AMP-95 (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol), triethylamine (TEA), DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), and ammonia solution are the standard neutralising agents used by UAE and Saudi Arabia water-based paint manufacturers.
Technical specifications
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| AMP-95 (2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol) | CAS 124-68-5 — 95% active — low odour, preferred | — |
| AMP-95 Appearance | Clear colourless liquid | Visual |
| AMP-95 pH (10% solution) | 11.0 – 11.5 | — |
| AMP-95 Typical Addition | 0.1 – 0.5% on total paint weight | — |
| Triethylamine (TEA) | CAS 121-44-8 — 99% active — fast-acting | — |
| DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) | CAS 108-01-0 — 99% active — moderate odour | — |
| Ammonia Solution (25%) | CAS 1336-21-6 — 25% NH₃ in water — lowest cost | — |
| Target Paint pH | 8.0 – 9.5 (water-based architectural coatings) | — |
| Target pH (biocide compatibility) | ≤ 9.5 (isothiazolinone biocides) | — |
| Packing | 25 kg / 200 kg drums (product dependent) | — |
| HS Code | 2922.19 |
Applications
- Thickener Activation in Acrylic Emulsion Paints — HASE and alkali-swellable thickeners require a pH above 8.0 to activate and build viscosity in water-based paints. AMP-95 or ammonia is added to raise pH from the acidic emulsion base (pH ~5–7) to the target 8.5–9.5 range, triggering thickener swelling and the required application viscosity for UAE and Saudi Arabia architectural paints.
- pH Stabilisation Over Shelf Life — Water-based paints can drop in pH during storage due to microbial activity, CO₂ absorption, or binder acid group ionisation changes. Correct initial pH (8.0–9.5) combined with in-can preservative maintains stable viscosity and performance throughout the 12–24 month shelf life required by UAE and Saudi Arabia paint standards.
- Biocide Effectiveness Window — Isothiazolinone-based biocides (MIT, BIT) are most effective between pH 4–9.5. Paints with pH > 9.5 (from excess neutraliser) rapidly degrade these biocides — reducing preservation. Precise pH control at 8.5–9.0 optimises both biocide activity and thickener performance simultaneously.
- Pigment Dispersion Stability — Correct pH stabilises the charge on TiO2 and inorganic pigment surfaces (which are pH-sensitive) — contributing to long-term dispersion stability and preventing flocculation of the pigment system during paint storage in hot GCC conditions.
- Waterborne Epoxy & Polyurethane Systems — DMAE and TEA are used in waterborne epoxy and polyurethane dispersion systems to neutralise acid groups and achieve water-dispersibility — critical in the formulation of low-VOC industrial coatings for UAE and Saudi Arabia facilities.
Key properties
- AMP-95: preferred for low odour — suitable for indoor manufacturing environments
- AMP-95: non-volatile — pH remains stable after application
- Ammonia: lowest cost but volatile — causes pH drop after application
- TEA: fast neutralisation response — good for continuous mixing
- DMAE: balanced odour and pH stability — widely used in waterborne PU
- All grades: effective at very low addition levels (0.1–0.5%)
- Correct pH ensures HASE/HEC thickener full activation
- Maintains biocide efficacy window for in-can preservation
Usage and recommendations
AMP-95 is the preferred neutraliser for most UAE and Saudi Arabia water-based architectural paint formulations — it is non-volatile (pH stable after application), low odour, and effective. Ammonia is lowest cost but pH drops after paint dries, which can affect adhesion to carbonate substrates. Add neutraliser slowly with gentle mixing, measuring pH after each addition — typically target 8.5–9.0. In GCC summer production (high ambient temperature), pH adjustments may need to be made to the cooled batch to avoid false readings. Contact Raykem for pH controller recommendations matched to your specific binder and thickener combination.
Packaging
- 25 kg PE Jerry Cans
- 200 kg Drums
- Custom packaging on request
Storage and shelf life
AMP-95 and DMAE: store in sealed containers at 5–35°C. TEA and ammonia: store at 5–25°C in ventilated areas — both are volatile and have strong odour. Shelf life: 24 months. Keep sealed when not in use.