Rheology control agent

Abstract

The invention deals with a composition comprising a liquid carrier, which is liquid at a temperature of 23 °C, a urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30000 g / mol, dissolved in the liquid carrier, and an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr, dissolved in the liquid carrier.

Description

[0001] RHEOLOGY CONTROL AGENT

[0002] The invention relates to a composition comprising a liquid carrier, which is liquid at a temperature of 23°C, a urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30000 g / mol, dissolved in the liquid carrier, and an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, SrCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr, dissolved in the liquid carrier. It further relates to a liquid composition, a coated article, the use of the composition for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition, the use of an ionic compound for improving the solubility of a urea component and a method for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition.

[0003] In the field of coating materials, adhesives, sealants, and molding compounds, as well as oildrilling fluids and the like, it is necessary to customize the rheological properties of such liquid systems, primarily through adjusting the viscosity. This can for example be done by the selection of binding agents, solvents, and the concentration of pigments and / or fillers. Often, the addition of so-called rheology additives to these liquids is required. The effect of these additives lays in adjusting the rheological properties of the system, like the viscosity and the viscoelastic properties. By doing so, the system properties are usually improved with respect to sag resistance, improved storage stability (due to reduced settling of solid particles), or a general increase in viscosity, often referred to as “thickening”.

[0004] The rheology of liquid systems is often controlled using clays, e. g., bentonites, and / or silicas, which may optionally be organically modified, hydrogenated castor oil, and polyamide waxes. A disadvantage of these rheology control auxiliaries is that they are mostly dry solids, which must be processed to a semi-finished form using solvents and shear forces, and / or introduced into the liquid system by means of targeted temperature control. Non-observance of these temperatures and / or appropriate incorporation conditions can lead not only to poor rheological performance, but also to detrimental properties of the products.

[0005] In case the liquid systems are coating compositions, these rheology control auxiliaries frequently lead to instances of clouding and haze in clear, transparent coatings. Moreover, operating with dry, powderous products, which cause dusts during processing, may be technologically unfavorable. A liquid application alternative to these rheology control auxiliaries is provided by solutions of particular urea components as described for example in EP 1 188 779 A. Alternatively, instead of classical organic diluents, ionic liquids can be used as described in DE 102008059702 A.

[0006] A further aspect, which should be noted in connection with rheology control auxiliaries provided in liquid form, is the storage stability thereof. For instance, prolonged storage times or elevated storage stress, for example in the case of storage with temperature variations, can lead to reduced storage stability, accompanied by reduced efficacy in the target systems. Therefore, it is desirable that rheology control auxiliaries have a good storage stability and will not easily precipitate or gel on storage.

[0007] To prevent early precipitation on storage from happening, small amounts of salts, especially halides such as LiCI are usually added, which act as a stabilizer. Lithium salts give rise to multiple sustainability issues such as excessive water consumption and the possible lack of responsible sourcing. Moreover, lithium salts have reprotoxic properties or potential.

[0008] All these parameters mentioned above limit the choice of adequate preparations. The choice of suitable rheology control auxiliaries is therefore difficult since these especially have to be compatible with the later application systems and need to comply with a multiplicity of requirements. They have to show not only an improved rheological activity in the application system, but also a broad compatibility in application-relevant formulations. There is still an ongoing need to provide improved rheology additives. Using the improved rheology additive should lead to reliable thickening effects in various formulations while storage stability of these rheology control auxiliaries needs to be favorable.

[0009] Thus, it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a high-quality rheology control agent of good effectiveness, which is employable in numerous application systems. More particularly, the object of the present invention is to provide a rheology control agent which does not require lithium salts, but which delivers comparable performances with regard to storage stability, anti-sag behavior, discoloration and other properties. Another object of the invention is to find rheology control agents resulting in a pronounced anti-sag behavior.

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

[0011] Carbamimidoylazanium chloride is CH5N3 HCI (guanidine hydrochloride CAS No. 50-01-1).

[0012] The urea component and the ionic compound are dissolved in the liquid carrier. That means that the urea component, the ionic compound and the liquid carrier form a solution, which is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. The urea component and the ionic compound are entirely or nearly entirely dissolved in the liquid carrier without dispersed or emulsified parts of the urea component or ionic compound being present.

[0013] In one embodiment, the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol comprises a urea-urethane-compound. In another embodiment, the urea component comprises molecules containing at least one urea group and at least one urethane group. In another embodiment, the urea component comprises molecules containing at least one urea group and at least two urethane groups. In another embodiment, the urea component comprises molecules containing at least two urea groups; in a different embodiment the urea component comprises two urea and two urethane groups; in yet another embodiment, the urea component comprises molecules containing at least four urea or more than four urea groups. In a different embodiment, the urea component comprises molecules containing at least two urea groups and at least two urethane groups. In a different embodiment of the invention, urethane groups may even be absent.

[0014] Suitably, urea components according to claim 11 of WO 2015 / 158407, claim 13 of WO 2015 / 158407, claim 16 of WO 2015 / 158407 and claim 1 of EP 1396510 A1 are employed.

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

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

[0017] R31 and R32 independently of one another and independently of each occurrence represent a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated organic group which contains 1 to 100 carbon atoms and which has not more than one urea group each and not more than one urethane group each,

[0018] R33 and R34 independently of one another and independently of each occurrence represent branched or unbranched polyester groups containing 1 to 300 carbon atoms and optionally containing ether groups, branched or unbranched polyether groups containing 2 to 300 carbon atoms, branched or unbranched polyamide groups containing 1 to 300 carbon atoms, polysiloxane groups containing 3 to 100 silicon atoms, branched or unbranched C2 to C22 alkylene groups, branched or unbranched C2 to C22 cycloalkylene groups branched or unbranched C2 to C18 alkenylene groups, C6 to C12 arylene groups and / or branched or unbranched C7 to C22 arylalkylene groups,

[0019] Z and W independently of one another and independently in case of multiple occurrences represent NH — CO — O and / or NH — CO — NH, n represents an integer from 1 to 150, preferably 2 to 150, in case of multiple occurrences of n, n independently represents an integer from 1 to 150, preferably 2 to 150.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment the urea component is selected from the general formulas (U-2a), (U-2b), (U-2c), (U-2d), and (U-2e).

