RHOPLEX® WL-96

• Polyurethane Dispersion (PUD)
  • PUDs are used mainly to enhance wear resistance of the finish. They also depress the low shear viscosity and enhance mar resistance. Testing has shown an 80/20 (by solids) blend to provide optimum performance. For certain applications other ratios might offer a better cost/performance balance.
  • Overall, Sancure 815 dispersion, an aliphatic water-borne PUD (35% solids) has shown excellent results in combination with RHOPLEX® WL-96 Waterborne Acrylic Polymer. A satisfactory alternative would be Witcobond W-240 dispersion (30% solids).
• Coalescents and Cosolvents
  • Coalescents play an important role in film formation of the finish under adverse conditions.
  • It is very important to choose the right type and the right level.
  • Recommended coalescents for RHOPLEX® WL-96 is Texanol ester alcohol in combination with Propasol B (Propylene glycol n-butyl ether).
  • Propasol B propylene glycol n-butyl ether is a fast evaporating coalescent which helps in shortening tack-free time. Texanol ester alcohol is a slower evaporating, water immiscible coalescent. It ensures good film formation in low-temperature/high-humidity situations.
  • Alternative coalescents would be Hexyl CARBITOL™ Solvent or DOWANOL™ Dipropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether. Coalescents have a significant influence on the viscosity of the finish. Texanol ester alcohol tends to give higher viscosity compared to Hexyl CARBITOL™ Solvent or DOWANOL™ Dipropylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether.
  • Ethylene glycol is suggested to enhance freeze-thaw stability and wet edge properties. Propylene glycol is a satisfactory alternative.
• Defoamers
  • We recommend the use of Patcote 519 defoamer, a silicone-type defoamer, along with mineral spirits. For optimum formulating, we suggested premixing Texanol ester alcohol, ethylene glycol, and Patcote 519 defoamer and adding them slowly to the formulation.
• Mar Aids
  • Michem 39235 emulsion, a polyethylene wax emulsion, is recommended as the best aid to enhance mar resistance.
• Rheology Modifiers
  • Nonionic associative rheology modifiers allow the formulator to achieve very good application properties while maintaining excellent flow and leveling. We recommend that ACRYSOL™ RM-1020 or ACRYSOL™ RM-825 Rheology Modifiers be used to get the desired rheology profiles.
• Flatting
  • We suggest the addition of Degussa TS-100 matting agent, a flatting silica, or Syloid 169 silica to control gloss. Levels depend on the desired gloss level, e.g. 4% of Degussa TS-100 matting agent drops the 60 degree gloss by 50%.
• pH Considerations
  • RHOPLEX® WL-96 is a self-thickening emulsion. The higher the pH of the formulation, the higher the viscosity. The recommended pH for use in wood finishes is between 7 and 8 and should be adjusted using 14% ammonia. A nonionic associative rheology modifier should be used to increase viscosity above the level achieved in the recommended pH range.
  • Also, free ammonia may cause an acceleration of yellowing in an underlying light-colored oil-based stain. The formulator should check his recommended oil-based stains in this respect.
• Appearance
  • Clear wood finishes formulated with RHOPLEX® WL-96 enhance the warmth of the wood and exhibit good clarity over most stained substrates. When used over white or light pastel colored stains, however, the finish shows a slight yellow cast. If water-white clarity is required in a finish, RHOPLEX® WL-81 Thermoplastic Waterborne Acrylic Polymer is recommended which provides similar performance with only a minimal decrease in resistance properties.

Dispose in accordance with all local, state (provincial) and federal regulations. Empty containers may contain hazardous residues.RHOPLEX® WL-96 and its container must be disposed in a safe and legal manner.

Store RHOPLEX® WL-96 in tightly closed original containers at temperatures recommended on the product label.

• Keep combustible and/or flammable products and their vapors away from heat, sparks, flames and other sources of ignition including static discharge. Processing or operating at temperatures near or above product flashpoint may pose a fire hazard. Use appropriate grounding and bonding techniques to manage static discharge hazards.
• Failure to maintain proper volume level when using immersion heaters can expose tank and solution to excessive heat resulting in a possible combustion hazard, particularly when plastic tanks are used.