E U R O P E A N E D I T I O N

Optifilm Enhancer 300

A Low Odour, Non-VOC
Coalescent for Dispersion Paint
 Introduction 3
Contents
Guidelines for Use
Level of Addition 3
Minimum Film Forming Temperature 4
Incorporation 4
Performance in Matt Interior Wall Paint
Low Odour 6
Associative Thickener Efficiency 7
Stability 8
Scrub Resistance 8
Low Temperature Colour Development 9
Summary 10
Appendix
I General Guide to Coalescents
Considerations When Using Coalescents 11
II Typical Properties 13
III Test Method–Analysis of Paint Odour 14
IV Test Method–Low Temperature Colour Development 15

2
 Introduction Optifilm Enhancer 300
A Low Odour, Non-VOC Coalescent for Dispersion Paint

Optifilm Enhancer 300 is a new addition to the Eastman Coatings Film

Technologies portfolio. Building on our technical expertise and market
understanding, our growing portfolio helps deliver the right balance of
performance and regulatory compliance to meet today’s needs and
tomorrow’s challenges. For more information on coalescents and why
they’re used, see Appendix I.

Optifilm Enhancer 300 is an efficient, low odour coalescent for

dispersion paint formulations. It performs effectively in a variety of
dispersion types, with the added benefit of low odour. Appropriate for
use in many architectural applications, it is particularly suited for matt
wall paint. Typical properties are included in Appendix II.

With a boiling point of 281°C, Optifilm Enhancer 300 is not a volatile

organic compound (VOC) according to European Union Directive
2004/42/EC, commonly referred to as the Decopaint directive.

Optifilm Enhancer 300 optimises paint performance in several key areas:

■ Delivers low odour properties.
■ Improves film formation over a wide range
of temperature and relative humidity conditions.
■ Reduces formulated cost by allowing substantial
reductions in associative thickeners without
compromising performance.
■ Improves film and application properties such
as touch up and scrub resistance.
■ Improves durability.

Guidelines for Use

The minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) of the dispersion is the
Level of Addition
most important consideration in determining the optimum level of
coalescent. Harder polymers have higher MFFTs and, to achieve the
same level of coalescence, require more coalescent compared to softer
polymers. An Optifilm Enhancer 300 level of 5% to 10% on polymer
solids is a good starting point for dispersion paint. To determine the
optimum level of coalescent addition, test the response of the particular
dispersion to the addition of coalescent using an MFFT bar.

3
 Optifilm Enhancer 300 is an efficient coalescent for all dispersion types
Minimum Film Forming
used in European architectural paint formulations. This is illustrated by
Temperature the degree to which it lowers the MFFT of dispersions. The effects of
various concentrations of Optifilm Enhancer 300 on the MFFT of five
commonly used dispersions are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Effect of Coalescent Level on MFFT (°C)

of Five Dispersion Types

Coalescent Level, Weight Percentage

0% 2% 4% 6% 8%
Optifilm 300 6 4 2 0.5 <0
Acrylica
Texanol EA 6 3 2 0.5 <0
Optifilm 300 17 10 8 4 <0
Styrene Acrylicb
Texanol EA 17 12 6 3 <0
Optifilm 300 11 10 5 2 <0
Vinyl Acrylicc
Texanol EA 11 8 4 2 <0
Vinyl Versatate Optifilm 300 12 7 0.5 <0 <0
Copolymerd Texanol EA 12 6 0.5 <0 <0
Acrylic Optifilm 300 12 6 2 1 <0
e
Copolymer Texanol EA 12 4 2 1 <0
aPrimal AC1801, Rohm & Haas.
bAcronal 290D, BASF.
cRovace 9100, Rohm & Haas.
dEmultex VV536, Synthomer.
eVinamul 3469, Vinamul.

Table 1 shows virtually no difference in MFFT between

Texanol Ester Alcohol and Optifilm Enhancer 300.

The optimum coalescent level is strongly dependent upon the

composition of the dispersion. Therefore, confirm the efficiency of
Optifilm Enhancer 300 in a specific dispersion system before use.

4
 Optifilm Enhancer 300 is easy to incorporate into dispersion paints. It
Incorporation
can be added under agitation during any stage of paint manufacture,
either alone or in a premix. If premixing, use with water and/or
surfactant in the letdown stage.