[0021] (U-2e) where

[0022] AM is selected from a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 50 C atoms, in case of multiple occurrences of AM, AM is independently selected from a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 50 C atoms,

[0023] AM1 and AM2 independently of one another and independently in case of multiple occurrences represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 1 to 50 C atoms,

[0024] IC1 and IC2 independently of one another and independently in case of multiple occurrences represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic- aromatic hydrocarbon organic group having 2 to 40 C atoms,

[0025] IC3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, in case of multiple occurrences of IC3, IC3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon organic group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, IC4 is selected from a group as described for IC1 and IC2 or a urethane group containing segment having the structure

[0026] -[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]- in which RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, in case of multiple occurrence of RP3, RP3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or by polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups.

[0027] RP1 and RP2 independently of one another and independently in case of multiple occurrences represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 1 to 24 C atoms and / or a polyether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups, and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms,

[0028] RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, in case of multiple occurrences of RP3, RP3 independently represents the above mentioned groups and m is an integer from 0 to 20, preferably from 1 to 20, more preferably from 1 to 5. p represents 0 and / or 1. q is an integer from 0 to 20. Preferably, the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol has a structure according to formula (U-2a) in which

[0029] RP1 is selected from a hydrocarbyl group having 4 to 24 carbon atoms or a polyether segment having up to 50 alkylene oxide repeating units, preferably a segment Q-(O-AO)rin which Q is a C1 to C18 alkyl or alkenyl group, AO is a group C2H4 or C3H6 and r is an integer of 2 to 35,

[0030] IC1 and IC2 are preferably selected from one of the following bivalent groups (with “*” indicating the connection sites) and in which AM is selected from a group C2H4, C3H6, C4H8, C5H10, CeHi2, CeH , -CH2-C6H4-CH2- or a group in which Rxand Ryrepresent H or CH3.

[0031] In a very preferred embodiment of (U-2a), IC1 and / or IC2 are selected from

[0032] Even more preferably, IC1 and IC2 are selected from

[0033] In a very preferred embodiment of (U-2a), AM is selected from C2H4 and -CH2-C6H4-CH2- .

[0034] In a very preferred embodiment of (U-2a), m is an integer from 0 to 10. In a special embodiment, m is an integer from 1 to 5. In another embodiment, m is 0. In another preferred embodiment, the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol has a structure according to formula (II- 2b) in which the preferred embodiments of IC1 and IC2 are as described for (U-2a), in particular a group C?H6or a group -C6H4-CH2-C6H4- ,

[0035] AM1 and AM2 are selected from a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C1 to C24 alkyl or alkenyl group or a group C6H5-CH2- , and

[0036] RP3 is selected from a hydrocarbyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms or a polyether segment having 1 to 40 ether oxygen atoms, preferably a polyether segment comprising 1 to 30 ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide based repeating units.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the urea component has a structure according to formula (U-2c) in which the preferred embodiments of AM1 and AM2 are as described for (U-2b), the preferred embodiments of AM are as described for (U-2a), and

[0038] IC4 is selected from a group as described for IC1 and IC2 or a urethane group containing segment having the structure

[0039] -[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]- in which IC2 is defined as described for (U-2a) and RP3 is defined as described for (U-2b).

[0040] For (U-2c), it is particularly preferred that IC4 is selected from a group C7H6, a group -C6H4- CH2-C6H4-, and a group

[0041] -[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]- in which IC2 represents a group CyHe or a group -C6H4-CH2-C6H4- and RP3 represents a polyether segment comprising 1 to 30 ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide based repeating units. In a preferred embodiment of (U-2c), q is an integer from 0 to 15, even more preferably from 0 to 7 and most preferably from 0 to 4, like from 1 to 4.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least 50 wt. % of the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol have a structure according to formula (U-2a) or (U-2c).

[0043] In a very preferred embodiment, at least 50 wt. % of all urea components having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol have a structure according to formula (U-2a) and m is 0 or m is 1 to 5; very preferably, m is 0.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol is a urea urethane and 95 - 100% by weight of the component contain at least one molecule segment of the general formula (U-3a)

[0045] — O— CO— NH— Y1— NH— CO— NH— (U-3a) where

[0046] Y1 represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms, in case of multiple occurrences of Y1 , Y1 independently represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms and in each case contains no molecule segment of the general formula (U-3b)

[0047] — O— CO— NH— Y2— NH— CO— O— (U-3b) where

[0048] Y2 represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched, or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms. In case of multiple occurrences of Y2, Y2 independently represents a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched hydrocarbon group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms. The synthesis of the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol may suitably take place directly in the presence of the liquid carrier and the ionic compound. In another embodiment, the component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol is synthesized in the presence of the liquid carrier and the ionic compound is added afterwards. In a further embodiment, the component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol is synthesized in the presence of the ionic compound and the liquid carrier, and a second liquid carrier different from the first one is added afterwards. In another embodiment, the component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol is synthesized in the presence of a first ionic compound and the liquid carrier, and a second amount of the same ionic compound or a second ionic compound different from the first one is added afterwards.

[0049] The urea component has a number average molecular weight of from 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol. Preferably, the urea component has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 400 g / mol, preferably at least 500 g / mol. More preferably, the number average molecular weight is above 600 g / mol, even more preferably above 650 g / mol, and most preferably above 800 g / mol. Furthermore, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the urea component is preferably below 20000 g / mol, more preferably below 10000 g / mol, and most preferably below 8000 g / mol. Preferably, the number average molecular weight (Mn) is in the range of 650 g / mol to 20000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 800 g / mol to 8000 g / mol, even more preferably in the range of 800 g / mol to 5000 g / mol.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment, the number average molecular weight of the urea component is at least 800 g / mol, preferably 1000 g / mol, preferably at least 1500 g / mol, preferably in the range of 1500 g / mol to 20000 g / mol and more preferred in the range of 1500 g / mol to 8000 g / mol and even more preferred 1500 to 5000 g / mol.

[0051] The number and weight average molecular weights can be determined by gel permeation chromatography (eluent: solution of lithium bromide (content 5 g / l) in dimethylacetamide, standard: polymethylmethacrylate, column temperature: 50 °C) according to DIN EN ISO 13885-2 (November 2021). Alternatively, the number average molecular weight may be determined by calculation. Additionally, the number average molecular weight for small molecules up to 1000 g / mol may be determined by other methods such as mass spectroscopy or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Preferably, the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol, dissolved in the liquid carrier is not cross-linked. A typical example of cross-linked components are elastomers. It is preferred that the urea component does not contain any cross-linked sections, furthermore it is preferred that the urea component is not an elastomer or does not comprise elastomers.

