krebs units, as measured according to the viscosity reduction test.

[0128] Embodiment 27: A general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the ratio of pigment to dispersant is at least 1.

[0129] Embodiment 28: A general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the weight ratio of pigment to dispersant is at most 20, at most 15, at most 6, at most 4, or at most 2.5.

[0130] Embodiment 29: A point-of-sale system for producing water-based and solvent-based architectural paints and stains tinted according to an order, the system comprising An array of the general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 28, the array including at least colorant compositions of white, red, blue, and yellow, A system in which when added to a base paint or stain, the general-purpose colorant composition resists adversely affecting the viscosity of the tinted latex paint.

[0131] Embodiment 30: A method for producing a tinted paint or stain, the method including adding one or more of the general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 29 to a base paint or stain, and mixing the tinted base paint or stain until uniform.

[0132] Embodiment 31: The method according to Embodiment 30, wherein one or more of the general-purpose colorant compositions are added to the base paint or stain by weight measurement.

[0133] Embodiment 32: The method according to Embodiment 30, wherein one or more of the general-purpose colorant compositions are added to the base paint or stain by volume measurement.

[0134] Embodiment 33: A tinted paint or stain, A tintable base paint or stain, And about 0.05 to 15 weight percent of one or more of the general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 32.

[0135] Embodiment 34: A system for tinting a base paint or stain, An array of the general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 28, the array including at least 12 colorant compositions including at least white, red, blue, and yellow, And a base paint or stain.

[0136] Embodiment 35: The system according to Embodiment 34, wherein when each of the general-purpose colorant compositions is added to a base paint or a stain, three or less, and preferably five or less, of the twelve colorant compositions have a viscosity reduction exceeding 10 KU.

Examples

[0137] The present disclosure is illustrated by the following examples, which are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Specific examples, materials, amounts, and procedures should be broadly construed in accordance with the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight, but all molecular weights are weight-average molecular weights. Unless otherwise specified, all chemicals used are commercially available.

[0138] Example 1: Preparation of the colorant composition of the present invention The colorant composition was prepared by mixing water, pigments, and TEGO (registered trademark) Dispers 651, a modified polyether dispersant (having about 14 mol of polyoxyethylene structural units per equivalent, 1 mol of C10 linear aliphatic structural units per equivalent, and 3 mol of aromatic structural units per equivalent (peak Mw about 1500 g / mol)) with conventional humectants, defoamers, preservatives, and thickeners. The colorants were ground to a Hegman grind value of 7 using zirconium milling beads. Table 1 shows the amounts by weight percentage contained in each general-purpose colorant composition.

[0139]

Table 1

[0140] Example 2: Comparison of the coloring of base paints using the general-purpose colorant composition of the present invention and an existing general-purpose colorant composition The colorant composition of the present disclosure was prepared and compared with the colorant composition of the commercially available low-VOC general-purpose colorant system NovoColor (trademark) II. 1 NovoColor II 1The colorant compositions of the colorant systems were selected for comparison because they rely on a combination of a low molecular weight water-soluble surfactant and a low molecular weight solvent-soluble surfactant. Samples of a water-based acrylic latex paint, specifically Duration® Interior Acrylic Tint (formulation A96W1251), and a solvent-based paint, SWP Exterior Gloss Tint (formulation A2W528) (both available from The Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio), were colored using the colorants. The water-based paint was colored with 5 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The solvent-based paint was colored with 4 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The colored paints were then tested according to a rub-up test and a colorimeter test and evaluated for color strength. 1 Available from Color Corporation of America, Marengo, Illinois.

[0141]

Table 2

[0142] The data show that the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure have excellent compatibility with both water-based and solvent-based base paints.

