Rheology control agent

Abstract

The invention deals with a composition comprising a liquid carrier, which is liquid at a temperature of 23 °C, a block co-polymer comprising at least one block (A) wherein block (A) comprises at least one amide group and at least one block (B) having no amide groups, dissolved in the liquid carrier, wherein block (A) does not contain aromatic groups, and an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCl2, MgCl2, SrCl2, ZnCl2, 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 block co-polymer comprising at least one polyamide block (A) and at least one block having no polyamide groups (B), dissolved in the liquid carrier, wherein block (A) does not contain aromatic groups, and an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, ZnCh, 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 block co-polymer 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.

[0006] A liquid application alternative to these rheology control auxiliaries is provided by solutions of particular polyamide components as described for example in US 2006 / 0276675 A1 , US 2007 / 0225451 A1 , US 2008 / 0132671 A1 and WO 2018 / 138236. 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, a positive influence on water sensitivity and gloss in the application system and other properties.

[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 block co-polymer comprising at least one block (A) comprising at least one amide group and at least one block (B) having no amide groups, dissolved in the liquid carrier, wherein block (A) does not contain aromatic groups, and an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, ZnCh, SrCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr, dissolved in the liquid carrier. The block co-polymer comprises at least one block (A) and at least one block (B). Block (A) and (B) represent two chemically different segments of the block co-polymer. Block (A) is a block which comprises at least one amide group. Moreover block (A) does not contain aromatic groups, but block (A) may comprise aliphatic or cycloaliphatic groups and block (A) may comprise heteroatoms as well. Block (B) is chemically different from block (A) and does not contain amide groups. The block co-polymer comprising at least one block (A) and at least one block (B) is dissolved in the liquid carrier. That means that the block co-polymer is entirely or nearly entirely dissolved in the liquid carrier without dispersed or emulsified parts of the block co-polymer being present.

[0011] It is preferred that block (A) comprises at least two amide groups. In another embodiment, block (A) comprises at least three amide groups. In another preferred embodiment, block (A) comprises at least 5 amide groups and in a further preferred embodiment block (A) comprises at least 10 amide groups.

[0012] Preferably, block (A) comprises amides of fatty acids. It is more preferred that block (A) comprises amides of dimer fatty acids. Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with an aliphatic chain which is either saturated or unsaturated. Often, fatty acids have an unbranched chain of an even number of carbon atoms, from 4 to 28. Dimer fatty acids are dicarboxylic acids prepared by dimerizing unsaturated fatty acids obtained for example from tall oil. Dimer fatty acids therefore often contain branched hydrocarbyl groups. It is also known to someone skilled in the art that dimer fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated and may contain not only dimers of the mono fatty acid, but also its trimers.

[0013] Preferred fatty acids for preparing the dimer acids are, for example, tall oil fatty acid, oleic acid, tallow fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid (cis and trans isomers), myristoleic acid, cis-6-hexadecenoic acid, (9E,12E)-octa- deca-9,12-dienoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, abietic acid, pimaric acid, hexadecatrienoic acid, parinaric acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, heneicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid (nisinic acid), a-eleostearic acid, - eleostearic acid, a-calendic acid, p-calendic acid, crepenynic acid, dihomo-y-linolenic acid, petroselinic acid, punicic acid, 10E,12Z-octadeca-9, Il-dienoic acid, y-linolenic acid, eicosadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, bosseopentaenoic acid, docosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, 5-dodecenoic acid, 7-tetradecenoic acid, palmitoleic acid, cis-13-eicosenoic acid, vaccenic acid, 15-docosenoic acid, 17-tetracosenoic acid, elaidic acid, cis-ll-eicosenoic acid, mead acid, erucic acid, nervonic acid. Amides of fatty acids are the reaction products of fatty acids with primary or secondary amines. Preferably, the amides of block (A) are the reaction products of diamines with primary and / or secondary amine groups, preferably of diamines with two primary amine groups.

[0014] Very preferably, the amides of block (A) are the reaction products of diamines selected from 1 ,2-ethylene diamine, 1 ,2-propylene diamine, 1 ,3-propylene diamine, 1 ,4-butylene diamine, 1 ,5-pentamethylene diamine, 1 ,6-hexamethylene diamine, 1 ,8-octamethylene diamine, dimer diamine, m-xylylene diamine, p-xylylene diamine, cyclohexylene diamine, isophorone diamine, diaminodiphenylmethan, neopentanediamine, 1 ,2- and 1 ,3-propanediamine, 1 ,12- dodecamethylenediamine, cyclohexyldiamine, 4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane, 3,3'- dimethyl-4,4'-di-aminodicyclohexylmethane, 4,7-dioxadecane- 1 , 10-diamine, 4,7,10- trioxadecane-1 ,13-diamine, 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1 ,5-pentanediamine, 4,11 -dioxatetradecane- 1 ,14- diamine,14-diamine, polyoxyalkylenediamines containing ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide groups in a random or blockwise arrangement, known under the trade names Jeffamine D and Jeffamine ED from Huntsman, having a number average molecular weight of between 148 and 4000 g / mol, and para- and meta-xylylenediamine. It is also possible, however, to use hydrazides such as oxalic dihydrazide, succinic dihydrazide or adipic dihydrazide, for example. Mixtures of these diamines are also possible. It is likewise possible to use amines of type H2N — R — NR — R — NH2, R standing independently for (C1-C18)-alkyl or (C1-C4)-alkoxy. One example thereof is N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)-methylamine.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the amides of block (A) are the reaction products of diamines selected from H2N-(CnH2n)-NH2 [n is an integer of 2 to 6] and m-xylylene diamine. In a very much preferred embodiment, the amides of block (A) are the reaction products of diamines selected from ethylene diamine and hexamethylene diamine. Block (B) suitably comprises at least one of ether groups, ester groups and hydrocarbyl groups. More suitably, block (B) comprises ether groups. The ether groups are preferably polyoxyalkylene groups. Preferred are polyoxyethylene groups, polyoxypropylene groups or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the polyoxyalkylene groups comprise 6 to 25 ether groups, more preferably 7 to 20 ether groups and most preferably 7 to 18 ether groups.

