How to Prevent Settling in Coatings with Organoclay

Settling is a common problem in many coating systems, especially in solvent-based coatings containing heavy pigments and fillers. During storage, solid particles slowly sink to the bottom of the container, causing hard sediment, color inconsistency, poor application performance and shorter shelf life.

To improve coating storage stability and reduce settling problems, selecting the right coating rheology modifier is extremely important. Organoclay is widely used as an effective anti-settling additive and coating thixotropic agent in industrial coatings, epoxy systems, marine paints and many other solvent-based formulations.

What Causes Coating Settling?

How to Prevent Settling in Coatings with Organoclay

Pigment settling usually occurs when the coating system cannot keep solid particles evenly suspended during storage. Several factors may contribute to this issue:

• Low viscosity under static conditions
• Weak thixotropic structure inside the coating
• Incorrect anti-settling additive selection
• High-density pigments and fillers
• Poor pigment dispersion
• Flocculation inside the system
• Solvent polarity mismatch

These problems reduce suspension stability and accelerate sediment formation.

Problems Caused by Settling in Coatings

How to Prevent Settling in Coatings with Organoclay

When settling occurs, coating manufacturers and end users often face several practical issues:

• Hard sediment or caking at the bottom of containers
• Difficult re-dispersion after storage
• Uneven color between batches
• Reduced gloss and poor appearance
• Inconsistent dry film thickness
• Lower storage stability
• Poor brushing, rolling and spraying performance

In severe cases, coatings may become difficult to use after long-term storage.

Why Organoclay Works Well as an Anti-Settling Additive

Organoclay is a highly effective coating rheology modifier that builds a stable thixotropic network inside the coating system. This structure helps keep pigments and fillers suspended during storage while maintaining good application performance.

Main benefits of organoclay for coatings include:

• Prevents pigment and filler settling
• Improves low-shear viscosity and suspension stability
• Enhances anti-sag performance on vertical surfaces
• Reduces hard caking during long storage
• Maintains coating appearance and film properties
• Improves overall coating storage stability

Because of its balanced rheology control, organoclay is widely used in solvent-based coatings and industrial paint formulations.

Thixotropic Effect of Organoclay

One of the key advantages of organoclay is its strong thixotropic behavior.

During storage, the internal network structure helps hold solid particles in suspension and prevents sedimentation. Under shear force during stirring, spraying or brushing, the structure breaks down quickly, allowing smooth application and easy flow.

After application, the network recovers again, helping reduce sagging on vertical surfaces.

This balance between storage stability and application performance makes organoclay an excellent anti-sag additive and anti-settling solution.

Coating Systems Compatible with Organoclay

Organoclay is commonly used in many solvent-based coating systems, including:

• Industrial protective coatings
• Epoxy coatings
• Alkyd paints
• Marine coatings
• Anti-corrosion coatings
• Wood coatings
• General solvent-based paints

Performance Comparison

Recommended Use of Organoclay in Coatings

For better performance, organoclay is usually added during the pigment dispersion stage to allow full activation.

General recommendations:

• Typical dosage: 0.2%–1.5%
• High shear mixing improves activation efficiency
• Polar activators may be required for conventional grades
• Easy-dispersible organoclay grades simplify processing
• Proper dispersants help improve pigment wetting and stability

How to Prevent Settling in Coatings with Organoclay

The final dosage depends on filler loading, solvent polarity and required rheology performance.

Settling can seriously affect coating quality, storage stability and application performance. Using the right anti-settling additive is one of the most effective ways to solve this problem.

As a proven coating thixotropic agent and rheology modifier, organoclay helps prevent hard sedimentation, improves anti-sag performance and extends coating shelf life. It is widely used in solvent-based coatings, epoxy paints and industrial coating systems requiring stable rheology and reliable suspension performance.

How to Test Organoclay Suspension in paints & Coatings?

Organoclay Suspension Test Method for Coatings | Anti-Settling Performance Evaluation (CP-10).

What is Suspension Performance in Coatings?

In coating and paint systems, suspension performance refers to the ability of a formulation to prevent pigment and filler settling during storage.

A high-performance organoclay forms a stable three-dimensional gel structure, which helps:(How to Test Organoclay Suspension)

• Keep pigments uniformly dispersed
• Prevent hard sediment formation
• Maintain consistent viscosity over time

For formulators, suspension performance is a key factor affecting storage stability and application consistency.