[0143] Example 3: Comparison of Viscosity Reduction of the Colorant Composition of the Present Invention and Commercially Available Colorant Compositions When Coloring Water-Based Base Paints The colorant composition of the present disclosure was compared with the colorant composition of a commercially available low VOC general-purpose colorant system, NovoColor™ II. Duration® Interior Matte Ultradeep (formulation A96T1254) water-based latex paint 2Samples were tinted with 10 ounces per gallon of colorant, shaken on a cradle-type mechanical shaker for 1 minute, and then the viscosity was measured. It can be understood that the colorants of the present invention exhibit less influence on the viscosity of the tinted paint compared to the commercially available NovoColor™ II colorants. The data is shown in Table 3. 2 Available from The Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio

[0144] [Table 3]

[0145] The data shows that the general-purpose colorant composition of the present invention has a lower viscosity reduction than existing general-purpose colorant compositions such as the colorants of the Novocolor® II general-purpose colorant system. For some colors, the viscosity reduction was reduced by more than 50% compared to existing solutions.

[0146] Example 4: Preparation of the Colorant Composition of the Present Invention The colorant composition was prepared by mixing water, pigments, and TEGO® Dispers 653, a modified polyether dispersant, with conventional humectants, defoamers, preservatives, and thickeners. The colorant was milled to a 7 Hegman grind value using zirconium milling beads. Table 4 shows the amounts by weight percent of each general-purpose colorant composition component based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

[0147] [Table 4]

[0148] Example 5: Comparison of Tinting of the Colorant Composition of the Present Invention and Existing Colorant Compositions for Tinting Waterborne and Solventborne Base Paints The colorant composition of the present disclosure was prepared and compared with the colorant composition of the commercially available low-VOC general-purpose colorant system NovoColor™ II. The colorant compositions of the NovoColor II colorant system were selected for comparison because they rely on a combination of a low-molecular-weight water-soluble surfactant and a low-molecular-weight solvent-soluble surfactant for compatibility. Colorants were used to color samples of an aqueous acrylic latex paint, specifically, Sherwin-Williams Duration® Interior Acrylic Latex (formulation A96W1251, identified by the formulation number in the “Base Paint” column of Table 5 below); and a solvent-based paint, SWP Exterior Gloss Oil-based (formulation A2W528, identified as “Solvent Base” in the “Base Paint” column of Table 5 below) (both available from The Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio). The aqueous base paint was colored with 5 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The solvent-based base paint was colored with 4 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The colored paints were then tested according to a rub-up test and a colorimeter test and evaluated for color strength.

[0149]

Table 5

[0150] The data show that the general-purpose colorant composition of the present disclosure has excellent compatibility with both aqueous and solvent-based base paints.

[0151] Example 6: Comparison of Viscosity Reduction between the Colorant Composition of the Present Invention and Existing Colorant Compositions The colorant composition of the present disclosure was compared with the colorant composition of the commercially available low-VOC general-purpose colorant system NovoColor™ II. Duration® Interior Matte Ultradeep (formulation A96T1254) aqueous latex paint 2Samples were tinted with 10 ounces of colorant per gallon, shaken for 1 minute on a cradle-type mechanical shaker, and then the viscosity was measured. It can be understood that the colorants of the present invention show less influence on the viscosity of the tinted paint compared to the commercially available NovoColor™ II colorants. The data is shown in Table 6.

[0152] [Table 6]

[0153] The data shows that the general-purpose colorant composition of the present invention has a lower viscosity reduction than existing general-purpose colorant compositions such as the colorants of the NovoColor® II general-purpose colorant system. For some colors, the viscosity reduction was reduced by more than 50% compared to existing solutions.

[0154] Example 7: Preparation of the Colorant Composition of the Present Invention The colorant composition was prepared by mixing water, pigments, and DISPERBYK®-2061, a modified polyether dispersant, with conventional humectants, defoamers, preservatives, and thickeners. The colorants were milled to a 7 Hegman grind value using zirconium milling beads. Table 7 shows the amounts of each component contained in each general-purpose colorant composition based on the total weight of the colorant composition, in weight percent.