[0016] Preferably, block (A) and block (B) are linked via a linking moiety X. X can be any kind of organic chemical group, but it is preferred that the linking moiety X suitably comprises at least one carbonyl group. It is more preferred that the linking moiety X suitably comprises at least one of a urea group, a biuret group, a urethane group, an amine group and an ester group. In one preferred embodiment the linking moiety X contains at least one of urea groups, biuret groups, and urethane groups. In another preferred embodiment the linking moiety X contains at least one of amine groups and ester groups. The block co-polymer may suitably comprise a biuret-compound. In the preparation of biuret compounds uretdione-containing polyisocyanates are first reacted, with retention of the uretdione moiety, with monoalcohols and / or monoamines comprising block (B) to form urethane- and / or urea-containing polymers and in a second step the biuret compounds of the invention are prepared by reaction with polyamines, accompanied by opening of the uretdione ring. Uretdiones, as the skilled person is aware, are prepared by addition reaction of monomeric diisocyanates using specific catalysts.

[0017] Block (A) is prepared under conditions of the kind known to the skilled person, as by reacting polycarboxylic acids, preferably dicarboxylic acids and / or dicarboxylic anhydrides with diamines. The reaction temperature during the condensation reaction of the dicarboxylic acids with diamines / diols is preferably between 100 and 250° C, more preferably between 140 and 200° C. The polycarboxylic acids may be replaced in whole or in part by diisocyanates and the diamines in whole or in part by diols, in which case ester, urethane and / or urea groups may be present alongside the preferred amide moieties in the polymer. In this case, the addition reaction of diisocyanates with diamines / diols the reaction temperature is preferably between 40 and 120° C, more preferably between 60 and 100° C. To prepare the block co-polymer of the invention, block (A) and the uretdione-containing compound that comprises block (B) are reacted at a reaction temperature between 60 and 120° C, more preferably between 75 and 90° C. The reaction can be carried out with or without solvent. Suitable solvents are all aliphatic, aromatic, protic and aprotic solvents such as, for example, methoxypropyl acetate, cyclohexane, toluene, xylene or higher-boiling aromatics such as Shellsol A, for example. N-Methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone or N-butylpyrrolidone, and also alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isobutanol or butylglycol, are likewise suitable. Mixtures of solvents can also be used.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the block co-polymer comprises a biuret compound of the general formula (I) in which R1is C2-C18 alkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene or aralkylene,

[0019] Y is — O — and / or — NH — ,

[0020] R2is C4-C22 alkyl, C3-C18 alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, CmH2m+i(0 — CnH2n)x — (O — CH(C6H5) — CH2)U-, CmH2m+l(OOC— CVH2V)X-, X— C6H4— (O— CnH2n)x— (O— CH(C6H5)— CH2)U-, where m=1-22, n=2-4, x=0-15, u=0-15, v=4-5,

[0021] X is C1-C12 alkyl, — (C6H5)I-4 and

[0022] R3, R4and R5are independently chosen from C2-C18 alkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene or aralkylene,

[0023] Z is — COO — , NHCO — , NHCOO — , NHCONH — and / or mixtures thereof and a is 1-20.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the block co-polymer may comprise biuret compounds of the general formula (II) in which

[0025] R1is a (Ci-C22)-alkylene, (C3-C22)-alkenylene, (C5-Ci5)-cycloalkylene, arylene, (C7-C12)- aralkylene, a polyoxy-alkylene radical or is a polyester radical,

[0026] R2is a (Ci-C22)-alkyl, hydroxy-(Ci-C22)-alkyl, (C3-Ci8)-alkenyl, aryl, (C7-Ci2)-aralkyl, or (C5- Ci2)-cycloalkyl radical, a hydroxy-, (Ci-C22)-alkoxy-, (C5-C12)- cyclo-alkoxy-, or (C7-C12)- aralkoxy-polyoxyalkylene radical, or a polyester prepared starting from a (Ci-C22-alkanol, (C5- Ci2)-cycloalkanol, or (C7-Ci2)-aralkanol or from a (Ci-C22)-alkoxy-, (Ce-Ci2)-cycloalkoxy-, or (C7-Ci2)-aralkoxy- polyoxy alkylene,

[0027] Y stands for identical or different radicals O, NH, CO — NH — NH or NH — NH — CO,

[0028] R3, R4and R5independently of one another are a (C2-C4o)-alkylene, (C3-C4o)-alkenylene, (C5- C4o)-cyclo- alkylene, arylene, (C7-C4o)-aralkylene or polyoxy-alkylene radical or are a polyester radical,

[0029] R6is a (Ci-C3o)-alkyl, (C3-C22)-alkenyl, hydroxy-alkyl and hydroxyalkenyl, (C4-Ci3)-cycloalkyl, aryl or (C7-Ci2)-aralkyl radical,

[0030] Z stands for one or more of the following groups COO, OCO, NHCO, CONH, NHCOO, OOCNH and NHCONH, and a is a number from 1 to 19. The block co-polymer may be also prepared by an addition reaction of block (A) and an acrylate-functional compound that comprises block (B). The addition reaction is carried out preferably at a reaction temperature of 60 to 100° C, more preferably of 70 to 90° C. The reaction can be carried out with or without solvent. Suitable solvents are all aliphatic, aromatic, protic and aprotic solvents, such as methoxypropyl acetate, cyclohexane, toluene, xylene, higher-boiling aromatics or isoparaffins. N-Methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone or N-butylpyrrolidone, but also alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isobutanol or glycols such as butyl glycol, for example, are likewise suitable. Mixtures of solvents can also be used. Block (A) is prepared under conditions of the kind known to the skilled person and are obtainable, for example, by reacting a mixture of monocarboxylic and polycarboxylic acids, preferably dicarboxylic acids, and / or dicarboxylic anhydrides, with diamines, preferably at temperatures of 100 to 250° C, more preferably 140 to 200° C, with elimination of water. The reaction can be carried out with or without solvent. Suitable solvents are all aliphatic, aromatic, protic and aprotic solvents, such as methoxypropyl acetate, cyclohexane, toluene, xylene, higher- boiling alkylbenzenes or isoparaffins, for example. N-Methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone or N-butylpyrrolidone, but also alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, isobutanol or glycols such as butyl glycol, for example, are likewise suitable. Mixtures of solvents can also be used.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the block co-polymer comprises compounds of the general formula (III)