Performance in Matt Interior Wall Paint

Optifilm Enhancer 300 was evaluated with various resins in the
interior matt formulation given in Table 2. Test results shown
in this brochure, except as noted, used this formulation.

Table 2

Matt Interior Wall Paint

Ingredient % Weight
Hydroxyethyl Cellulosea 8.0
Sodium Hexametaphosphateb 1.5
Ammonia (0.91) 0.1
Wetting Aid 0.2
Biocide 0.1
Defoamer 0.4
Optifilm Enhancer 300 0.5
Ethylene Glycol 0.5
Water 20.7
Titanium Dioxide 13.0
Calcined Kaolin 3.0
Talc 9.0
Calcium Carbonate 25.0
Resin Dispersionc 18.0
Total 100.0
a4% in water.
b10% in water.
c50% in water.

5
 Optifilm Enhancer 300 is ideal for applications where odour is a
Low Odour
concern. Our testing has demonstrated that it has a lower odour profile
than many traditional coalescents used in architectural paints.

Statistically designed experiments were used to evaluate the odour

characteristics of paints containing Optifilm Enhancer 300. Results of
odour panel tests carried out after 24 hours and again at 11 days are
summarized below in Figure 1. See Appendix III for test method.

Figure 1

Odour Ratings a,b

6

5
No Coalescent
Texanol EA
Average Rating

4 Optifilm 300

0
24 Hours 11 Days
aAll coalescents added at 0.5% by weight to the paint.
bTested in proprietary formulation.

The odour of paints containing Optifilm Enhancer 300

is equivalent to the odour of a paint without coalescent.

6
 Optifilm Enhancer 300 reduces formulated cost by allowing substantial
Associative Thickener
reductions in associative thickeners. Greater than 25% reduction in
Efficiency associative thickener levels can be obtained without compromising
rheology characteristics, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2

Associative Thickener Efficiency a,b

8
Grams of Thickener Required

2
No Coalescent Texanol EA Optifilm 300
aAll coalescents added at 0.5% by weight to the paint.
bTested in proprietary formulation.

Testing was carried out in acrylic eggshell kitchen and bath paint.
Further details, including the formulation, can be found in the technical
tip, “Lower Coatings Costs with Texanol Ester Alcohol or Optifilm
Enhancer 300” at www.eastman.com/optifilm300.

To develop the same rheological characteristics, paints containing Optifilm

Enhancer 300 require less associative thickener than paint without coalescent.

7
 Optifilm Enhancer 300 has excellent hydrolytic stability. At normal use
Stability
levels (5%–10% on polymer solids), Optifilm 300 has minimal impact on
the shelf or freeze-thaw stability of a formulated paint.

Optifilm Enhancer 300 provides a significant improvement in the scrub

Scrub Resistance resistance of a dispersion paint because it improves film integrity. Scrub
resistance is dependent on coalescent level and formulation ingredients
of the paints. Results in matt paints based on the dispersion resins are
illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 3

Scrub Resistance, Cycles to Failure

ASTM D2486
200
No Coalescent
180
Texanol EA
160 Optifilm 300
Cycles to Failure

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Styrene Copolymera Acrylic Copolymerb Styrene Copolymera Acrylic Copolymerb
2 Week Dry 2 Week Dry 6 Week Dry 6 Week Dry
aPaint contained 6% coalescent based on the resin solids (Acronal 290D, BASF).
bPaint contained 4% coalescent based on the resin solids (Vinamul 3469, Vinamul).

Testing in two different types of dispersion paints shows the scrub

resistance of paint films coalesced with Optifilm Enhancer 300 is
comparable to those with Texanol Ester Alcohol.

8
 Optifilm Enhancer 300 provides a significant improvement in low
Low Temperature
temperature colour development, as shown in Figure 4 below. See
Color Development Appendix IV for test method.

Figure 4

Low Temperature Colour Development on Addition

of Optifilm Enhancer 300 and Texanol Ester Alcohol

Paint Based on Styrene Copolymera

4
Optifilm 300
Colour Difference, delta L

Texanol EA
3

0
0 2 4 6
% of Coalescent on Resin Solids
aAcronal 290D, BASF.

Paint Based on Acrylic Copolymerb

4
Optifilm 300
Texanol EA
Colour Difference, delta L

0
0 2 4 6
% of Coalescent on Resin Solids
bVinamul 3469, Vinamul.