[0052] The composition according to the invention comprises a liquid carrier which is liquid at a temperature of 23 °C and 1013 mbar.

[0053] Preferably, the liquid carrier is an organic solvent. More preferably, the liquid carrier is an organic, aprotic solvent. Also preferably, the liquid carrier is a polar organic solvent.

[0054] Even more preferably, the liquid carrier is an organic, polar, aprotic solvent.

[0055] Suitably the liquid carrier comprises a compound having at least one of a N-substituted amide group, and a sulfoxide group.

[0056] Preferably, the liquid carrier comprises at least one of an amide group and a sulfoxide group, wherein the amide nitrogen of the amide group has two substituents, wherein the substituents are selected from aliphatic and aromatic groups. Suitably, the amide nitrogen of the amide group has two substituents, in this case the amide group cannot be an NH amide group.

[0057] The liquid carrier suitably comprises at least one of a N-substituted cyclic amide, non-cyclic dialkyl amide of mono- and difunctional carboxylic acids, N-acyl morpholines, and sulfoxides.

[0058] Suitable liquid carriers are for example N-substituted cyclic amides: N-alkyllactams, preferably N-alkyl butyrolactams, N-alkyl valerolactams, and N-alkyl caprolactams, wherein the alkyl groups suitably have 1 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms), as well as hydroxyalkyllactams (e.g., hydroxyethylpyrrolidone) and N-cycloalkyllactams. Cyclic amides are amides wherein the amide nitrogen and amide carbonyl carbon are part of the cyclic structure.

[0059] Suitable examples of N-alkylbutyrolactams are N-methylbutyrolactam, N-ethylbutyrolactam, N-butylbutyrolactam, N-octylbutyrolactam and N-hydroxyethyl butyrolactam. N- cyclohexylbutyrolactam is a further suitable example. Suitable examples of N-substituted caprolactams are N-ethyl caprolactam, N-methyl caprolactam, N-butyl caprolactam, N-propyl caprolactam.

[0060] Further suitable liquid carriers are non-cyclic dialkyl amides of mono- and difunctional carboxylic acids: N,N-dialkylamides of C1 to C18 monocarboxylic acids, bis(N,N- dialkyl)amides of C1 to C18 dicarboxylic acids; optionally these carboxylic acids comprise hydroxyl, ether or ester groups, such as N,N-dialkylamidoalkylesters, N,N-dialkylamidoalkyl ethers, N,N-dialkyllactamides. Sulfoxides are suitable as well, preferably dimethyl sulfoxide. Non-cyclic amides are amides wherein the amide nitrogen and amide carbonyl carbon are not both part of the cyclic structure. Under this definition e. g. N-formylmorpholine is considered to be a non-cyclic amide.

[0061] Further suitable liquid carriers are non-cyclic amides that are available from reaction of diamines and monocarboxylic acids. Suitable examples are reaction products of C1 to C18 monocarboxylic acids and C2 to C12 alkylene diamines.

[0062] Suitable liquid carriers are also linear amides, for example N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N- dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylamides of C3 to C18 monocarboxylic acids (preferably N,N- dimethylamides of C6 to C10 monocarboxylic acids), N,N-dialkylamidoalkylesters, N,N- dialkylamidoalkyl ethers, and acylmorpholines.

[0063] Preferred examples of these are also N,N-dimethylamidoalkyl ester, N,N-dimethylamidoalkyl ether, N-formylmorpholine and N-acetylmorpholine.

[0064] Further suitable carriers which are preferably used in combination with at least one liquid carrier comprising at least one of an amide group and a sulfoxide group are N-acetyl caprolactam, epsilon-caprolactam, and 2-pyrrolidone.

[0065] It is preferred that the liquid carrier comprises at least one of N-alkyl lactames, N-cycloalkyl lactames, non-cyclic dialkyl amides of mono- and difunctional carboxylic acids, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dialkyllactamides, N,N-dialkylamidoalkylesters, N,N-dialkylamidoalkyl ethers, and N-acylmorpholines.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment the liquid carrier comprises at least one of 1-(2- hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethyl lactamide (2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylpropanamide) or an organic solvent. The composition suitably comprises from 5.0 to 90.0 weight-% of the liquid carrier, calculated on the total weight of the liquid carrier, the urea component, and the ionic compound.

[0067] Preferably, the composition comprises the liquid carrier in an amount of 10.0 to 90.0 % by weight, more preferably 15.0 to 85.0 % by weight, even more preferably 25.0 to 80.0 % by weight and most preferably, 27.0 to 75.0 % by weight. Particularly preferred ranges are 35.0 to 75.0 %, 40.0 to 75.0 % and 45.0 to 75.0 % by weight, calculated on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier and the ionic compound.

[0068] In a special embodiment, the composition comprises at least two liquid carriers different from each other, with the proviso that one of the liquid carriers is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and the second liquid carrier is a liquid carrier comprising at least one of a di-aliphatic-substituted amide group. It is preferred that the weight amount of DMSO compared to the total weight of DMSO and the second liquid carrier comprising at least one of a di-aliphatic-substituted amide group, is at least 1 %, preferably at least 2%, more preferably at least 5%, even more preferably at least 7%, most preferably at least 10%. It is also preferred that the weight amount of DMSO compared to the total weight of DMSO and the second liquid carrier comprising at least one of a di-aliphatic-substituted amide group is at most 60%, preferably at most 50%, more preferably at most 45%, even more preferably at most 40%, most preferably at most 35%, such as at most 30%.

[0069] The composition comprises an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh (calcium chloride), MgCh (magnesium chloride), SrCh (strontium chloride), carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN (sodium thiocyanate), NaBr (sodium bromide), dissolved in the liquid carrier. Preferably, the composition comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, and carbamimidoylazanium chloride. More preferably, the composition comprises at least one of CaCh and MgCh. Most preferably, the composition comprises CaCh. Generally, the ionic compound may be present in an anhydrous form. Hydrated forms, especially higher hydrated forms, for example CaCh monohydrate, dihydrate, tetrahydrate and hexahydrate, may be employed, but are not particularly preferred. The composition suitably comprises from 0.01 to 15.00 weight-% of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the liquid carrier, the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol, and the ionic compound.