[0032] A-X-CO— (CH2)2— NR1-R2-(Y— R3-Y-R4)a-B (III) or their salts with carboxylic acids, phosphoric esters or sulphonic acids, where

[0033] A is R5or R6-Y-(R4-Y-R3-Y)b-R2-NR1-(CH2)2— CO-X-R7and B is Y-R6or NR1— (CH2)2— CO-X- R5, and where

[0034] Ri is H, (CH2)2— CO-X-Rs, CONH-R' or a mixture thereof wherein R -R8 or — C6H3(CH3) — NHCOO-R8,

[0035] R2, R3, R4and R7independently of one another are a (Ci-C4o)alkylene, (C3-C4o)alkenylene, (Cs-C4o)cyclo-alkylene, arylene, (C?-C4o)aralkylene or poly-oxyalkylene radical or a polyester radical,

[0036] R5is H, a (Ci-C22)alkyl, aryl, (C?-Ci2)aralkyl, (Cs-Ci2)cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl or N, N'-dialkyl- amino radical, a hydroxyl, (Ci-C22)alkoxy, (Cs-Ci2)-cycloalkoxy, or (C7- Ci2)aralkoxypolyoxyalkylene radical, or a (Ci-C22)alkanol-, (Cs-Ci2)-cyclo-alkanol-, (C7- Ci2)aralkanol-started or a (Ci-C22)-alkoxy-, (Cs-Ci2)cycloalkoxy-, or (C?-Ci2)aralkoxy- polyoxyalkylene-started polyester,

[0037] R6is a (Ci-C3o)alkyl, (C3-C22)alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, (C4-Ci3)cycloalkyl, aryl or (C?-Ci2)aralkyl radical, R8is a (Ci-C22)alkyl, aryl, (C?-Ci2)aralkyl, or (Cs-Ci2)cycloalkyl radical, a (Ci- C22)alkoxy, (Cs-Ci2)cycloalkoxy, or (C7-Ci2)aralkoxypolyoxy-alkylene radical, a (Ci- C22)alkanol-, (Cs-Ci2)cyclo-alkanol-, or (C7-Ci2)aralkanol-started or a (Ci-C22)alkoxy-, (Ce- C 12) cycloalkoxy-, or (C7-Ci2)aralkoxypolyoxyalkylene-started polyester,

[0038] X is identical or different radicals O, NH or NR9, R9is a (Ci-C22)alkyl, aryl, (C7-Ci2)aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or (Cs-Ci2)cycloalkyl radical,

[0039] Y is one or more of the following groups COO, OCO, NHCO, CONH, NHCOO, OOCNH, NHCONH, and a and b independently of one another are a number from 1 to 19.

[0040] In a further preferred preparation process, the block co-polymer is prepared through reaction of a compound containing urea groups and / or urethane groups that comprises block (B) with block (A) containing amide groups. The reaction is carried out preferably at a temperature of 50 to 70° C. The compound that contains block (B) comprises a group which is reactive toward alcohols and / or amines, and which preferably is an isocyanate group or uretdione group. The preparation of such preferred monoadducts of a diisocyanate and a monoalcohol or monoamine is also described for example in EP 1 188 779 A1. Block (A) is prepared under conditions of the kind known to the skilled person and are obtainable, for example, by reacting dicarboxylic acids, and / or dicarboxylic anhydrides, with diamines and monoamino alcohols, preferably at temperatures of 100 to 250° C, more preferably 140 to 200° C, with elimination of water. The reaction can be carried out with or without solvent. Suitable solvents are all known organic solvents, examples therefore including alcohols, esters, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, especially polar-aprotic solvents.

[0041] Preferably, the block co-polymer comprises a urea and / or urethane-substituted urea amide of general formula (IV)

[0042] (IV) wherein the radicals R1 independently of one another are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, if m=1 and Z1 is a covalent bond, and radicals Ra— [O — (C=O)uRb]v, in which Rais selected from the group consisting of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 40 carbon atoms; aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having 6 to 40 carbon atoms; and araliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 7 to 40 carbon atoms; u is 0 or 1 , v is 0 to 50, the radicals Rbindependently of one another are divalent organic radicals which, if u=0, are linear or branched alkylene radicals having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein, if an alkylene radical contains two carbon atoms, said radical may carry a substituent having the formula CH2 — O — (C=O)WRC. in which w is 0 or 1 and Rcis an organic radical having 2 to 24 carbon atoms; and the radicals Rb, if u=1 , are linear or branched alkylene radicals having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; and in the radicals [O — (C=O)uRb] the value for u in each radical independently is 0 or 1 ; the radicals R2 independently of one another are divalent organic radicals which are selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon radicals having 6 to 40 carbon atoms, which optionally contain one or more isocyanurate groups; the radicals R3 independently of one another are (k+1)- valent organic radicals which are selected from the group consisting of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, which optionally contain one or more ether oxygen atoms and / or carry one or more hydroxyl groups; aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having 6 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein the aromatic hydrocarbon radicals optionally carry one or more linear or branched alkyl substituents having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and araliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 8 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein the aromatic hydrocarbon radicals optionally carry one or more linear or branched alkyl substituents having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and are a radical N — R2-Z1-R1 , if Z2 is an NH — (C=O) group, and wherein N in Z2 and Z3 is bonded to the respective carbon atom in NH — (C=O), and m=k=1 , the radicals R4 independently of one another are divalent organic radicals which are selected from the group consisting of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein these are optionally substituted by one or more hydroxyl groups; the radicals R5 independently of one another are divalent organic radicals which are selected from the group consisting of saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein the hydrocarbon radicals optionally contain ether oxygen atoms and / or tertiary amino groups; and araliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 8 to 40 carbon atoms; aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having 6 to 40 carbon atoms; the radicals R6 are selected from the group of the aromatic radicals having 6 to 40 carbon atoms or are defined like the radicals R4 and are selected independently of these; the radicals R6 are defined like the radicals R4 and are selected independently of these; the radicals E independently of one another are COOH or COO'Z+, wherein Z+is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal cations, NH4+, heterocyclic cations, mono- to tetra- organically substituted ammonium ions, wherein, in the case of the alkaline earth metal cations, Z+is 1 Z2+, the radicals Z1 independently of one another are a urethane group, a urea group or a covalent bond; the radicals Z2 independently of one another are a urethane group or a urea group, or, if R3 is a radical N — R2-Z1-R1, Z2 is an NH — (C=O) group; the radicals Z3 are an amide group; the radicals Z4 are an amide group; the radicals Z5 independently of one another are an amide group or are an amino group, wherein the amino group may also be in protonated or quaternized form and wherein Z+in that case is absent; m is 1 to 5; n is 1 to 12; k is 1 to 5.