Testing in two different types of dispersion paints shows that

Optifilm Enhancer 300, like Texanol Ester Alcohol, improves the
consistency of colour development under low temperature conditions.

9
 Summary
Optifilm Enhancer 300 is a low odour, non-VOC coalescent.
Appropriate for use in many architectural applications, it is particularly
suited for matt wall paints. Key benefits of Optifilm Enhancer 300
include:
■ Low odour.
■ Non-VOC as defined by European Union Directive
2004/42/EC.
■ Excellent scrub resistance and colour development.
■ Synergistic effect with associative thickeners, enabling significant
reduction in the amount of associative thickener without
compromising rheology properties.
■ Broad compatibility, easy incorporation, and excellent hydrolytic
stability, allowing its use in a wide range of dispersion types.

For further details, check online at www.eastman.com/optifilm300.

10
 Appendix I
What are Coalescents?
General Guide Coalescents assist film formation in dispersion paints. Coalescents
to Coalescents temporarily soften the polymer particles, allowing them to fuse into a
continuous film. After the film is formed, the coalescent evaporates,
allowing the paint to form a hard surface. Good coalescence improves
the overall performance of the paint, decreasing porosity and improving
film properties such as scrub resistance, washability, and gloss.
Coalescents allow good film formation under adverse conditions, such as
low temperatures or high humidity.

The most efficient coalescents are water-immiscible. Water-immiscible

coalescents penetrate the polymer particle and most effectively soften the
particle. More water-soluble coalescents stay in the water phase of the
paint and soften the polymer particle surface from the outside.
Preferably, coalescents evaporate slower than water so that they stay in
the film longer than the water. Other important properties of
coalescents include hydrolytic stability, compatibility with a wide range
of dispersion types and paint additives, and ease of use.

Common coalescents include ester alcohols and glycol ethers.

Why is the evaporation rate of the coalescent important to

Considerations When
Using Coalescents the coating?
Coalescent selection can be critical to achieving a successful coating. If
the coalescent chosen has an evaporation rate (E.R.) that is too slow,
poor block and print resistance and slow drying can result. If the
coalescent has an E.R. that is too fast, the paint could have poor flow
and leveling properties.

Why is the hydrolytic stability of a coalescent important?

Paints can remain on a dealer’s shelves for months or even over a year. If
the coalescent is not hydrolytically stable during that time, the paint
performance may deteriorate. Dispersion paint is usually at a high pH
and a two-year shelf life is desirable.

Why should a coalescent have low water solubility?

Water miscible coalescents distribute themselves between the polymer
and water phases. The more hydrophilic (water loving) the coalescent,
the more it will stay in the water phase of the paint. A more water-
insoluble coalescent will partition to the polymer particles. This
partitioning preference could affect coalescing efficiency and
performance under high humidity/low temperature conditions. Because
hydrophilic coalescents are in the water phase, some of the coalescent
will evaporate with the water and its ability to coalesce the suspended
particles into a continuous film will be decreased. With a more water-
insoluble coalescent, this loss during water evaporation is minimized.
More water-insoluble coalescents are also less likely to migrate into a
porous substrate.
11
 Can gelling occur?
Gelling is uncommon, but may be more likely to occur with glycol
ethers. To minimize the risk of gelling, premix the coalescent with water
and/or surfactant prior to addition in the letdown stage.

If paint is applied at temperatures below those recommended on

the can or label, what problems can be expected?
Potential problems include cracking, poor colour development, poor
weatherability and less gloss. Coalescents extend the range of
temperatures under which coatings can be applied.

If the same paint is applied in two successive days in the

winter, but the colour appears differently on the second day,
what could be the source of the difference?
One possibility is colour development under different drying conditions.
For example, a contractor paints several rooms of the house, shuts off
the space heaters, and the temperature in the dwelling drops below
32ºF. The painter comes in the following day and paints the remaining
rooms using the same paint. If the paint films in the separate rooms do
not coalesce equally well, the colour will not match exactly. That is a
difference in colour development. The effect on the film can change
the light scattering effect. The amount and the type of coalescent in the
paint are very important. If the paint contains sufficient coalescent
to provide proper coalescence at low temperatures, the colour will be
the same.