[0070] Preferably, the composition comprises the ionic compound in an amount of 0.1 to 10.0 % by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 7.5 % by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight and most preferably, 0.1 to 3.0 % by weight, such as, 0.2 to 3.0% or 0.3 to 3.0% by weight.

[0071] In a further preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise a salt selected from lithium salts. If the composition does not comprise a lithium salt, it is preferred that the lithium salt content does not exceed 1 .00 % by weight, and it is more preferred that is does not exceed 0.50 % by weight, preferably not exceed 0.30 % by weight, for example not exceed 0.10 % or 0.01 % by weight, calculated on the weight of the total composition. In another preferred embodiment, the composition contains only traces of lithium, e.g. no lithium salts are added with purpose to the composition. In another preferred embodiment the composition is essentially devoid of lithium salts. Preferably, lithium salts discussed in this paragraph are selected from lithium chloride (LiCI) and lithium nitrate (LiNOa), very preferably the lithium salt is lithium chloride (LiCI). In even another preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise a lithium salt but comprises at least an ionic liquid.

[0072] In other embodiments, the composition further comprises an ionic liquid. The term “ionic liquids” herein is to be understood as meaning organic salts or mixtures of organic salts which are liquid at room temperature (23° C) and 1013 mbar, wherein organic salts or ionic compounds as well as salts in general are solid at 23 °C and 1013 mbar and have a crystal structure.

[0073] The cations of the ionic liquids used are preferably based on ammonium, pyridinium, pyrrolidinium, pyrrolium, oxazolium, oxazolinium, imidazolium, thiazolium or phosphonium ions and also mixtures thereof. Particular preference is given to cations based on imidazolium and oxazolium ions.

[0074] The anions are preferably selected from alkylsulfates, arylsulfates, sulfate, hydrogensulfate, phosphate, alkylphosphates, arylphosphates, tosylates, alkylborates, haloborates such as tetrafluoroborate for example, haloaluminates such as tetrachloroaluminate for example, carboxylates such as acetate and trifluoroacetate for example, perchlorate and also mixtures thereof. Alkylsulfates, tosylates and acetates are particularly preferred.

[0075] Suitably, the composition comprises at least one ionic liquid having a cation selected from imidazolium and oxazolium, and having an anion selected from alkylsulfates, tosylates, tetrafluoroborates, and acetates.

[0076] Suitably, the composition comprises the ionic compound in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 15.0 % by weight, calculated on the weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier and the ionic compound. More suitably, the composition of comprises the ionic compound in an amount in the rage of 0.2 to 12.0 % by weight, even more suitably from 0.4 to 10.0 % by weight and most suitably from 0.5 to 8.0 % by weight, calculated on the weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier and the ionic compound.

[0077] It is further preferred that the composition comprises the urea component and the ionic compound in a weight ratio from 2:1 to 120:1. More preferably the composition comprises the urea component and the ionic compound in a weight ratio from 3:1 to 60:1 , even more preferably from 4: 1 to 50: 1 , such as 5: 1 to 35: 1 or 5: 1 to 20: 1.

[0078] It is further preferred that the composition comprises the urea groups of the urea component and the ionic compound in a molar ratio from 0.5:1 to 10:1. More preferably the composition comprises the urea groups of the urea component and the ionic compound in a molar ratio from 0.6:1 to 9:1 , even more preferably from 0.7:1 to 8:1 , such as 0.8:1 to 7:1 or 0.9:1 to 6:1. Particularly preferred is a molar ratio of the urea groups of the urea component and the ionic compound of 1:1 to 5:1, such as 1:1 to 3:1.

[0079] Generally, the composition is a liquid at 23 °C and 1013 mbar.

[0080] It is preferred that the composition comprises 5.0 to 60.0 % by weight of the urea component 5.0 to 90.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and 0.1 to 15.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0081] It is more preferred that the composition comprises

[0082] 7.5 to 55.0 % by weight of the urea component

[0083] 10.0 to 90.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and

[0084] 0.2 to 12.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0085] It is even more preferred that the composition comprises

[0086] 10.0 to 52.5 % by weight of the urea component

[0087] 15.0 to 85.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and

[0088] 0.4 to 10.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0089] It is even more preferred that the composition comprises

[0090] 10.0 to 50.0 % by weight of the urea component

[0091] 25.0 to 80.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and

[0092] 0.5 to 8.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0093] It is even more preferred that the composition comprises

[0094] 12.0 to 48.0 % by weight of the urea component

[0095] 27.0 to 75.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and

[0096] 0.7 to 7.5 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound. Additionally, the invention deals with the use of the composition for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition. The term “liquid composition” according to the present invention denotes a composition, i.e. a matter of at least two substances, being liquid at 23 °C and 1013 mbar. Within the current invention, the term liquid refers to any liquid medium, independent of its viscosity. Liquids therefore comprise very low viscous media as well as high viscous media, such as paste materials.

[0097] The composition of the present invention may be employed to control the rheology of various kinds of liquid compositions. Therefore, in one embodiment, the liquid composition may be an aqueous composition. The primary or even the only liquid diluting agent of a liquid aqueous composition is water. Additionally, the liquid aqueous composition may comprise certain amounts of organic diluents. The organic diluents are the same or different from the at least one liquid carrier. It is preferred that a liquid aqueous composition comprises less than 35% by weight, preferably less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight and most preferably less than 10% or even less than 5% by weight of organic diluents, calculated on the total weight of the liquid composition. In a special embodiment, the liquid aqueous composition does not contain organic diluents at all.

[0098] In general, a liquid aqueous composition comprises at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20% by weight of water. In certain cases, a liquid aqueous composition can comprise at least 25%, more preferably at least 30% by weight of water. In general, a liquid aqueous composition comprises at most 90% by weight of water, such as up to 80% or up to 70% by weight. In special embodiments, the liquid aqueous composition comprises up to 95%, or even up to 97, 98, or 99% by weight of water.