Scope of This Suspension Test Method (How to Test Organoclay Suspension)

This test method is specifically developed for evaluating the anti-settling performance of Organoclay CP-10 in coating systems.

It is applicable to:

• Solvent-based coatings
• Industrial paints
• Pigment dispersion systems

👉 This method introduces 12-hour suspension volume measurement (ml/12h) as a practical indicator of stability.

👉 Traditional viscosity tests (such as xylene viscosity) are not sufficient alone to evaluate long-term suspension behavior in coatings.

Technical Specification for Coating Application

Reference:
Standard sample suspension value: 48 ml/12h

Suspension Test Method for Coatings (CP-10) (How to Test Organoclay Suspension)

Equipment

• 100 ml graduated cylinder (accuracy 0.01 ml)
• High-speed disperser
• Electronic balance (accuracy 0.001 g)

Materials

• Solvent (e.g., WS-3040 or equivalent coating solvent)
• 95% Methanol (activator)
• Standard Organoclay CP-10 sample

Step 1: Preparation of Organoclay Gel

• Add 98 g solvent into a container
• Slowly add 1% organoclay under 1000 rpm, disperse for 2 minutes
• Add 1% methanol activator
• Increase speed to 1500 rpm, mix for 10 minutes

👉 After dispersion, cool to 20–25°C

Step 2: Static Suspension Test

• Transfer the dispersion into a 100 ml cylinder to 50 ml mark
• Seal and keep on a stable surface without vibration
• Record suspension volume after 4, 6, and 12 hours

👉 The 12-hour suspension volume (ml) is used as the final result

Acceptance Criteria

• Acceptable range: 43–48 ml/12h
• Compare with standard sample to ensure consistency

Appearance Evaluation

• Place sample and standard sample powders on white paper
• Flatten evenly
• Observe under natural light

👉 Color should be consistent between batches

Why Suspension Performance Matters in Coatings

In real coating applications, poor suspension leads to:

• Pigment settling during storage
• Hard sediment difficult to redisperse
• Color inconsistency
• Reduced shelf life

Using high-quality organoclay like CP-10 helps achieve:

✔ Excellent anti-settling performance
✔ Stable viscosity over time
✔ Improved storage stability
✔ Better application consistency

Suspension vs Viscosity: What’s the Difference?

Many formulations rely only on viscosity testing, but:

• Viscosity = flow resistance under shear
• Suspension = stability under static conditions

👉 A coating can have high viscosity but still suffer from pigment settling.

That’s why suspension testing provides a more realistic evaluation of long-term stability.

Quality Control & Production Requirements （How to Test Organoclay Suspension?)

• All batches must meet 43–48 ml/12h suspension range
• Products outside this range are not released

If there are changes in:

• Raw materials
• Production process

👉 Customer validation is required before shipment

CP-10 is a kind of organo clay rheological additive. It is used in systems of non-polar to medium polarity aliphatic and other solvents (ketones, ester, ether esters, alcohols, aromatic). 

Properties

Composition                      Organic derivative of a montmorillonite clay

Appearance                       Fine powder,white

Moisture content (105℃,2hr)         ≤3.5%

Loss on ignition (1000℃)            30%-34%

Bulk density                       0.35~0.45g/cm3

Fineness (<74μm, %)               ≥98%

Dispersion fineness (μm)            ≤40

Advantages

• High efficiency
• The gel is of light colour and high clarity
• Easy to use, no need to pregel
• Eliminate polar activator
• Consistent development of rheology
• Can be used to post correct

Application

 CP-10 is used in the following applications:

• Paints
• Putty
• Sealants &adhesives
• Inks
• Cosmetic
• Nano-composite

Need Organoclay for Coatings?How to Test Organoclay Suspension?

We supply high-performance organoclay for coatings and paints, designed for excellent suspension and anti-settling behavior.

👉 Contact us for samples, formulation support, or technical data.

Email:  [email protected]       

Whatsapp: 0086-13185071071

How to Test Organoclay Suspension?we hope our info could helpful with you.

