Particulate Nonionic Synthetic Associative Thickener for Paint Formulations

The patent extracts the active NSAT rheology modifier from the aqueous solution delivery system and provides it as a concentrated form (e.g., paste or solid). This removes the unnecessary water component that increases shipping costs and environmental impact while preserving the rheological performance benefits of NSAT when used at appropriate concentrations in the final paint formulation.

The patent changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the NSAT delivery system from dilute aqueous solution to concentrated paste or solid form. This parameter change eliminates the need for large-volume packaging while maintaining the ability to dissolve and disperse the NSAT effectively in the paint formulation through controlled addition and mixing processes.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-concentrating the NSAT rheology modifier into a paste or solid form with high active solid content. This preliminary concentration step allows the NSAT to be added to the paint formulation without consuming valuable free water, thereby preserving process design flexibility and enabling better control over the water balance and ingredient compatibility in the final formulation.

The patent replaces persistent harmful substances (VOC-based viscosity suppressants) with a temporary, benign alternative (water or alcohol-based viscosity control). The water or alcohol serves as a short-living, easily evaporated or dispersed medium that provides temporary viscosity reduction during handling and application, then disappears without leaving harmful residues in the final paint product.