PRODUCT BULLETIN/Optigel

SOUTHERN CLAY PRODUCTS / A SUBSIDIARY OF ROCKWOOD SPECIALTIES, INC.

Southern Clay Products, Inc. 1212 Church Street Gonzales, TX 78629 Phone: 800-324-2891 Fax: 830-672-1903 www.scprod.com

OPTIGEL WX
Aqueous Phase Gellant General Description:
OPTIGEL WX is a specially selected and activated smectite product that has a high swelling capacity in water and shows a marked thixotropic thickening effect.

Typical Properties:
Composition: Organically modified and activatedsmectite Physical Form: Off-white, free-flowing powder Brightness: (Elrepho R457) 65% Density: 18.36 lbs/gal. (2.20 g/cm3) Bulking Value: 0.0545 gal./lb. Particle Size: (Dry) 95% < 325 Mesh (45 m) Moisture Content: 10%

Application Areas:
Emulsion paints Car undercoatings Inks Grinding pastes and abrasives Paint strippers Liquid cleansers and detergents Silica-based paints Release coatings Water reducible paints

SOUTHERN CLAY PRODUCTS, INC. / PRODUCT BULLETIN

General Information:
OPTIGEL WX is stable in diluted acids and bases and is particularly effective in acidic, neutral and alkaline systems. The addition of OPTIGEL WX allows the production of systems which are storage stable. Due to the incorporated yield value and pseudo-plasticity application properties are significantly improved OPTIGEL WX prevents the settling of heavy pigments and fillers. Because of its emipseudoplastic response, OPTIGEL WX inhibits sagging and allows for the application of thick coatings.

Incorporation Guidelines:
Pre-gel addition is highly recommended. OPTIGEL WX is hydrophilic and easily dispersed in water. OPTIGEL WX will swell in cold water. However, the use of warm water facilitates and accelerates the delamination of the smectite platelets. The use of high shear dispersion equipment ensures complete dispersion and offers maximum efficiency. OPTIGEL WX can be incorporated as powder or pre-gel. OPTIGEL WX should be introduced into the water at the initial dispersion phase prior to adding other ingredients. Optimal efficiency depends on complete hydration and ultimate dispersion of the smectite platelets. Therefore, stirring under high shearing forces for 10 - 15 minutes is recommended. OPTIGEL WX can also be used as a separate pre-gel masterbatch in a concentration of approximately 5 %. In the event that high shear dispersion environments are not available low shear pre-gel manufacture is possible. This low shear pre-gel should be allowed to age overnight to prevent post-addition viscosity increases. The addition of dispersing agents, wetting agents, etc. is not necessary.

Use Levels:
Typical use levels for OPTIGEL WX are between 0.3 2.0%. Use level may vary depending upon system components and desired properties.

Storage Stability:
OPTIGEL WX has an effective shelf life of 12 months if stored dry in its unopened, original packaging at near ambient conditions. For additional information or technical assistance contact Southern Clay Products, Inc. toll free at 800-324-2891.
Disclaimer of Warranty: The information presented herein is believed to be accurate but is not to be taken as a warranty, guarantee, or representation for which we assume legal responsibility. This information does not grant permission, license, or any rights or recommendations to practice any form of proprietary intellectual property without obtaining the appropriate license or grant from the property owner. The information is offered solely for your consideration, investigation and verification, but you must determine the suitability of the product for your specific application. The purchaser assumes all risk of use of handling the material, including but not limited to transferring the material within purchaser's facilities, using the material in applications specified by the purchaser and handling any product which includes the material, whether or not in accordance with any statements made herein.