The demand for water-based coatings continues to rise, driven by stricter VOC regulations, health and safety standards, and sustainability targets. However, formulating high-performance latex paints that are low in odor, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective remains a significant challenge.
Paint manufacturers often rely on multiple additives to meet these expectations. This leads to formulation complexity, increased raw material costs, and more difficult process control.
Introducing AMP-95
AMP-95 by Advancion (Previously known as Angus) is widely recognized as a multifunctional additive for all types of water-based emulsion paints.
In a formulation, AMP-95 can be used as a powerful co-dispersant to prevent re-agglomeration of pigments. At the same time, AMP-95 will contribute significant benefits to the overall performance of the coating, all while supporting VOC compliance and cost reduction.
Key Benefits of AMP-95
The benefits and performance improvements made possible by AMP-95 include:
1. Efficient Pigment Dispersion
AMP-95 improves pigment dispersion in the production of water-based paints. When combined with a conventional anionic dispersant, AMP-95 enhances performance and reduces dispersant demand.
2. Gloss Enhancement
AMP-95 functions as a powerful co-dispersant and then evaporates from the paint film upon drying. In gloss systems, gloss is improved by the more efficient dispersion of the pigment through the use of AMP-95. Therefore, gloss can be enhanced as demonstrated in the following graph.
3. Reactive Pigment Stabilization
AMP-95 helps to stabilize some paint systems containing reactive pigments such as zinc oxide. Typical improvements are demonstrated in the following photo; the addition of AMP-95 inhibited gelling even for paint subjected to heat aging.
4. Film Performance
Most dispersants and surfactants contain 25 to 50% non-volatile hygroscopic components, which remain in dried paint film and contribute to poor scrub resistance and water spotting. Therefore, it is important to keep these additives to a minimum. AMP-95 used in conjunction with reduced levels of conventional dispersants accomplishes this objective. The results are improved scrub resistance, water resistance, and reduced water spotting of the paint film as illustrated below.
AMP-95 exhibits its superior scrub resistance properties in this interior flat formulation.
5. Reduced Corrosion
Because AMP-95 reduces pH drift in water-based paints, it effectively reduces in-can rusting in areas such as seams and edges.
6. Improves Thickener Performance
AMP-95 is an outstanding replacement for ammonia when neutralizing alkali swellable associative thickeners. Not only does AMP-95 eliminate the problem associated with the handling of ammonia, but pH control and subsequent stability of the associative thickener is greatly enhanced. As shown in the graph below, AMP-95 provides greater pH stability than ammonia during dispersion, thus contributing to improved performance of the associative thickener.
In associative thickener-containing systems, effective neutralization and pH control are important to the long-term stability of the coating. Accelerated aging studies demonstrate that AMP-95 provides optimum pH stability in these finished coatings.
The AMP-95 system exhibited improved pH stability in comparison to the ammonia-based system as shown above.
AMP-95 assists in the thickening of cellulose thickeners and greatly improves the efficiency of these products. The table below outlines how the thickener levels can be optimized through this improved efficiency, while still maintaining performance.
7. pH Stabilization
AMP-95 imparts excellent pH stability to water-based paints. Ammonia is a weaker base and is much more fugitive than AMP-95. Therefore, ammonia-based paint has poorer pH stability and a stronger odor than paint based on AMP-95. Controlling pH is very important because most paint formulations require a stable alkaline pH to control:
- Pigment dispersion
- Vehicle stability
- Package corrosion
- Viscosity stability
The control of pH with AMP-95 also provides coatings with virtually no yellowing as compared to many other commonly-used amines and amino alcohols. This is of importance for many types of quality being produced for the marketplace.
A comparison of the pH control performance of AMP-95 and ammonia in a vinyl-acrylic semi-gloss paint (below) shows AMP-95 is clearly superior to ammonia.
8. Effective in Low Odor/Low VOC Systems
With the ever-tightening VOC regulations and the consumer preference for low odor paints, AMP-95 is an excellent alternative to ammonia. At a typical use level of 0.2% on the total formulation weight, AMP makes a minimal contribution to total formulation of VOC, in regions where AMP is included in VOC calculation.
In addition, the use of AMP-95 allows for the overall reduction of other additives and glycols, which further reduces VOC and provides significant improvements to low odor systems. The use of AMP-95 in low VOC formulations allows for the manufacture of paints well within current and proposed VOC targets.
9. Cost Reduction
As a multifunctional paint additive, AMP-95 makes it possible to reduce costs and still obtain performance equal to or better than that of similar paint formulations not containing AMP-95. Overall, raw material cost is reduced through minimizing dispersant, surfactants, and defoamer usages.
The following table demonstrates that, because AMP-95 is 95% active, it is less costly to use than are the more-dilute anionic dispersants when replacement is made on a percent active basis. The reduction of additives in the formulation often results in significant cost savings up to 16%.
Your Trusted Source for AMP‑95™ by Advancion
As an official distributor of AMP‑95 by Advancion (previously known as Angus), Maha is committed to helping coatings manufacturers across Southeast Asia achieve better performance with less complexity. Whether you’re looking to reduce VOC content, improve film durability, or streamline your formulation, AMP‑95 offers a proven, multifunctional solution that delivers results.
Contact Maha today to request a sample, access technical support, or learn how AMP‑95™ can elevate your water-based paint formulations.