[0099] In another embodiment, the liquid composition may be a non-aqueous composition. A nonaqueous liquid composition is essentially free from water. That denotes a liquid composition suitably comprising water in an amount in the range of 0.0 to 10.0 % by weight, preferably in the range of 0.0 to 7.0 % by weight of water, calculated on the total weight of the liquid composition. More preferably, the non-aqueous liquid composition comprises less than 5.0 % by weight of water. For example, the liquid composition comprises less than 3.0 % by weight or less than 1.0% by weight of water, calculated on the total weight of the liquid composition. Suitably, the liquid composition is selected from a coating composition, a clear coat composition, a lacquer, a varnish, a plastic formulation, a pigment paste, an effect pigment paste, a polymer formulation, a sealant formulation, a cosmetic formulation, a homecare or industrial care formulation (including perfume and fragrance formulations), a ceramic formulation, an adhesive formulation, a liquid formulation for use in gas and oil production, a composition for the manufacture of electrical components and circuits, a liquid formulation for use in energy storage media, a cleaning agent, a potting compound, a building material formulation, a lubricant, a filling compound, a wax emulsion, a metalworking fluid, a metalprocessing product, a liquid composition in the form of a spraying agent, a so-called deposition aid (e.g., for use in plant protection agents or for the general purpose of drift reduction), a ink, a printing ink and a inkjet ink or a composition that may be used as corrosion protection in the field of marine and protective coatings and mixtures thereof.

[0100] Further liquid compositions wherein the composition according to the present invention can be used are solvent-based or solvent-free paints, printing inks and inks and lacquers as e. g., lacquers for varnishing of plastics, wire enamels, floor coatings, coating compositions for coating foodstuffs and seeds, and as so-called color resists, which are used for color filters, for example in flat panel displays such as liquid-crystal displays. The field of application lacquers also includes pasty materials which generally have a very high proportion of solids and a small proportion of liquid components, for example so-called pigment pastes or also pastes based on effect pigments, for example metal effect pigments such as, for example, aluminum pigments, silver pigments, brass pigments, zinc pigments, copper pigments, bronze pigments such as gold bronzes, fire-dyed bronzes or iron oxide aluminum pigments. The effect pigments also include, for example, interference pigments or pearlescent pigments such as, for example, metal oxide mica pigments, fish silver, bismuth oxide chloride or basic lead carbonate.

[0101] The plastic formulations can be liquid or non-liquid starting materials to produce plastic materials, which are preferably converted into a duromer by a chemical cross-linking process ("curing"). Preferred plastic preparations are unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, acrylate resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, formaldehyde resins (such as melamineformaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde). These can be cured under very different conditions, e.g. at room temperature (cold-curing systems) or at elevated temperature (hot-curing systems), optionally with application of pressure ("closed mold" application, sheet molding compound or bulk molding compound). The plastic formulations also include PVC plastisols. The cosmetic preparations can be various liquid compositions, which are used in the so- called personal care or healthcare sector, e.g., lotions, creams, pastes such as, for example, toothpaste, foams such as, for example, shaving foam, gels such as, for example, shaving gels, shower gels or active ingredients in gel formulations, hair shampoos, liquid soaps, nail varnishes, lipsticks and hair dyes.

[0102] The so-called wax emulsions are preferably dispersions of solid waxes in particulate form at room temperature in water or an organic medium.

[0103] The building material formulations may be liquid or paste-like materials, which are used in the construction sector and solidify after curing. Examples are hydraulic binders such as concrete, cement, mortar, tile glue and plaster.

[0104] The metal working fluids may be cutting liquids, drilling fluids (such as are used in metal processing), or forging fluids or lubricants in general. Potential other areas are release agents (often in the form of aqueous emulsions, for example, aluminum die casting and foundry applications), foundry washes (foundry coatings) and liquids for the surface treatment of metals (for example "surface finishing", surface treatment and plating).

[0105] The lubricants are means, which are used for lubrication, i.e. , they serve to reduce friction and wear, as well as to provide power, cooling, vibration dampening, sealing action and corrosion protection; liquid lubricants being preferred here.

[0106] Cleaning agents can be used to clean a wide range of objects, for example in the area of homecare or industrial care. They effect or assist the removal of impurities, residues and attachments. The cleaners also include detergents (primarily for cleaning textiles, their precursors, leather, and dish), and personal care products. Formulations containing perfumes and other fragrances (either as liquid raw materials or in encapsulated form), e.g., as perfume gels, also belong to this area of application.

[0107] Liquid formulations used for gas and oil production are formulations used to develop and exploit a deposit. Drilling fluids or “drilling muds” are preferred examples. Another application example are liquids used to prepare or perform a hydraulic fracturing process and liquids that support the production process of gas and oil.

[0108] The adhesives can be all adhesive materials which are liquid under processing conditions, and which can join parts by surface adhesion and internal strength. The liquid compositions of the invention may further comprise customary additives. Examples of additives are antiblocking agents, stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, additional rheology additives, UV absorbers, free-radical scavengers, slip additives, defoamers, adhesion promoters, leveling agents, waxes, nanoparticles, film-forming auxiliaries, and flame retardants. Preferred additives are wetting agents, dispersants and / or emulsifiers and rheology additive which are different from the composition of the present invention, such as clay-based thickeners (including organoclays), (poly)amides, polysaccharides (like cellulose derivatives, guar, xanthan), polyacrylates, or associative thickeners. In an example, the inventive composition can be used in combination with other thickeners affecting the low, medium, and / or high shear performance of the liquid composition that needs to be modified concerning its rheological behavior.

[0109] In a further embodiment, the invention also relates to a process for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition comprising the steps of providing the composition according to the present invention, providing a liquid composition and mixing the composition according to the present invention and the liquid composition. Suitable liquid compositions are the liquid compositions as aforementioned amongst others. The step of mixing the components may be executed according to current processes known by the person skilled in the art. This may involve mixing by manual or electrical means inter alia. Mixing is combining the compositions and exerting shear force on the combined compositions.

[0110] In another embodiment, the invention deals with the use of an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, SrCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr for improving the solubility of a urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30000 g / mol, dissolved in a liquid carrier. Improving the solubility may mean reducing or preventing precipitation of the urea component, reducing or preventing formation of gels, and / or maintaining the solubility of the urea component over a prolonged period of time.

[0111] The invention further deals with a liquid composition comprising the composition according to the invention and at least one binder. The binder is generally a material capable of forming a layer on a substrate. Examples of binders include organic polymers and resins, prepolymers, and monomers capable of forming a polymer. The binder may be of natural or synthetic origin, or it may be a synthetically modified natural material. Suitable binders comprise at least one of alkyd resins (such as short, medium, or long oil alkyd), unsaturated polyester resins, vinylester resins, acrylate resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, polyaspartic resins, phenolic binders, silicones, chlorinated rubbers, vinyl based binders, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl acetates), saturated polyester binders, polyacrylates and acrylate copolymers, urea and melamine resins, silicate binders, cellulose based binders, and silyl modified polymers. Preferred binders comprise at least one of alkyd resins (such as short, medium, or long oil alkyd), unsaturated polyester resins, vinylester resins, acrylate resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, polyacrylates and acrylate copolymers, polyaspartic resins, and silyl modified polymers.

