Knowledge Hub

ACRYLIC EMULSION
Acrylic emulsions are one of the most important constituents of architectural paints. These water based resins consists majorly of polymeric derivatives of acrylic, methacrylic and styrene monomers. The emulsion imparts essential properties to a coating like good colour retention, exterior durability, resistance to chemicals, glossiness etc. The properties of polymer film depends on several factors like type and amount of monomer, molecular weight distribution, degree of branching etc. , which make it one of the most versatile polymer in paint industry.

EXTRUDED POLYSTYRENE (XPS)
Extruded Polystyrene is an advanced building material which is being widely used all over the world to save energy costs and increase thermal comfort of occupants. The insulating gases present in the board impart high thermal resistance properties which makes it a very good insulator of heat. The product has extremely low water absorption and can be cut into any shape using hot wire or saw. Its high strength to weight ratio makes it one of the most durable used for thermal insulation of roofs, walls and floor of a building.

HYDROXY ETHYL CELLULOSE (HEC)
HEC is manufactured by reacting ethylene oxide with alkali-cellulose under very controlled atmosphere. The product is non ionic, colloidal water soluble thickener and rheology modifier, which has its origin from the cellulose family. HEC has water retention capacity twice than that of methyl cellulose and has good flow adjustability. It is widely used in the polymerization and copolymerization of synthetic resin, synthesizing of latex, preparation of water-based latex paint, fabric processing, oil drilling etc.

HYDROXY ETHYL METHYL CELLULOSE (HEMC)
HEMC is non ionic cellulose ether which is readily dissolvable in cold water. The product is essentially a polymeric chain of methyl cellulose with hydroxyl ethyl moieties present at different degree of substitution varying from grade to grade. HEMC is commonly used as a performance additive for dry mix formulations used in construction industry. HEMC improve the mortar's properties such as workability, open and adjustment time, water retention, viscosity, adhesion to surfaces etc. Construction grade methyl cellulose is different from food and pharmaceutical grade methyl cellulose, since it may be cross-linked with glyoxal for easy dispersion in water.

REDISPERSIBLE POLYMER POWDER (RDP)
Redispersible Polymer Powders are organic polymer powders manufactured by spray drying of aqueous polymer dispersions. In the process of spray drying, the polymer particles of particle size 1-2 µm agglomerates to form bigger particles of 50 - 100 µm in diameter. Special additives like anti caking agents and protective collids are added at processing stage. The increased particle size improves the free flow of powder and avoids dust formation. The powder is blended with cement and fillers to make mortars like Skim coats, tile adhesives, repair mortars etc.

STYRENE BUTADIENE LATEX (SB Latex)
Styrene Butadiene Latex is manufactured by emulsion polymerization of styrene and butadiene monomer. Due to low styrene and high butadiene content, SB latex is more elastomeric in nature. In industry, it is most widely used for coated/pigmented paper and paperboard coatings and carpet backcoatings. In carpets, the latex back coating holds the tufts in place and provides improved stability. The latex functions as the laminating adhesive for primary and secondary backing depending on carpet characteristics. The styrene content in SB latexes varies depending on the physical features desired in the final product.

SODIUM CARBOXY METHYL CELLULOSE (CMC)
CMC is ionic water-soluble cellulose ether. It is an acid derivative of cellulose generally made from refined cotton or wood pulp. CMC is hygroscopic in nature. The moisture content of Sodium CMC is proportional to the amount of humidity in air. The viscosity of the CMC solution increases linearly with the increase in its concentration. Solution viscosity is relative to the degree of polymerization of the cellulose and its distribution. But it is also dependent on pH value, temperature, velocity gradient and other factors.

VAM EMULSION
Polyvinyl acetate is a thermoplastic polymer which has a strong binding capacity. It is synthesized by polymerization of Vinyl acetate monomers in water, which results in a white coloured liquid emulsion. The emulsion is used in adhesives, paint, binders for nonwovens, paper and textile industries. The polymer typically has high resistance to UV rays and oxidation, which makes it a good choice for a number of outdoor and high temperature applications. It is also widely used for the production of wood adhesives, which are more commonly known as carpenter's glue.