Organoclay Anti-Settling Agent

Organoclay Suspension CP-10  Performance: 12-Hour Anti-Settling Test Results
Why Suspension Matters in Coating Formulations
In water-based and solvent-based coating systems, pigment settling and filler separation are among the most common quality issues manufacturers face. When particles settle during storage or transport, it leads to:

Inconsistent product viscosity batch to batch
Color variation in final applications
Poor film formation and uneven coverage
Customer complaints and product returns
Suspension stability is critical for maintaining rheological control throughout the product lifecycle—from manufacturing to end-user application.

Our Organoclay Anti-Settling Agent CP-10 Organoclay Suspension Test
To verify the anti-settling performance of our organoclay CP-10, we conducted a controlled 12-hour suspension test using industry-standard procedures.

Test Method
Gel Ratio:

WS-3040 (Solvent): 98g
Organoclay Anti-Settling Agent CP-10: 1g
95% Methanol: 1g%
Procedure:

Add Organoclay Anti-Settling Agent CP-10 while stirring at 1000 rpm
Disperse for 2 minutes
Add methanol as polar activator
Mix thoroughly at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes
Transfer 50 ml dispersion into 100 ml graduated cylinder
Observe and record suspension volume at 2h, 4h, 6h, and 12h intervals
Test Results
Sample Batch No. 2h 4h 6h 12h Notes
CP-10 20230923 38 ml 34 ml 37 ml 38 ml —
CP-10 251218 44 ml 46 ml 43 ml 42 ml —
CP-10 25022101 35 ml 34 ml 32 ml 31 ml vs B38 Standard
CP-10 25081001 50 ml 50 ml 48 ml 48 ml —
CP-10 2602253# 40 ml 38 ml 37 ml 36 ml —

Key Findings
1. Excellent Long-Term Suspension Stability
After 12 hours of standing, our CP-10 organoclay maintained suspension volumes ranging from 31-48 ml out of the initial 50 ml dispersion.

Organoclay Anti-Settling Agent

This demonstrates:

Minimal settling over extended periods
Consistent rheological behavior throughout storage
Superior anti-sagging performance in vertical applications
2. Batch-to-Batch Consistency
All tested batches showed stable suspension performance:

Sample 25081001: Best overall—maintained 48 ml (96% retention) after 12 hours
Sample 251218: Strong performance—42 ml retention with slight fluctuation
All samples showed less than 20% volume change from initial readings
3. Comparison with Industry Standard
Sample 25022101 was tested alongside B38 industry standard. The results show our Organoclay Anti-Settling Agent CP-10 performs comparably to established market benchmarks, with consistent thixotropic response and suspension stability.

What This Means for Your Coatings
Applications Where Suspension Matters Most
Organoclay CP-10 provides essential rheology modification for:

Organoclay Anti-Settling Agent

Application Benefit
Architectural Paints Prevents pigment settling during storage
Industrial Coatings Maintains consistent viscosity in high-solids formulations
Wood Coatings Ensures uniform film formation
Metal Primers Keeps anti-corrosion pigments suspended
Decorative Paints Prevents color separation and shading variations
Formulation Recommendations
For optimal suspension performance in your coating systems:

Addition Level: 0.5-2.0% depending on desired viscosity

Mixing Protocol:

Add CP-10 at 1000 rpm under shear
Increase to 1500 rpm for full dispersion
Maintain mixing for 10-15 minutes
Add polar activator (methanol or water) if required
Compatibility: CP-10 works in solvent-based, alkyd, and modified coating systems

Technical Specifications: CP-10 Organoclay
Property Value
Appearance Light cream powder
Moisture ≤3.0%
Particle Size ≤75 μm
Bulk Density 400-600 g/L
Application Solvent-based coatings, inks, adhesives
Addition Level 0.5-2.0%
Activation Polar activator recommended
Quality Assurance
Every batch of Camp-Shinning CP-10 undergoes rigorous suspension testing before release. Our quality control process includes:

12-hour suspension protocol (industry standard: 4-6 hours)
Color consistency verification against reference standards
Particle size distribution analysis
Rheological performance testing
Conclusion
The 12-hour suspension test results confirm that our organoclay CP-10 delivers reliable anti-settling performance across multiple production batches. With 96% suspension retention in the best-performing sample and consistent results across all batches, CP-10 provides:

✓ Long-term storage stability
✓ Batch-to-batch consistency
✓ Superior rheological control
✓ Compatible with various coating systems

Get Started with Camp-Shinning
Contact us for:

Free CP-10 samples for your testing
Technical support for formulation optimization
Custom grade development for specialized applications

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Water Based Rheology Modifier CP-WBS

Water based bentonite CP-WBS is modified bentonite. It is mainly used in water-borne system. 