[0112] These binders can preferably be solvent-borne, solvent-free, or aqueous binders. Solvent- borne and aqueous binders can be delivered both as solutions, emulsions, or dispersions. Therefore, the above-mentioned binders also comprise aqueous binder systems like styrene- acrylic dispersions, urethane-acrylic dispersions, and alkyd emulsions. The binders also comprise non-aqueous dispersion (NAD) systems.

[0113] The weight ratio of binder to the composition of the invention is generally in the range of 3:97 to 97:3, preferably 7:93 to 93:7.

[0114] It is further preferred that the liquid composition comprises the composition of the invention in a range from 0.01 to 10.00 weight-%, more preferably from 0.05 to 7.00 weight-% and most preferably from 0.10 to 5.00 weight-% calculated on the entire liquid composition.

[0115] Another object of the invention is a coated article wherein at least a part of the surface of the article is coated with the liquid composition. In a different embodiment, the coated article is obtainable by the steps of providing an article, providing the liquid composition according to the present invention and coating at least a part of the surface of the article with the liquid composition.

[0116] Furthermore, in an even different embodiment the invention relates to a coated article, wherein at least a part of the surface of the article is coated with the liquid composition according to the present invention and wherein the liquid composition is hardened. In another embodiment, the coated article is obtainable by the steps of providing an article, providing the liquid composition according to the present invention, coating at least a part of the surface of the article with the liquid composition and hardening the liquid composition.

[0117] Suitable articles are all three-dimensional objects, irrespective of their size and volume and whether they are mobile or immobile. Illustrative, but not limiting examples are building interiors and exteriors, flooring, furniture, vehicles used for transportation (like automobiles, bikes, boats, aircrafts, agricultural machines, and all kinds of freight vehicles), bridges and tunnels, machinery and production equipment, electrical devices, cans, metal coils, wires, containers, household articles and hardware, pulp and paper, as well as all kind of articles made of wood, metal, plastics or glass (e.g., for functional or ornamental use). The meaning of the wording “coating” is well-known to the person skilled in the art. In this context, it relates to the application of the liquid composition on the surface or other areas of said article to cover it at least partly or even encasing the article in its entirety. In this case, the liquid composition toughens or hardens after it has been applied to said article. Hardening means converting the liquid composition into a solid state. This can be achieved by evaporation of liquid diluents (physical drying) or by chemical crosslinking reaction (curing), and by combinations thereof.

[0118] The invention is illustrated further below giving reference to examples. The choice of the respective reaction conditions, as e. g., the reaction temperature, reaction time and dosing rates are known to the skilled person and are illustrated in more detail in the working examples.

[0119] Experimental part

[0120] Preparation of intermediates

[0121] Table 1 : Explanation of Abbreviations Manufacture of intermediates 11 to I4:

[0122] Table 2: Intermediates

[0123] Intermediates 11 to I4:

[0124] 2 mol of TDI T65, TDI T80, or TDI T100 respectively and 200 ppm benzoyl chloride were weighed into a glass flask equipped with stirrer, reflux condenser and nitrogen inlet and heated to 40 °C. Subsequently 1 mol of the mono alcohol (according to the above table 2) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over a period of 30 min. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 5 hours at 60 °C. A clear, light yellow, liquid crude intermediate containing excessive diisocyanate is obtained. The excessive diisocyanate contained in the crude reaction products obtained was removed by distillation, whereby intermediates 11 to I4 were obtained.

[0125] Examples

[0126] General synthesis protocol (C1-C26, E1-E17):

[0127] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, the liquid carrier and the stabilizing agent (ionic compound or lithium chloride) were heated up to 60 °C under nitrogen atmosphere under stirring, m- xylylenediamine (MXDA) was added and the mixture was homogenized. The intermediate 11 , I3 or a mixture of intermediates 11 and I2 was added dropwise under stirring within 30 min in such a way that the temperature did not exceed 65 °C. The molar ratio of the intermediate(s) to m-xylylenediamine was 2 : 1. Afterwards the mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 80 °C. The result is a transparent, yellowish product. The exact amounts are displayed in table 3-1. The liquid carriers are specified in table 3-2.

[0128] Table 3-1 : Examples according to the invention and comparative examples

[0129] Table 3-2: Liquid carrier

[0130] Comparative rheology additive C27:

[0131] In a glass flask with stirrer, reflux condenser and nitrogen inlet, 67.9 g of 1-butylpyrrolidin-2- one were heated to 60 °C while stirring. Subsequently 2.55 g of 1,3-diaminopropane (34.4 mmol) were added and briefly homogenized. A uniform mixture of 29.3 g of intermediate I4 (64.1 mmol) and 276 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate (1.64 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over a period of 25 min. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 3 hours at 80 °C. A clear, yellow, liquid product was obtained which showed precipitation of solids after 24 h of storage at room temperature.

[0132] Comparative rheology additive C28:

[0133] In a glass flask with stirrer, reflux condenser and nitrogen inlet, 0.732 g of lithium chloride (17.3 mmol) were dissolved in 67.2 g butylpyrrolidin-2-one while stirring over a period of 30 min at 60 °C, whereby a clear solution was obtained. Subsequently 2.55 g of 1 ,3- diaminopropane (34.4 mmol) were added and briefly homogenized. A uniform mixture of 29.3 g of intermediate I4 (64.1 mmol) and 276 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate (1.64 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over a period of 25 min. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 3 hours at 80 °C. A clear, yellow, liquid product was obtained which showed precipitation of solids after 2 weeks of storage at room temperature.

