Neutralizing Aculyn 33 with Triethanolamine (TEA)

Aculyn 33 is an acrylic copolymer thickener that requires neutralization with a base to achieve its thickening properties. Triethanolamine (TEA) is a common neutralizing agent used for this purpose.

Neutralization Process:

1. Disperse Aculyn 33 in water. It is important to ensure the Aculyn 33 is fully dispersed and hydrated before adding the neutralizing agent.
2. Slowly add Triethanolamine (TEA) to the dispersion while stirring. The TEA will neutralize the acidic groups on the Aculyn 33 polymer, causing the polymer chains to uncoil and thicken the solution.
3. Continue adding TEA until the desired pH and viscosity are reached. For your application in a high-solvent detergent with pH 9, you will need to add enough TEA to reach this alkaline pH.

Typical Ratios:
The exact amounts of Aculyn 33, water, and TEA will depend on the desired final viscosity and the specific formulation. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Aculyn 33 Concentration: Typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5% in a formulation, depending on the desired thickness.
• TEA Concentration: The amount of TEA needed is usually calculated based on the amount of Aculyn 33 used and the desired final pH. A common starting point is to use a molar ratio of TEA to Aculyn 33's acidic groups, but in practice, it's often determined by adjusting the pH. You will need enough TEA to reach pH 9.
• Water: Water is the primary vehicle for dispersing and hydrating Aculyn 33.

Example (for illustration purposes, exact amounts require testing):
If you are using 2% Aculyn 33 in your formulation, you would first disperse the 2% Aculyn 33 in the water phase. Then, you would slowly add a solution of TEA in water (e.g., a 10-20% TEA solution) while mixing, monitoring the pH until it reaches 9 and the desired viscosity is achieved.

Since your application is a detergent with high solvent content and a target pH of 9, Aculyn 33 is a suitable choice as it is known to perform well in such conditions.

It is recommended to perform small-scale lab trials to determine the precise amounts of Aculyn 33 and TEA required for your specific detergent formulation to achieve the desired viscosity and stability at pH 9.