‘USE OF GTIAR. (EPIIJMI AS TIIICKENIKG AGENT IE’ LATEX PAIKTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research was intended to contribute to the improvement of the latex paint industry in Sudan as well as to the consolidation of the links bet\veen the industrial sector and academia by using Guar as available natural national product with the vision of developing its utilisation. Guar was investigated as an alternative thickener instead of usually used 1-Iydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (Natrosol®). Experiments were conducted in a period of 21 month using six samples. In the first four samples the thickener solutions were composed of mixtures of Guar and Natrosol® with respective ratios of 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 1:1. The thickener solution of the 5"‘ and 6"‘ samples were prepared from 100% guar and doubling the dose of the preservative agent in the later. Severe hydrolysis was observed in the first three samples, whereas the optimum duration of preservation was obtained with sample six (100% guar) or when the preservative to guar ratio was 1:1. With regard to this sample tests on the effects of viscosity on ‘properties and functions of paint have shown good results vis-a-vis flow out of can, application to substrate, splatter drip, film forming, tinting capacity and brush-ability. Economical evaluation of the use of Guar was carried out and the results have shown good feasibility. It was concluded that marketing of Guar thickened paints is very promising due to the improved characteristics of product. By using the results of this research and extending its scope, investors may be attracted to the adoption of using Guar as natural available resource that minimises the costs of latex paint industry. IV