[0155] [Table 7]

[0156] Example 8: Comparison with Commercially Available General-Purpose Colorant Compositions The colorant composition of the present disclosure was prepared and compared with the colorant composition of the commercially available low-VOC general-purpose colorant system NovoColor™ II. 1The NovoColor II colorant compositions were selected for comparison because they rely on a combination of a low molecular weight water-soluble surfactant and a low molecular weight solvent-soluble surfactant. Colorants were used to color samples of waterborne acrylic latex paints, specifically Duration® Interior Acrylic Tint (formulation A96W1251), and solvent-based paints, SWP Exterior Gloss Tint (formulation A2W528) (both available from The Sherwin-Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio). The water-based base paint was tinted with 5 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The solvent-based base paint was tinted with 4 ounces of colorant per gallon of base paint. The tinted paints were then tested according to a rub-up test and a colorimeter test and evaluated for tint strength.

[0157]

Table 8

[0158] The data show that the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present disclosure have excellent compatibility with water-based base paints. Some colors also have excellent compatibility with solvent-based base paints. Other colors require further optimization to improve solvent compatibility.

[0159] Example 9: Comparison of Viscosity Reduction with Existing Colorant Compositions The colorant compositions of the present disclosure were compared with the colorant compositions of the commercially available low-VOC general-purpose colorant system NovoColor™ II. Samples of Duration® Interior Matte Ultradeep (formulation A96T1254) waterborne latex paint 2 were tinted with 10 ounces of colorant per gallon, shaken on a cradle-type mechanical shaker for 1 minute, and then the viscosity was measured. It can be understood that the colorants of the present invention show less effect on the viscosity of the tinted paint compared to the commercially available NovoColor™ II colorants. The data are shown in Table 9.

[0160]

Table 9

[0161] The data show that some of the general-purpose colorant compositions of the present invention have a lower viscosity reduction than existing general-purpose colorant compositions such as the colorants of the NovoColor® II general-purpose colorant system.

[0162] Example 10: Evaluation of the uniformity of viscosity reduction across base paints and stains. The colorant compositions in Table 10 were produced by mixing one or more modified polyether dispersants having pigment affinity groups with conventional humectants, defoamers, preservatives, and thickeners. The colorants were milled to a 7 Hegman grind value using zirconium milling beads. Table 7 shows the amounts of each component contained in each general-purpose colorant composition based on the total weight of the colorant composition, in weight percent.

[0163]

Table 10

[0164] To evaluate the viscosity reduction compared to existing colorant compositions, each colorant composition was volumetrically added to a 1-gallon container of base paint or stain at the maximum volume of colorant allowed on the label of the base paint or stain. As a control, the same test was conducted using the same colors of an array of Novocolor II colorant compositions from the Sherwin-Williams Company, which contain a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfactants to make the colorant composition general-purpose. The KU (Stormer) viscosity of the base paint or stain was measured before and after the addition of the colorant composition to evaluate the viscosity reduction associated with each combination of colorant and base paint or stain. A viscosity reduction of 5 KU to 10 KU is underlined, and a viscosity reduction exceeding 10 KU is in italics. The information in parentheses indicates [the count of viscosity reduction between 5 KU and 10 KU, the count of viscosity reduction exceeding 10 KU].

[0165]

Table 11

[0166] The data show that the colorant composition of the present invention demonstrates less viscosity reduction and more uniform viscosity reduction across all colorants in the array as compared to existing colorant compositions.

Claims

1. A general-purpose colorant composition comprising: an aqueous vehicle; one or more pigments or dyes; and a modified polyether dispersant containing one or more pigment affinity groups, wherein the polyether dispersant comprises one or more polyoxyalkyls, substituted or unsubstituted polyoxyphenyls, polyether ketones, polyether ether ketones, or cyclic ether structural units, or combinations thereof; wherein each of the pigment affinity groups is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic structural unit containing a plurality of carbon atoms; wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1000 g / mol; wherein the general-purpose colorant composition substantially does not contain a low molecular weight surfactant; wherein the general-purpose colorant composition is compatible with water-based and solvent-based base paints and stains and is suitable for use in point-of-sale colorizing machines; a general-purpose colorant composition, wherein the colorant composition contains a binder in an amount less than the coating film forming amount.