[0043] The block co-polymer preferably comprises one block (B) linked to one block (A). It is also preferred that the block co-polymer comprises two blocks (A) which are linked to one block (B). In a different preferred embodiment, the block co-polymer comprises two blocks (B) which are linked to one block (A). In a further preferred embodiment four blocks (B) are linked to one block (A).

[0044] The synthesis of the block co-polymer may suitably take place directly in the presence of the liquid carrier and the ionic compound. In another embodiment, the block co-polymer is synthesized in the presence of the liquid carrier and the ionic compound is added afterwards. In a further embodiment, the block co-polymer 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 block co-polymer 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.

[0045] Preferably, the block co-polymer has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of at least 500 g / mol, more preferably at least 1000 g / mol and most preferably at least 1500 g / mol Furthermore, the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the block co-polymer is preferably below 20000 g / mol, more preferably below 15000 g / mol, and most preferably below 10000 g / mol. Preferably, the number average molecular weight (Mn) is in the range of 500 g / mol to 20000 g / mol, more preferably in the range of 1000 g / mol to 12000 g / mol, even more preferably in the range of 1500 g / mol to 8000 g / mol.

[0046] The number and weight average molecular weights can be determined by gel permeation chromatography (eluent: solution of dibutylamine (1 vol %) in tetrahydrofuran, standard: polystyrene) according to DIN EN ISO 13885-1 (September 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.

[0047] Preferably, the block co-polymer, dissolved in the liquid carrier is not cross-linked. A typical example of cross-linked components are elastomers. It is preferred that the block co-polymer does not contain any cross-linked sections, furthermore it is preferred that the block copolymer is not an elastomer or does not comprise elastomers.

[0048] The composition according to the invention comprises a liquid carrier which is liquid at a temperature of 23 °C and 1013 mbar.

[0049] 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. In one embodiment, the liquid carrier is a polar aprotic organic solvent. In another embodiment, the liquid carrier is a hydroxy functional organic solvent. In another embodiment, the liquid carrier is a hydrocarbon solvent, preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. Preferably, the liquid carrier comprises at least one of an aliphatic hydrocarbon, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon, terpene, terpenoid, aromatic hydrocarbon, hydro chlorocarbon, alcohol, ketone, ester, glycol ether, ether, amide, sulfoxide, sulfone, acetal and nitroalkane.

[0050] In a further embodiment, a combination of different liquid carriers is used, and these liquid carriers are selected from hydrocarbons, alcohols, and polar aprotic solvents.

[0051] 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. 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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; nevertheless amides are preferred over sulfoxides. 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Preferred examples of these are also N,N-dimethylamidoalkyl ester, N,N-dimethylamidoalkyl ether, N-formylmorpholine and N-acetylmorpholine.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] Preferably, the composition comprises the liquid carrier in an amount of 5.0 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 80.0 % and 45.0 to 75.0 % by weight, calculated on the total weight of the block co-polymer, the liquid carrier and the ionic compound.

[0061] The composition comprises an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh (calcium chloride), MgCh (magnesium chloride), SrCh (strontium chloride), ZnCh (zinc chloride), carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN (sodium thiocyanate), NaBr (sodium bromide), dissolved in the liquid carrier. Carbamimidoylazanium chloride is CH5N3 HCI (guanidine hydrochloride CAS No. 50-01-1). Preferably, the composition comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, ZnCh, 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.

[0062] 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 block co-polymer, and the ionic compound.

[0063] Preferably, the composition comprises the ionic compound in an amount of 0.1 to 12.0 % by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 10 % by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 8.0 % by weight and most preferably, 0.1 to 7.0 % by weight, such as, 0.2 to 6.0% or 0.25 to 5.00% by weight, calculated on the total weight of the liquid carrier, the block co-polymer, and the ionic compound.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In other embodiments, the composition may preferably further comprise 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 calculated on the total weight of the liquid carrier, the block co-polymer, 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 block co-polymer, the liquid carrier and the ionic compound.

[0070] It is further preferred that the composition comprises the block co-polymer and the ionic compound in a weight ratio from 2:1 to 120:1. More preferably the composition comprises the block co-polymer 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. It is further preferred that the composition comprises the amide groups of block (A) of the block co-polymer and the ionic compound in a molar ratio from 0.05:1.00 to 10.00:1.00. More preferably the composition comprises the amide groups of block (A) of the block co-polymer and the ionic compound in a molar ratio from 0.06:1.00 to 9.00:1.00, even more preferably from 0.07:1.00 to 8.00:1.00, such as 0.08:1.00 to 7.00:1.00 or 0.09:1.00 to 6.00:1.00.

[0071] Particularly preferred is a molar ratio of the amide groups of block (A) of the block co-polymer and the ionic compound of 0.1 : 1 to 5: 1 , such as 0.1 : 1 to 3: 1.

[0072] Generally, the composition is a liquid at 23 °C and 1013 mbar.