Water-based bentonite is highly purified, easily dispersible powdered montmrillonite clay. Bentonite can disperse in water and form a high viscosity and suspension gel. It can be used as anti-settling agent, latex stabilizer and bentonite in water system.

Properties of Rrheological Additive for Waterborne Coatings

Composition:                                 Inorganic modified montmorillonite clay

Appearance:                                  Fine powder, white

Moisture content (105℃,2hr)         ≤12%

Bulk density                                    0.60~0.80g/cm3

Viscosity, 10% in water, mPa.S       10000-13000

Fineness (<74μm, %)                         ≥98% APPLICATIONS OF Water Based Rheology Modifier
KEY PROPERTY
● Daily use chemical                 ●viscosity control and impart thixotropy
(toothpaste , facial mask and detergent)
● Latex paint, water based ink, glazings
thickener, anti-settling , latex stabilizer ● suspension, adhesive, adsorption
●Medical care
●Textile industry
●textile sizing agent and dye leveller
●Paper industry
● dispersion, flocculation
●Texture coating
●water-retaining agent, easily dispersion

Advantages of Water Based Rheology Modifier CP-WBS

• High gelling effectiveness, CP-WBS can form gel even at 2% in water
• Easy dispersing
• Its gel is transparent and of light color
• Prevents pigment settling
• High thixotropy, Good anti-sag property
• Excellent anti-settling agent”
• Emulsion stabilizers

Application of Water Based Rheology Modifier CP-WBS

CP-WBS is used in the following applications:

• Putty
• Antiseptic
• Industrial water reducible paint
• Toothpaste and tooth polish
• Cream and Lotions
• Emulsion paint
• Pigment and blunge water
• Water-borne sealant, adhesive

Using

CP-WBS it can be added directly in powder, with its addition to be 0.2~3.0%. Procedures are as follow.

1. water (PH:7.0-8.0)
2. CP-WBS(Dispersing at high speed for 20-30minutes)
3. Additive
4. Pigment and filler (Mixing and dispersing)
5. Emulsion (Mixing).
6. Post correct. 

Safety

All safety information is provided in the Material Safety Data Sheets for Zhejiang Camp-Shinning New Material Co.,Ltd.

Package

Water Based Rheology Modifier with Kraft bag or kraft complex interior with PE or customized.

Storage

CP-WBS should be stored in ventilated cool and dry place.

Incorporation
Incorporation procedure for Water-borne grades
Water-borne Rheological Additive neither need to produce pre-gel nor add polar activator, the addition process is as follows:
1.Water(PH7.0-8.0)
2.Slowly add water-borne bentonite, disperse in high speed for 20-30minutes
3.Additive(film forming additive, deformer, fungicide, dispersant, etc.)
4.Pigment
5.Latex
6.Dilute
CAMP-SHINNING
Notice

The information on use is based on data which are believed reliable, but any recommendation or suggestion made is without guarantee or warranty, since the conditions of use are outside our control.

All products are sold on the conditions that purchasers shall make their own tests to determine the suitability of such products for their purpose and that all risks are assumed by user.

We disclaim any responsibility for damages resulting from careless or improper handling or use. Nothing herein is to be taken as permission, inducement or recommendation to practice any patented invention without a license.

Water Based Rheology Modifier

Water based bentonite is widely used as a rheological additive for waterborne coatings and other water-based systems.

It provides excellent anti-settling agent performance, effectively preventing pigment sedimentation and ensuring uniform dispersion. As reliable emulsion stabilizers, these additives enhance system stability and improve storage consistency.

With strong thickening and thixotropic properties, bentonite for water based system applications delivers consistent viscosity control, making it an ideal rheological additive for water-based system formulations.

Cell (Whatsapp):    0086-13185071071

Email:   [email protected]

You are welcome to contact us in time, and we will provide you with free samples and application guidance.Looking forward to your inquiry.

And looking forward to you visiting our factory and visiting our workshop.

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