CP-EW Water-Based Organoclay Bentonite Thickener
An inorganic modified montmorillonite clay engineered for water-borne systems. Ideal as a rheological additive and anti-sag thickener for phenolic resin (resole) gel coat in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) applications.
Your Application -- Solved
You are working with a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resole resin at 50% solids in a 90% water / 10% methanol solvent blend, pH 8.5-9.5, viscosity 600 cps at 25 °C -- and require a thickener / anti-sag additive to formulate it into a gel coat for FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) applications.
CP-EW is engineered precisely for high-pH, water-borne systems. Its modified montmorillonite structure activates rapidly in aqueous media, building thixotropic gel networks that resist sag during vertical FRP lay-up and cure -- without compromising the transparency or color of your phenolic system.
Product Properties
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | Inorganic modified montmorillonite clay |
| Appearance | Fine powder, white |
| Moisture content (105 °C, 2 hr) | ≤ 10% |
| Fineness (<74 µm) | ≥ 95% |
| Minimum gelling concentration | 2% in water |
| Gel appearance | Transparent, light-colored |
| Shelf life | 2 years (sealed, dry storage) |
Key Advantages
High Gelling Effectiveness
Builds strong gel structure at dosages as low as 2% in water, providing robust viscosity uplift for your 600 cps PF resole base system.
Anti-Sag Performance for Gel Coat
High thixotropy ensures the gel coat stays in place on vertical and overhead FRP surfaces during lay-up, preventing drips and uneven film thickness.
Transparent, Light-Colored Gel
Produces a clear gel that won't discolor your phenolic resin formulation -- critical for maintaining the appearance of gel coat surface finishes.
Prevents Pigment Settling
Suspends fillers and pigments uniformly, ensuring homogeneous gel coat application and consistent surface quality across large FRP panels.
Easy to Disperse -- No Solvent Needed
Can be added directly as a powder into your aqueous PF system. No pre-activation solvent required, simplifying your formulation process.
Recommended Dispersion Procedure
Follow this optimized sequence when incorporating CP-EW into your PF resole / water / methanol gel coat formulation for best thixotropic performance.
Water (Base Solvent)
Begin with your aqueous phase (90% water + 10% methanol blend). Adjust initial pH to 7.0-8.0 before adding CP-EW for optimal activation.
Add CP-EW Powder
Slowly add CP-EW powder (suggested 0.5-2.0% for gel coat) to the water phase. Disperse at high speed for 20-30 minutes until a smooth, lump-free gel forms.
Additives
Introduce coupling agents, wetting agents, defoamers, or other performance additives under slow agitation after the CP-EW gel is fully formed.
Pigment & Fillers
Add inorganic pigments, fillers (silica, talc, etc.) with mixing and dispersing under controlled shear to achieve uniform suspension.
PF Resole Resin
Blend in the phenolic resole resin (50% solids) under slow mixing. System pH will restore to 8.5-9.5. Final viscosity should be significantly higher than the base resin's 600 cps.
Post Correction
Adjust final viscosity, pH (target 8.5-9.5), and rheology. Perform gel time and sag resistance tests on a vertical substrate before production scale-up.
Dosage guidance: For gel coat applications requiring anti-sag performance, start at 1.0-2.0% addition level and adjust based on target viscosity and thixotropic index. The overall allowable range is 0.2-3.0% by weight of total formulation.
Compatibility with Your PF Resole System
CP-EW's inorganic montmorillonite modification is optimized for alkaline, high-water-content systems -- making it an excellent match for resole phenolics.
| Your System Parameter | Value | CP-EW Status |
|---|---|---|
| Resin type | PF Resole (base-catalyzed) | Compatible |
| Solvent system | 90% H₂O / 10% MeOH | Water-borne rated |
| System pH | 8.5 - 9.5 | Alkaline stable |
| Base viscosity | 600 cps @ 25 °C | Boostable to gel coat range |
| Solid content | 50% | Disperses well |
| Application | FRP gel coat | Anti-sag optimized |
Broader Application Range
Beyond FRP gel coats, CP-EW serves as a proven thickener and anti-settling agent across a wide range of water-borne formulations.
CP-EW enables uniform, sag-resistant gel coat coverage on FRP structures
Packaging & Storage
Ensuring product integrity from our facility to your production line.
Standard Packaging
Kraft paper bag with PE liner or multi-wall paper sacks.
25 kg / bag or 22.68 kg / bag.
Customized packaging available on request.
Shelf Life
2 years from date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions.
Store in a ventilated, cool, and dry environment, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Quality Assurance
Every batch is tested against specification before shipment. Full ISO 9001 production documentation and MSDS available upon request.
The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, any recommendation or suggestion made is without guarantee or warranty, as conditions of use are outside our control. All products are sold on the condition that purchasers shall make their own tests to determine suitability for their intended purpose, and all risks are assumed by the 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. Full safety information is provided in the Material Safety Data Sheet for Zhejiang Camp-Shinning New Material Co., Ltd.
Ready to Trial CP-EW in Your Gel Coat System?
Our technical team is ready to assist with sample evaluation, dosage optimization, and dispersion guidance tailored to your PF resole formulation.