[0073] It is preferred that the composition comprises

[0074] 5.0 to 60.0 % by weight of the block co-polymer

[0075] 5.0 to 90.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and

[0076] 0.1 to 15.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the block co-polymer, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0077] It is more preferred that the composition comprises

[0078] 7.5 to 55.0 % by weight of the block co-polymer

[0079] 10.0 to 90.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and 0.2 to 12.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the block co-polymer, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0080] It is even more preferred that the composition comprises

[0081] 10.0 to 52.5 % by weight of the block co-polymer 15.0 to 85.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and 0.4 to 10.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the block co-polymer, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0082] It is even more preferred that the composition comprises

[0083] 10.0 to 50.0 % by weight of the block co-polymer 25.0 to 80.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and 0.5 to 8.0 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the block co-polymer, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0084] It is even more preferred that the composition comprises

[0085] 12.0 to 48.0 % by weight of the block co-polymer 27.0 to 75.0 % by weight of the liquid carrier, and 0.7 to 7.5 % by weight of the ionic compound, calculated on the total weight of the block co-polymer, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The so-called wax emulsions are preferably dispersions of solid waxes in particulate form at room temperature in water or an organic medium.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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, ZnCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr for improving the solubility of a block co-polymer, dissolved in a liquid carrier. Improving the solubility may mean reducing or preventing precipitation of the block co-polymer, reducing or preventing formation of gels, and / or maintaining the solubility of the block co-polymer over a prolonged period of time.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] It is further preferred that the liquid composition comprises the composition of the invention in a range from 0.01 to 15.00 weight-%, more preferably from 0.05 to 10.00 weight-% and most preferably from 0.10 to 8.00 weight-% calculated on the entire liquid composition.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Experimental part

[0112] Test Methods

[0113] Determination of Amine Number

[0114] The amine number was determined in accordance with DIN 53176:2002-11 , using 2- propanol as solvent for the titration. The sample (at least 0.5 g) weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 mg into an 80 ml beaker and dissolved in 50 ml of 2-propanol. The sample titrated with 0.1 M isopropanolic hydrochloric acid where the equivalence point is determined by measurement using a pH electrode.

[0115] Determination of Acid Number

[0116] The acid number was determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2114:2002-06, using 2- propanol as solvent for the titration. The sample (at least 0.5 g) weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 mg into an 80 ml beaker and dissolved in 50 ml of 2-propanol. The sample titrated with 0.1 M ethanolic KOH where the equivalence point is determined by measurement using a pH electrode.

[0117] Determination of Hydroxyl Number

[0118] The hydroxyl number was determined as follows. The sample (at least 0.3 g) weighed into an 80 ml weighing bottle with ground lid and dissolved in 20 ml of tetrahydrofuran. Following addition of 10.0 ml of solution “A2” (12.5 g of 4-dimethylaminopyridine dissolved in 500 ml of tetrahydrofuran) and 5.0 ml of solution “B” (25 ml of acetic anhydride dissolved in 500 ml of tetrahydrofuran). After reagent addition the sample is stirred on a magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes. 2.0 ml of water are added and stirring is repeated for 10 minutes. The sample is subsequently titrated potentiometrically with 0.2 M ethanolic KOH where the equivalence point is determined by measurement using a pH electrode.

[0119] Determination of Isocyanate Content

[0120] The isocyanate content was determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14896:2009-06. The sample (at least 0.3 g) weighed to an accuracy of 0.1 mg into an 80 ml of beaker and dissolved in 5 ml of chlorobenzene. Following addition of 9.5 ml of 0.2 N dibutylamine solution (in chlorobenzene), the sample is stirred and, after a short reaction time (1 minute) 30 ml of ethanol are added. The excess dibutylamine is subsequently potentiometrically back-titrated with 0.1 M isopropanolic hydrochloric acid, where the equivalence point is determined by measurement using a pH electrode.

[0121] Preparation of Isocyanate Adduct (AD)

[0122] Isocyanate Adduct (AD1):

[0123] A mixture of 0.2 mol (100 g) of methoxypolyethylene glycol 500 and 0.2 mol (70 g) of methoxypolyethylene glycol 350 is added over 2 hours at 50° C to 0.8 mol (139.2 g) of toluene diisocyanate (T80, a mixture of 20% 2,6-toluene diisocyanate and 80% 2,4-toluene diisocyanate). The temperature is held between 50° C and 55° C. After the end of the addition, stirring is continued for 3 h until the theoretical NCO content of 16.3% has been reached. The excess isocyanate is removed by vacuum (0.1 mbar) distillation at from 150 to 170° C. The NCO content is 7.0%, the free TDI content <0.5%.

[0124] Preparation of Polyamides (AM)

[0125] Polyamide (AM1):

[0126] A four-neck flask with stirrer, cooler, thermometer, and water separator is charged with 395.85 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, and 0.42 mol of hexamethylenediamine (61.00 g of an 80% aqueous solution) and 0.21 mol of aminoethanol (12.69 g) are added. The solution is heated to 100 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. 0.64 mol (367.79 g) of dimer fatty acid is metered into this solution at 100 °C. With water separation, the temperature is raised gradually up to 170 °C and maintained at this temperature until no further water of reaction is distilled over. The reaction is monitored via determination of the amine number of the product prepared. The hydroxyl number is 15.2 mg KOH / g.

[0127] Polyamide (AM2):

[0128] A four-neck flask with stirrer, cooler, thermometer, and water separator is charged with 395.85 g of N-octylpyrrolidone, and 0.42 mol of hexamethylenediamine (61.00 g of an 80% aqueous solution) and 0.21 mol of aminoethanol (12.69 g) are added. The solution is heated to 100 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. 0.64 mol (367.79 g) of dimer fatty acid is metered into this solution at 100 °C. With water separation, the temperature is raised gradually up to 170 °C and maintained at this temperature until no further water of reaction is distilled over. The reaction is monitored via determination of the amine number of the product prepared. The hydroxyl number is 16.1 mg KOH / g.

[0129] Preparation of the Rheology Additives

[0130] Comparative example C1 :

[0131] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 43.88 g of N-butylpyrrolidone and 30.00 g of the polyamide solution AM1 prepared are heated to 40 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. With stirring, 4.26 g (7.00 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a pipette in a period of 5 minutes. The temperature is raised to 60 °C and maintained for 2 hours. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2116 g / mol).