[0134] Inventive rheology additive E18:

[0135] In a glass flask with stirrer, reflux condenser and nitrogen inlet, 1.92 g of calcium chloride (17.3 mmol) were dissolved in 66.0 g butylpyrrolidin-2-one while stirring over a period of 30 min at 60 °C, whereby a clear solution was obtained. Subsequently 2.55 g of 1 ,3- diaminopropane (34.4 mmol) were added and briefly homogenized. A uniform mixture of 29.3 g of intermediate I4 (64.1 mmol) and 276 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate (1.64 mmol) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture over a period of 25 min. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 3 hours at 80 °C. A clear, yellow, liquid product was obtained. Storage stability

[0136] 100 g of the inventive and comparative examples were stored at room temperature (23 °C) in a closed glass bottle until any optical changes became noticeable. Optical changes include gelling of the material and / or formation of precipitate.

[0137] Table 4: Results

[0138] *) The comparative examples and examples according to the invention sharing the same roman numeral are corresponding examples.

[0139] **) Time between synthesis and formation of precipitate or gelation.

[0140] From table 4 it is visible that the inventive examples E1-18 show a significantly increased or the same storage stability compared to their corresponding comparative examples C1-28.

[0141] Application tests

[0142] The values given in table 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 describe the amount of the raw materials in weight-% based on the entire formulation or based on component A and B for 2 pack systems respectively.

[0143] Table 5: Raw materials

[0144] Test 1 : Whitening in a water-based 2-pack Pll clearcoat

[0145] Production of the water-based 2-pack Pll clearcoat was carried out using the formulation in table 6. All ingredients of component A were added under stirring conditions into a PE beaker and homogenized with a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1000 rpm, 4 cm diameter toothed plate, 10 minutes at room temperature (23 °C). Afterwards the pH of component A was adjusted with DMEA solution (10% in water) to pH 8.2-8.5. Component B was produced with the same stirring conditions. Component A was divided in smaller amounts (50 g in 175 ml PE beaker) and the samples according to the invention were incorporated with a dosage of 0.5 weight-% of the urea component (calculated on the total lacquer) under stirring with

[0146] Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23 °C).

[0147] After storage at room temperature over night component B was added with the specified mixing ratio and homogenized by stirring with spatula. The samples were applied with a frame film applicator (BYK-Gardner GmbH) with 120 pm wet film thickness on glass and dried at room temperature for 1 week. For the whitening test a household sponge (2 cm x 2 cm) soaked with water was placed for 24 hours on the lacquer film. Directly after the removing of the sponge and drying, the whitening of the lacquer film was evaluated visually with a scale from 1 - 5 for no whitening (rating “1”) - strong whitening (rating “5”). Table 6: Water-based 2pack Pll Clearcoat

[0148] Component A:

[0149] Bayhydrol

[0150] A145 82.5

[0151] BYK-1711 0.5

[0152] BYK-346 0.9

[0153] DI water 16.1

[0154] 100.0

[0155] Dispermat: 10 min. at 1000 rpm with 4 cm diameter toothed plate adjustment of the pH with DMEA solution, 10% in DI water to pH 8.2-8.5

[0156] Component

[0157] B:

[0158] Bayhydur

[0159] 3100 82.3

[0160] Dowanol PMA 17.7

[0161] 100.0

[0162] Dispermat: 5 min. at 1000 rpm with 4 cm diameter toothed plate

[0163] Ratio Comp. A : Comp. B = 50 : 15 mixing with spatula Table 7: Results

[0164] While the control without rheology additive exhibits a low viscosity, the samples with the rheology additives C18-C22 and E11-E15 show a significantly higher viscosity. From table 7 it was found that the inventive rheology additives E11-E15 show the same degree of whitening of the water-based clear coat like the comparative rheology additives C18-C22.

[0165] Test 2: Sag resistance in a water-based acrylic dispersion

[0166] Incorporation of the coalescent agent Texanol into the acrylic dispersion using the formulation in table 8. Texanol was added under stirring conditions with a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1000 rpm, 4 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23 °C). The material was than divided in smaller amounts (50 g in 100 ml glass bottle) and the samples according to the invention were incorporated with a dosage of 0.5 weight-% of the urea component (calculated on the total lacquer) under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23 °C). After storage at room temperature over night the samples were applied for the sag resistance test with a stepped doctor blade Model 421 / S (Erichsen GmbH & Co KG) with SO- SOO pm wet film thickness. The application was done on contrast cards 2801 (BYK-Gardner GmbH) using the automatic applicator byko-drive XL (BYK-Gardner GmbH) with an application speed of 50 mm / s. Directly after application, the draw down was hanged up vertically at room temperature until it was dry. After drying the visual evaluation of the sag resistance was done. Therefore, the wet film thickness was considered that shows after drying a clear separation of the draw down, no runner and no bulge building between the applied film thickness.

[0167] Table 8: Water-based acrylic dispersion system

[0168] Acronal DS

[0169] 6262 97.0

[0170] Texanol 3.0

[0171] 100.0

[0172] Table 9: Results From table 9 it was found that the examples according to the invention E10-E16 show a significantly increased sag resistance compared to the control without rheology additive. Furthermore, they show the same or better sag resistance in the water-based acrylic dispersion system compared to the comparative rheology additives C18-C22 and C24.

[0173] Test 3: Rheology effect in water and water mixture

[0174] 50 g deionized water (DI water) respectively water mixture was filled in 100 ml glass bottles. The formulation of the water mixture is described in table 10. The inventive samples were incorporated with a dosage of 0.50 weight-% of the urea component (calculated on the total mixture) into water and 0.75% weight-% of the urea component (calculated on the total mixture) into the water mixture under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23 °C). After storage over night at room temperature the samples were evaluated regarding gel strength and turbidity. The gel strength was evaluated visually and can vary from a strong gel (gel strength rating “1”) to no gel (gel strength rating “5”) and the turbidity from clear (turbidity rating “1”) to strong turbidity (turbidity rating “5”).

[0175] Table 10: Water mixture

[0176] DI water 94.0

[0177] Butylglycol 5.0

[0178] DISPERBYK-192 _ 1.0

[0179] 100.0

[0180] The ingredients were mixed and stirred 2 minutes at room temperature with a Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate for homogenization.

[0181] Table 11 : Results

[0182] From table 11 it was found that the inventive rheology additives E10-E16 show in DI water as well as in the water mixture a similar or better gel strength and / or a similar or lower influence on turbidity than the comparative rheology additives C18-C22 and C24.

[0183] Test 4: Sag resistance in a solvent-based polyester-melamine white coating

[0184] Production of the solvent-based polyester-melamine white coating was carried out using the formulation in table 12. The white coating was divided in smaller amounts (50 g in 100 ml glass bottle) and the samples according to the invention were incorporated with a dosage of 0.25 weight-% of the urea component (calculated on the total lacquer) under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23 °C).