2. The general-purpose colorant composition according to claim 1, wherein the colorant composition substantially does not contain a surfactant.

3. The colorant composition comprises a first modified polyether dispersant containing one or more pigment affinity groups and a second modified polyether dispersant containing one or more pigment affinity groups, wherein the one or more pigment affinity groups of the first modified polyether dispersant are the same as or different from the one or more pigment affinity groups of the second modified polyether dispersant, the general-purpose colorant composition according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyether comprises an oxymethyl, oxyethyl, oxypropyl, or oxybutyl polyalkyl structural unit.

5. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polyether comprises an oxyethyl structural unit.

6. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polyether comprises a tetrahydrofuran or oxirane structural unit.

7. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of at least 2, at least 5, or at least 7 weight percent based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

8. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more modified polyether dispersants are present in a total amount of at most 20, at most 15, or at most 12 weight percent based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

9. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one pigment affinity group is a linear or branched aliphatic chain having at least 4, at least 8, at least 10, or at least 12 carbons.

10. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pigment affinity group comprises an aromatic group.

11. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pigment affinity group comprises a branched or unbranched C10 alkyl chain.

12. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pigment affinity group comprises a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 14 carbon atoms.

13. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the pigment affinity group comprises a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having at least 18 carbon atoms.

14. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pigment affinity group comprises unsaturated oleic or linoleic fatty acid.

15. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the dispersant has a molar ratio of pigment affinity group to polyoxylalkyl group of at least 1:20, preferably at least 1:15, 1:5, or 1:

4.

16. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of at least 2, or at least about 5 weight percent based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

17. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the one or more pigments or dyes are present in an amount of at most about 90, or at most about 80, or at most about 70 weight percent based on the wet weight of the colorant composition.

18. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the composition contains less than 50 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 20 g / L of VOC, preferably less than 10 g / L of VOC, or even more preferably less than 5 g / L of VOC.

19. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the modified polyether dispersant has a peak weight average molecular weight of at least 1500 g / mol or at least 2000 g / mol.

20. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the colorant composition essentially does not contain an alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactant.

21. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the colorant composition essentially does not contain a phosphate ester surfactant.

22. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the colorant composition essentially does not contain a phosphorus-based surfactant having an ethoxylate group.

23. The general-purpose colorant according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the general-purpose colorant further contains a phospholipid.

24. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the phospholipid is lecithin.

25. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the colorant composition essentially does not contain a surfactant having an average molecular weight of less than 500 g / mol, preferably less than 1000 g / mol.

26. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein when added to a base paint or stain, the viscosity of the base paint or stain decreases by less than 20 Krebs units, preferably less than 10 Krebs units, as measured according to the viscosity reduction test.

27. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the ratio of pigment to dispersant is at least 1.

28. The general-purpose colorant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the ratio of pigment to dispersant is at most 20, at most 15, at most 6, at most 4, or at most 2.

5.

29. A point-of-sale system for producing water-based and solvent-based architectural paints and stains tinted according to an order, the system comprising an array of general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 28, the array including at least white, red, blue, and yellow colorant compositions, a system in which the general-purpose colorant composition resists adversely affecting the viscosity of the tinted latex paint when added to a base paint or stain.

30. A method for producing a flavored paint or stain, comprising: adding one or more general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 29 to a base paint or stain; and mixing the flavored base paint or stain until uniform.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the one or more general-purpose colorant compositions are added to the base paint or stain by weight measurement.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the one or more general-purpose colorant compositions are added to the base paint or stain by volume measurement.

33. A flavored paint or stain, comprising: a flavorable base paint or stain; and about 0.05 to 15 weight percent of one or more general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. A system for flavoring a base paint or stain, comprising: an array of general-purpose colorant compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 28, the array comprising at least 12 colorant compositions including at least white, red, blue, and yellow; and a base paint or stain.

35. The system according to claim 34, wherein when each of the general-purpose colorant compositions is added to the base paint or stain, three or less, and preferably five or less, of the 12 colorant compositions have a viscosity reduction exceeding 10 KU.

Images