[0132] Comparative example C2:

[0133] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 87.56 g of the polyamide solution AM2 prepared are heated to 60 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. With stirring, 12.44 g (20.44 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a dropping funnel in a period of 10 minutes. The temperature is maintained at 60 °C for 1 1 / 2 hours. Following, 128.31 g of 1-propoxy-2-propanol are added to the reaction mixture and the temperature is kept for a further hour at 60 °C. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2150 g / mol).

[0134] Comparative example C3:

[0135] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 43.10 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, 30.00 g of the polyamide solution AM1 prepared and 1 .0 wt % of lithium chloride (0.78 g, 18.4 mmol) are heated to 40 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. With stirring, 4.26 g (7.00 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a pipette in a period of 5 minutes. The temperature is raised to 60 °C and maintained for 2 hours. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2086 g / mol).

[0136] Comparative example C4:

[0137] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 43.29 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, 30.00 g of the polyamide solution AM1 prepared and 0.75 wt % of lithium chloride (0.59 g, 13.9 mmol) are heated to 40 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. With stirring, 4.26 g (7.00 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a pipette in a period of 5 minutes. The temperature is raised to 60 °C and maintained for 2 hours. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2548 g / mol).

[0138] Comparative example C5:

[0139] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 87.56 g of the polyamide solution AM2 prepared are heated to 60 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. With stirring, 12.44 g (20.44 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a dropping funnel in a period of 10 minutes. The temperature is maintained at 60 °C for 1 1 / 2 hours. Following, 126.60 g of 1-propoxy-2-propanol and 0.75 wt % of lithium chloride (1.71 g, 40.3 mmol) are added to the reaction mixture and the temperature is kept for a further hour at 60 °C. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2083 g / mol).

[0140] Inventive example E1 :

[0141] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 41.84 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, 30.00 g of the polyamide solution AM1 prepared and 2.62 wt % of calcium chloride (2.05 g, 18.5 mmol) are heated to 60 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. After cooling down to 50 °C and with stirring, 4.26 g (7.00 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a pipette in a period of 5 minutes. The temperature is raised to 60 °C and maintained for 2 hours. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 1722 g / mol).

[0142] Inventive example E2:

[0143] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 42.34 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, 30.00 g of the polyamide solution AM1 prepared and 2.00 wt % of calcium chloride (1.54 g, 13.9 mmol) are heated to 60 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. After cooling down to 50 °C and with stirring, 4.26 g (7.00 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a pipette in a period of 5 minutes. The temperature is raised to 60 °C and maintained for 2 hours. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 1756 g / mol). Inventive example E3:

[0144] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 42.08 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, 30.00 g of the polyamide solution AM1 prepared and 2.30 wt % of magnesium chloride (1.81 g, 19.0 mmol) are heated to 60 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. After cooling down to 50 °C and with stirring, 4.26 g (7.00 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a pipette in a period of 5 minutes. The temperature is raised to 60 °C and maintained for 2 hours. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2097 g / mol).

[0145] Inventive example E4:

[0146] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 87.56 g of the polyamide solution AM2 prepared are heated to 60 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. With stirring, 12.44 g (20.44 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a dropping funnel in a period of 10 minutes. The temperature is maintained at 60 °C for 1 1 / 2 hours. Following, 124.50 g of 1-propoxy-2-propanol and 1.67 wt % of magnesium chloride (3.81 g, 40.0 mmol) are added to the reaction mixture and the temperature is kept for a further hour at 60 °C. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2086 g / mol).

[0147] Inventive example E5:

[0148] In a four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer, 87.56 g of the polyamide solution AM2 prepared are heated to 60 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. With stirring, 12.44 g (20.44 mmol) of the synthesized isocyanatourethane AD1 are metered in by means of a dropping funnel in a period of 10 minutes. The temperature is maintained at 60 °C for 1 1 / 2 hours. Following, 123.81 g of 1-propoxy-2-propanol and 1.97 wt % of calcium chloride (4.50 g, 40.5 mmol) are added to the reaction mixture and the temperature is kept for a further hour at 60 °C. The product obtained is amber in color and liquid (Mn: 2188 g / mol).

[0149] Storage stability

[0150] 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. Table 1: Results

[0151] Table 2: Results

[0152] Table 3: Results *) Time between synthesis and formation of precipitate or gelation.

[0153] From tables 1, 2 and 3 it is visible that the inventive examples E1, E2, E3, E4 and E5 show a significantly increased or the same storage stability compared to their corresponding comparative examples C1 , C2, C3, C4 and C5.

[0154] Preparation of Uretdione Adduct (UD)

[0155] Uretdione Adduct (UD1):

[0156] A 1-litre 3-necked flask with stirrer, reflux condenser and thermometer is charged at room temperature in succession with 79.6 g (0.2 mol) of hexamethylene diisocyanate uretdione (Desmodur N3400 from Bayer) and 200 g (0.4 mol) of methoxypolyethylene glycol 500 and this initial charge is heated to 80° C for 3 hours. The reaction mixture is then cooled to 50° C. Preparation of Polyamides (AM)

[0157] Polyamide (AM3):

[0158] A four-neck flask with stirrer, cooler, thermometer, and water separator is charged with 6.66 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, and 27.4 mmol of hexamethylenediamine (3.91 g of an 80% aqueous solution) are added. The solution is heated to 80 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. 23.0 mmol (13.22 g) of dimer fatty acid is metered into this solution at 80 °C and subsequently kept at 100 °C for 20 minutes. With water separation, the temperature is raised gradually up to 170 °C and maintained at this temperature until no further water of reaction is distilled over for a period of about 3 to 3.5 hours. The reaction is at an end when the acid number is < 4 mg KOH / g.

