- Acrylic Technology
- How are Dehydro™ powders made?
- Why use a Dehydro™ powder?
Introducing the Dehydro™ range of high performance redispersible polymers
The traditional market of redispersible powders include hydraulic systems such as adhesives, coatings, self levelling compounds, joint fillers, grouts and exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS). Acquos' Dehydro™ range of high performance redispersible powders have been developed to be used in such hydraulic setting systems. Furthermore, given the high performance nature of the Dehydro™ range, manufacturers are able to expand the fields of application of their finished products. We have therefore delivered to our customers, a competitive advantage by delivering higher flexibility, better water resistance, greater compatability with a greater range of hydraulic systems
The Dehydro™ redispersible powders are based on an acrylic backbone rather than a traditional vinyl backbone. Dehydro™ redispersible powders prevail over traditional vinyl products in many ways, including water resistance, flow, flexibility, strength and working time. This ensures that we take our customers' products to the next level.
Acrylic Technology
Acrylic technology is the next level of redispersible powders. Acrylic polymer technology has long been appreciated as the polymer of choice for cement based products due to the excellent hydrolysis resistance of the acrylic polymer backbone and the versatility of the of the polymers obtained such as flexability, clarity, core/shell polymer morphologies, chemical stability, water resistance, excellent resistance to alkaline environments, versatility and rheology characteristics not easily attainable with traditional polyvinyl alcohol stabalized systems . The Dehydro™ range of redispersible acrylic polymers do not contain colloids that are prone to hydrolysis such as partially hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohols and contain styrene acrylic and pure acrylic polymers as the polymer backbone.
How are Dehydro™ powders made?
Redispersible powders are made by spray drying a specially formulated liquid dispersion. Added during drying is an anti-caking agent, and other propreitery systems that act as a mechanism to prevent the powder from caking and so as to remain free flowing. This produces a redispersible powder which is then packaged and ready for incorporation into other products. Once water is added to the product, the Dehydro™ polymer powder is redispersed taking on the properties of a standard emulsion.
Why use a Dehydro™ powder?
One pack system
Rather then devising a two pack system of a liquid and powder, implementing an Acquos Dehydro™ redispersible powder allows you to incorporate your polymer binder as a powder into a bag. The immediate cost savings come from doing away with pails, lower shipping costs and easier handling for the end user by simply adding water. Deferred cost benefits also arise from two major areas; a better shelf life and better quality of use.
Better control of your quality of use
Two pack systems are reliant on the end user to ensure the formulation of the end mixture. Some end users have been known to dilute the liquid component with further water thus reducing the amount of polymer binder in the end product. Using a one pack system means that product manufacturers can control the amount of polymer binder in the end product. End users are unable to further dilute a product, as it becomes unworkable by becoming too runny. They are forced to mix to a workable consistency every time. As such you can ensure your product is never 'cheapened'. This results in less chance of product failure and any customer claim. A claim which is not a manufacturer fault due to end user intervention still resides badly on a product's image and perception.
Improved Application properties
Incorporating a Dehydro™ Redispersible powder improves the application properties of a standard mortar mix. Incorporating the Dehydro™ Redispersible powder improves flexibility, adhesion properties, mechanical properties, workability and working time.
Better shelf life
There is no longer a concern that bacteria will grow in your liquid component, meaning your product will have a much longer shelf life. Furthermore, liquid dispersions are thermodynamically unstable, meaning that there is a small inherent risk that they may start to break down. Using a Dehydro™ Redispersible powder removes any risk.
