DISTRIBUTOR

Additives/Resins

Dow

Extending the Workability Window of Coatings with TAMOL™ 9802 Functional Additive

Sunny Wang, Senior TS&D Scientist, Jennifer Mills, Senior Research Specialist – Dow

In waterborne coatings, open time is a critical performance parameter that defines the workable window in which a paint can be applied or reworked before drying. The paint drying process involves several stages, including water evaporation, particle packing, latex deformation, and ultimate film formation through polymer interdiffusion. Extending the working window of the initial stages of the paint drying process without compromising other coating properties remains a challenge for formulators.

TAMOL™ 9802 Functional Additive, developed by Dow, addresses this challenge by improving open time while enhancing overall application performance. Supplied as an aqueous solution, this additive is manufactured without added solvents and has good compatibility in a broad range of formulations.

Beyond laboratory measurements of open time, these improvements translate directly to the painter’s experience in-use. Field evaluations by paint contractors validated enhanced application feel, improved surface smoothness, and reduced roller picking resistance. In practical terms, this helps enable more consistent coverage, fewer application defects, and a higher-quality finish.

Balanced Performance Across Key Properties

A common potential trade-off with open time additives can have a negative impact on other important coating attributes such as stain resistance, viscosity, and color acceptance. TAMOL™ 9802 is designed to minimize these compromises.

Testing indicates that the additive has a relatively low impact on viscosity compared to traditional coalescing aids like propylene glycol, helping maintain desired rheological profiles across a wide PVC range. Additionally, it preserves critical optical properties, including contrast ratio and tint strength, ensuring coatings retain their intended color performance and visual appeal.

In stain resistance evaluations, TAMOL™ 9802 demonstrates improved removal of hydrophobic stains and a reduced overall impact on stain performance relative to other similar additives in the industry. This balance is particularly valuable for premium interior coatings where durability and cleanability are essential.

Formulation Flexibility and Optimization

Recommended usage levels for TAMOL™ 9802 typically range from 1.0% to 3.0% (as supplied, based on total formulation weight), although optimal dosage depends on the specific formulation and targeted performance profile. Formulators have the flexibility to fine-tune loading levels to balance open time, flow and leveling, and other key attributes.

Studies across different PVC levels show consistent open time improvements versus both control formulations and propylene glycol benchmarks, reinforcing the additive’s versatility across coating types.

A Step Forward in Waterborne Coatings

TAMOL™ 9802 Functional Additive represents an effective approach to enhancing paint application performance. By extending workability time while maintaining key properties such as stain resistance, viscosity, and color integrity, it helps enable formulators to offer an exceptional painter experience without compromise.

As demand grows for low VOC, high-performance, easy-to-apply coatings, TAMOL™ 9802 Functional Additive offers both improved application productivity and finish quality in waterborne coatings.

Learn more about TAMOL™ 9802 Functional Additive!