Applications — UAE, Saudi Arabia & GCC
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.
Usage & 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 Available
Storage & 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.
Need TDS or SDS Documentation?
Full Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) supplied with every shipment from Dubai or Riyadh.
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Why Source from Raykem?
- ✓Dubai HQ + Riyadh office — local GCC supply
- ✓COA, SDS, TDS with every shipment
- ✓CIF/FOB from China, Europe, Southeast Asia
- ✓Competitive pricing — direct manufacturer sourcing
- ✓SABER-ready documentation for Saudi Arabia
- ✓Competitive pricing — direct manufacturer sourcing
Our Offices
Dubai, UAE (HQ)Raykem L.L.C-FZ
P.O. Box 29096, Dubai, UAE
sales@raykeme.com
+971 55 396 4402
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Raykem Chemicals Co.
2804 Nesaab Street, Al Mishael
Riyadh 14329, KSA