[0159] Polyamide (AM4):

[0160] A four-neck flask with stirrer, cooler, thermometer, and water separator is charged with 8.97 g of Shellsol A, and 25.4 mmol of hexamethylenediamine (3.69 g of an 80% aqueous solution) are added. The solution is heated to 80 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. 22.3 mmol (12.82 g) of dimer fatty acid is metered into this solution at 80 °C and subsequently kept at 100 °C for 20 minutes. With water separation, the temperature is raised gradually up to 170 °C and maintained at this temperature until no further water of reaction is distilled over for a period of about 3 to 3.5 hours. The reaction is at an end when the acid number is < 4 mg KOH / g.

[0161] Preparation of the Rheology Additives

[0162] Comparative example C6:

[0163] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 64.77 g of N- butylpyrrolidone, 22.18 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM3 and 13.05 g (9.32 mmol) of the prepared uretdione adduct UD1 and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. The reaction mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours until the amine number is < 4.7 mg KOH / g. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 5962 g / mol).

[0164] Comparative example C7:

[0165] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 62.74 g of isobutanol, 23.94 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM4 and 13.32 g (9.51 mmol) of the prepared uretdione adduct UD1 and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. The reaction mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours until the amine number is < 4.7 mg KOH / g. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid.

[0166] Comparative example C8:

[0167] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 63.63 g of N- butylpyrrolidone, 22.18 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM3 and 13.05 g (9.32 mmol) of the prepared uretdione adduct UD1 and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. The reaction mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours until the amine number is < 4.7 mg KOH / g. Subsequently, 1.14 wt % of lithium chloride (1.14 g, 26.9 mmol) are added and dissolved in the solution under stirring at 80 °C. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 5302 g / mol).

[0168] Inventive example E6:

[0169] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 61.77 g of N- butylpyrrolidone, 22.18 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM3 and 13.05 g (9.32 mmol) of the prepared uretdione adduct UD1 and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. The reaction mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours until the amine number is < 4.7 mg KOH / g. Subsequently, 3.00 wt % of calcium chloride (3.00 g, 27.0 mmol) are added and dissolved in the solution under stirring at 80 °C. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 5394 g / mol).

[0170] Inventive example E7:

[0171] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 61.24 g of isobutanol, 23.94 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM4 and 13.32 g (9.51 mmol) of the prepared uretdione adduct UD1 and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. The reaction mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours until the amine number is < 4.7 mg KOH / g. Subsequently, 1.50 wt % of calcium chloride (1.50 g, 13.5 mmol) are added and dissolved in the solution under stirring at 80 °C. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 4347 g / mol).

[0172] Inventive example E8:

[0173] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 61.24 g of isobutanol, 23.94 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM4 and 13.32 g (9.51 mmol) of the prepared uretdione adduct UD1 and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. The reaction mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours until the amine number is < 4.7 mg KOH / g. Subsequently, 1.50 wt % of magnesium chloride (1.50 g, 15.7 mmol) are added and dissolved in the solution under stirring at 80 °C. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 4510 g / mol).

[0174] Inventive example E9:

[0175] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 61.24 g of isobutanol, 23.94 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM4 and 13.32 g (9.51 mmol) of the prepared uretdione adduct UD1 and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. The reaction mixture is stirred for a further 2 hours until the amine number is < 4.7 mg KOH / g. Subsequently, 1 .50 wt % of zinc chloride (1.50 g, 11.0 mmol) are added and dissolved in the solution under stirring at 80 °C. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn :5040 g / mol).

[0176] Storage stability

[0177] 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.

[0178] Table 4: Results

[0179] Table 5: Results

[0180] ’) Time between synthesis and formation of precipitate or gelation. From tables 4 and 5 it is visible that the inventive example E6, E8, E7 and E9 show a significantly increased storage stability compared to their corresponding comparative examples C6, C7 and C8.

[0181] Preparation of Polyamides (AM)

[0182] Polyamide (AM5):

[0183] A four-neck flask with stirrer, cooler, thermometer, and water separator is charged with 9.82 g of N-butylpyrrolidone, and 41.1 mmol of hexamethylenediamine (5.96 g of an 80% aqueous solution) are added. The solution is heated to 80 °C and the apparatus is inertized with nitrogen. A mixture of 26.5 mmol (15.26 g) of dimer fatty acid and 13.7 mmol (3.85 g) of tall oil fatty acid is metered into this solution at 80 °C and subsequently kept at 100 °C for 45 minutes. With water separation, the temperature is raised gradually up to 180 °C and maintained at this temperature until no further water of reaction is distilled over for a period of about 3 hours. The reaction is at an end when the amine number is < 4 mg KOH / g.

[0184] Preparation of the Rheology Additives

[0185] Comparative example C9:

[0186] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 65.17 g of N- butylpyrrolidone, 32.74 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM5 and 2.09 g (6.45 mmol) of polyoxyethylene 200 diacrylate and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. At this temperature, the reaction mixture is stirred for a further 3 hours. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 3643 g / mol).

[0187] Comparative example C10:

[0188] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 63.26 g of N- butylpyrrolidone, 32.74 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM5, 2.09 g (6.45 mmol) of polyoxyethylene 200 diacrylate and 1.91 wt % of lithium chloride (1.91 g, 45.1 mmol) and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. At this temperature, the reaction mixture is stirred for a further 3 hours. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 3098 g / mol).

[0189] Inventive example E10:

[0190] A four-neck flask with stirrer, condenser, and thermometer is charged with 60.17 g of N- butylpyrrolidone, 32.74 g of the prepared polyamide solution AM5, 2.09 g (6.45 mmol) of polyoxyethylene 200 diacrylate and 5.00 wt % of calcium chloride (5.00 g, 45.1 mmol) and the mixture is heated to 80 °C. At this temperature, the reaction mixture is stirred for a further 3 hours. The product obtained is yellow in color and liquid (Mn: 2153 g / mol).

[0191] Storage stability

[0192] 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.

[0193] Table 6: Results *) Time between synthesis and formation of precipitate or gelation.

[0194] From table 6 it is visible that the inventive example E10 show a significantly increased storage stability compared to their corresponding comparative examples C9 and C10.