[0185] After storage at room temperature over night the samples were applied for the sag resistance test with a stepped doctor blade Model 421 / S (Erichsen GmbH & Co KG) with 50-500 pm wet film thickness. The application was done on Steel panels, KTL coated black, 300 mm x 200 mm (Franz Kruppel Industriebedarf GmbH) using the automatic applicator byko-drive XL (BYK-Gardner GmbH) with an application speed of 50 mm / s. Directly after application, the draw down was hanged up vertically at room temperature for a flash off time of 15 minutes. Afterwards the panels are baked in an upright position in the convection oven Binder FDL 115 (Binder GmbH) 20 minutes at 140 °C before the visual evaluation of the sag resistance was done. Therefore, the wet film thickness was considered that shows after drying a clear separation of the draw down, no runner and no bulge building between the applied film thickness. Table 12: Solvent-based polyester-melamine white coating

[0186] Setal 1715 VX-

[0187] 74 10.0

[0188] Xylene 4.0

[0189] Aerosil R972 0.3

[0190] DISPERBYK-2150 0.7

[0191] Kronos 2160 21.5

[0192] Dispermat CV: 18m / s, 1mm glass beads 1:1, 30min at 40 °C

[0193] Setal 1715 VX-

[0194] 74 32.0

[0195] Setamine US 138 BB-70 17.4

[0196] Butylglycol acetate 3.6

[0197] Nacure 5225 0.4

[0198] Shellsol A 7.1

[0199] Xylene 2.8

[0200] BYK-358 N 0.2

[0201] 100.0

[0202] Table 13: Results

[0203] From table 13 it was found that the inventive rheology additives E1-E8 show a better or similar sag resistance than the comparative rheology additives C2, C3, 04, 06, 08, 09, 011 and 013.

[0204] Test 5: Rheology effect in a solvent mixture

[0205] Each 50 g of the solvent mixture from table 14 was filled into 100 ml glass bottles. The inventive samples were incorporated with a dosage of 1.0 weight-% of the urea component (calculated on the amount of the solvent) under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23 °C). After storage over night at room temperature, the samples were evaluated regarding gel strength and turbidity . The gel strength was evaluated visually and can vary from a strong gel (gel strength rating “1”) to no gel (gel strength rating “5”) and the turbidity from clear (turbidity rating “1”) to strong turbidity (turbidity rating “5”).

[0206] Table 14: Solvent mixture

[0207] Butyl acetate 75.0

[0208] Dowanol PM 25.0

[0209] Table 15: Results

[0210] From table 15 it was found that the inventive rheology additives E1-E6 and E8 show a significantly increased gel strength compared to the control without rheology additive. Moreover, the inventive rheology additives E1-E6 and E8 show the same gel strength and a similar or lower influence on turbidity than the comparative rheology additives C2, C3, C4, C6, C8, C9, C11 and C13.

[0211] Test 6: Anti-settling test (Syneresis)

[0212] The raw materials were weighed into a 250 ml glass bottle according to the formulation in table 16 and premixed with the spatula. Dispersion was carried out for 20 minutes on a paint shaker (Andalok model Nathalie). After shaking a part of the sample was transferred to 100 ml roll edge snap cover glass tubes and stored at room temperature for 24 h. The filling height in the glass tube was 10 cm. After one day storage the syneresis of the samples was assessed by measuring the height of the supernatant which had formed above the sample. The higher the value for syneresis, the more the Guar Gum 5300 had settled in the sample.

[0213] Table 16: Guar gum oil suspension

[0214] 130.13 132.16 Table 17: Results

[0215] From table 17 it was found that the inventive rheology additive E18 shows the same syneresis result as the comparative rheology additive C28.

Claims

Claims1. A composition comprising a liquid carrier, which is liquid at a temperature of 23 °C, a urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30000 g / mol, dissolved in the liquid carrier, and an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, SrCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr, dissolved in the liquid carrier.

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

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

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

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the liquid carrier comprises at least one of N-alkyl lactames, N-cycloalkyl lactames, non-cyclic dialkyl amides of mono- and difunctional carboxylic acids, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N- dialkyllactamides, N,N-dialkylamidoalkylesters, N,N-dialkylamidoalkyl ethers, and N- acylmorpholines.

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

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

8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the component having a number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 400 g / mol to 30000 g / mol comprises at least one of formulas U-2a, U-2b, U-2c, U-2d and U-2ewhereinAM is selected from a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 50 C atoms, in case of multiple occurrences of AM, AM is independently selected from a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or aliphaticaromatic organic group having 2 to 50 C atoms,AM1 and AM2 independently of one another and independently in case of multiple occurrences represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 1 to 50 C atoms,IC1 and IC2 independently of one another and independently in case of multiple occurrences represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 40 C atoms,IC3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, in case of multiple occurrences of IC3, IC3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms,IC4 is selected from a group as described for IC1 and IC2 or a urethane group containing segment having the structure-[IC2-NH-(C=O)-O-RP3-O-(C=O)-NH-IC2]- in which RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, in case of multiple occurrences of RP3, RP3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or by a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, RP1 and RP2 independently of one another and independently in case of multipleoccurrences represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 1 to 24 C atoms and / or a polyether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups, and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms,RP3 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, in case of multiple occurrences of RP3, RP3 independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic-aromatic organic group having 2 to 24 C atoms and / or by a (poly)ether group having 1 to 120 ether oxygen atoms and / or a polyamide group having 1 to 100 amide groups and / or a polysiloxane group having 3 to 100 silicon atoms and / or a polyester group having 1 to 100 ester groups and optionally containing ether groups, and m is an integer from 0 to 20, p represents 0 and / or 1 , q is an integer from 0 to 20.

9. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the urea component comprises at least 2 urea groups and at least 2 urethane groups.

10. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises5.0 to 60.0 % by weight of the urea component5.0 to 90.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and0.1 to 15.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the urea component, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

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

12. Method for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition comprising the steps ofProviding the composition according to claims 1 to 10 Providing the at least one binder - Mixing the composition and the binder.

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

14. Use of an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one ofCaCh, MgCh, SrCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr for improving the solubility of the urea component having a number average molecular weight Mn between 400 g / mol and 30000 g / mol, dissolved in a liquid carrier.

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

Images