THICKENER AT-73

Thickener AT-73 is a synthetic acrylic copolymer dispersed in a paraffin solvent. It is developed for the thickening of water-based products. This product provides high thickening efficiency, short flow rheology, and very good mechanical stability. It is suitable for textile pigment printing industry, especially for the rotary screen-printing process. Because of its special molecular structure, it has a very high thickening efficiency and a unique rheology. The product can be used directly and does not require the addition of ammonia or other alkali to the system.

This product has the following benefits:

  • Extremely easy to use and highly efficient
  • Excellent workability and spatter resistance
  • High electrolyte resistance and flush resistance
  • Superior definition and color yield
  • Effective over a wide pH range

Typical Physical Properties

  • Appearance: Creamy liquid
  • pH: 8.0 ± 1.0 (light ammonia odor)
  • Solids: 32.0 ± 1.0%
  • Specific gravity: 1.20
  • Viscosity: 25,000 ± 5,000 cps (Brookfield, RVT, #6, 5 rpm)

Method of Use and Example

Water is added to the pre-weighed AT-73 with gentle agitation to prepare a thickener stock. Binder, pigment, and other ingredients of the printing paste formulation are then added to the thickener stock to make the final printing paste. For example, a printing paste with the composition below has a viscosity of 35,000 - 45,000 cps (Brookfield, RVT, #6, 5 rpm), which gives excellent print definition and color yield.

*This example is for reference only. The formulation should be adjusted to the product requirement. The viscosity may vary due to water quality or other additives.