[0195] Application test

[0196] Table 7: Raw materials

[0197] Test 1 : Turbidity, gel strength and sag resistance in a polyester polyol

[0198] Production of the polyester polyol solvent mixture was carried out using the formulation in table 8. All ingredients were added 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). The mixture was divided in smaller amounts (50g in 100 ml glass bottle) and the rheology additives were incorporated with a dosage of 1.5% based on the polyamide content of the respective additive (calculated on the total mixture) under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23°C).

[0199] 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”). The samples were then stirred with a spatula and applied with a stepped doctor blade Model 421 / S (Erichsen GmbH & Co KG) with 50-500 and 550-1000pm 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. Therefor 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 8: Formulation Table 9: Results

[0200] From table 9 it was found that the inventive rheology additive E6 shows a lower influence on turbidity than the comparative additive C8. In addition, the inventive rheology additive E6 leads to a better gel strength and a higher sag resistance in the application system than the comparative additive.

[0201] Test 2: Water sensitivity in a long oil alkyd white paint Production of the long oil alkyd white paint was carried out using the formulation in table 10. The white paint was divided in smaller amounts (50g in 100 ml glass bottle) and the rheology additives were incorporated with a dosage of 0.7% based on the polyamide content of the respective additive (calculated on the total paint) 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 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 water sensitivity test a household sponge (2x2 cm) soaked with water was placed for 48 hours on the paint film. Direct after removing of the sponge and drying with a paper towel the evaluation of the blister size and amount was done according to ISO 4628-2.

[0202] Table 10: Long oil alkyd white paint Table 11 : Results

[0203] From table 11 it was found that the inventive rheology additives E6 and E10 show the same impact on water sensitivity as the comparative samples C8 and C10.

[0204] Test 3: Water sensitivity in a water based 2pack PU white coating

[0205] Production of the water based 2pack PU white coating was carried out using the formulation in table 12. Component A was divided in smaller amounts (50g in 100 ml glass bottle) and the rheology additives were incorporated with a dosage of 0.7% based on the polyamide content of the respective additive (calculated on the total paint) under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23°C).

[0206] After storage at room temperature overnight component B was added to the respective sample and incorporated via stirring with a spatula. After homogenizing 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 water sensitivity test a household sponge (2x2 cm) soaked with water was placed for 48 hours on the paint film. Direct after removing of the sponge and drying with a paper towel the evaluation of the blister size and amount was done according to ISO 4628-2. Table 12: Water based 2pack Pll white coating

[0207] Table 13: Results

[0208] From table 13 it was found that the inventive rheology additives E1 , E2, E3, E4 and E5 show a reduced or similar impact on water sensitivity as the comparative samples C2, C3 and C5. Test 4: Influence on gloss in a long oil alkyd white paint

[0209] Production of the long oil alkyd white paint was carried out using the formulation in table 14. The white paint was divided in smaller amounts (50g in 100 ml glass bottle) and the rheology additives were incorporated with a dosage of 0.7% based on the polyamide content of the respective additive (calculated on the total paint) under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23°C).

[0210] After storage at room temperature over night 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 evaluation of the gloss the drawdowns were measured with a micro-Tri gloss (BYK Gardner GmbH) at 20°.

[0211] Table 14: Long oil alkyd white paint Table 15: Results

[0212] From table 15 it was found that the coating with the inventive rheology additive E10 shows a better gloss than the comparative example C10.

[0213] Test 5: Influence on gloss in a water based 2pack PU white coating

[0214] Production of the water based 2pack PU white coating was carried out using the formulation in table 16. Component A was divided in smaller amounts (50g in 100 ml glass bottle) and the rheology additives were incorporated with a dosage of 0.7% based on the polyamide content of the respective additive (calculated on the total paint) under stirring with Dispermat LC3 (VMA Getzmann), 1500 rpm, 2.5 cm diameter toothed plate, 5 minutes at room temperature (23°C).

[0215] After storage at room temperature overnight component B was added to the respective sample and incorporated via stirring with a spatula. After homogenizing 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 evaluation of the gloss the drawdowns were measured with a micro-Tri gloss (BYK Gardner GmbH) at 20°. Table 16: Water based 2pack Pll white coating

[0216] Table 17: Results From table 17 it was found that the coatings with the inventive rheology additives E1, E2 and E3 show a higher gloss than the comparative samplesC4 and C3.

Claims

Claims1. A composition comprising a liquid carrier, which is liquid at a temperature of 23 °C, a block co-polymer comprising at least one block (A) wherein block (A) comprises at least one amide group and at least one block (B) having no amide groups, dissolved in the liquid carrier, wherein block (A) does not contain aromatic groups, and an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, SrCh, ZnCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr, dissolved in the liquid carrier.

2. The composition according to claim 1 wherein block (A) comprises at least two amide groups.

3. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein block (A) comprises amides of fatty acids.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein block (B) comprises at least one of ether groups, ester groups and hydrocarbyl groups.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein block (B) comprises polyoxyalkylene groups.

6. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein block (A) and block (B) are linked via a linking moiety (X).

7. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the linking moiety (X) comprises at least one of a urea group, a biuret group, a urethane group, an amine group and an ester group.

8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the block copolymer has a number average molecular weight Mnbetween 500 g / mol and 20000 g / mol.

9. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises 0.0 to 1.0 % by weight of lithium salts, calculated on the amount of the liquid carrier, the block co-polymer and the ionic compound.

10. 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 block co-polymer, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

11. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises5.0 to 60.0 % by weight of the block co-polymer5.0 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 block co-polymer, the liquid carrier, and the ionic compound.

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

13. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for controlling the rheology of a liquid composition.

14. Use of an ionic compound, wherein the ionic compound comprises at least one of CaCh, MgCh, SrCh, ZnCh, carbamimidoylazanium chloride, NaSCN, NaBr for improving the solubility of a block co-polymer comprising at least one block (A) wherein block (A) comprises at least one amide group and at least one block (B) having no amide groups, dissolved in a liquid carrier, wherein block (A) does not contain aromatic groups.

15. A coated article, wherein at least a part of the surface of the article is coated with the liquid composition according to claim 12.

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