What happens if too much or too little coalescent

is used in dispersion paint?
If too little coalescent is used, a good homogeneous film may not
form, especially at colder temperatures. This deficiency can result in
sub-optimal film integrity, and lower paint performance (i.e. scrub
resistance, exterior durability, low temperature colour development
and touch up, etc.). If too much coalescent is used, it may affect key
paint performance properties such as dry time and stability (shelf/
freeze-thaw), and with VOC coalescents, make the paint exceed
environmental regulations.

If too little coalescent is used, a good homogeneous film may not form,
especially at colder temperatures. If too much is used, the VOC content
will be higher which could make the paint not compliant with
environmental regulations. The drying time could also be longer.

Why can’t any solvent work as a coalescent?

Not all water insoluble materials, such as hydrocarbon solvents, are
effective coalescents. These materials are not compatible with some
dispersions. An efficient coalescent will be water insoluble to minimize
coalescent loss during water evaporation and water migration into
a porous substrate. It will also have good plasticizing efficiency for
all types of dispersions.

12
 Appendix II
Typical Properties

Table 3

Typical Propertiesa of Optifilm Enhancer 300

Property Typical Value/Units

Molecular Weight 286.4
Empirical Formula C16H30O4
Appearance Free from insoluble
matter and haze
Purity 98 wt % min.
Acidity as Isobutyric Acid 0.05 wt % max.
Specific Gravity @ 20°C/20°C 0.942-0.948
Surface Tension @ 25°C 27.56 dynes/cm
Refractive Index 1.43 n(25°C/D)
Boiling Point @ 760 mm Hg 281°C (536°F)
Freezing Point -70°C (-94°F)
Flash Point Cleveland Open Cup 143°C (290°F)
Fire Point Cleveland Open Cup 152°C (305°F)
Autoignition Temperature 424°C (795°F)
Solubility in Water @ 20°C 0.42 g/L
Evaporation Rate @ 100°C 0.674, (g/1000 cm2)/h
Hydrolysis after 96 hr @ 98-99°C 0.003%
Viscosity, Brookfield @ 25°C
b
9 cP
Wt/Vol @ 20°C 7.86 lb/gal
Assay 98.6 wt % min.
Colour Pt-Co 30 max.
aPropertiesreported here are typical of average lots. Eastman makes no representation that the
material in any particular shipment will conform exactly to the values given.
bNumber 1 spindle.

13
 Appendix III
The following procedure was used to determine paint odour profiles.
Test Method–
Analysis of Paint Odour 1. A standard matt paint was diluted by 20% with deionised water and
split into 6 samples.
2. Texanol Ester Alcohol and Optifilm Enhancer 300 were each added
to two samples at 0.5% parts by weight, based on the original
undiluted weight of paint.
3. Two samples were not coalesced, these were used as blanks. After 24
hours the inside of 5 litre lacquer-lined tins were coated with 5g of
paint using a sponge. A new sponge was used for each application,
which prevented cross contamination of the samples.
4. The paints were allowed to dry for approximately 1 hour at ambient
and then sealed with lids. The tins were stored at 23°C throughout
the experiment.
5. Twenty-four hours after application 10 judges, not connected with
the coatings laboratory and unfamiliar with the coalescents and their
odours, were asked to evaluate the paints’ odour, ranking the 6
samples from least odour to most odour. This was repeated after 11
days using 8 of the original 10 judges.
6. A statistical analysis called Friedman’s test was carried out. This
test calculates a Chi-square statistic based on the rankings by each
judge. A low p value indicates that the Chi-square value is statistically
significant.

14
 Appendix IV
The following procedure was used to determine the low temperature
Test Method– colour development.
Low Temperature
Colour Development 1. Paint was tinted to pale blue colour with water-based tinting aid.
2. A strip of the test panel was painted with the tinted paint and allowed
to dry at 23°C for 24 hours.
3. Both the panel and the paint were divided in two. A sample of each
was placed in a refrigerator at 5°C and allowed to stabilise.
4. A patch of the paint started at 5°C was applied onto the painted
panel that was stored at 5ºC. This second coat was allowed to dry for
24 hours at 5°C.
5. A similar patch was applied to the sample stored at 23°C using the
paint that was also stored at this temperature.
6. Once the paint films were dry, the colour of the second coats, dried
at 23°C or dried at 5°C, were compared, and any colour difference
between them was measured using a Sheen Instruments ‘Micromatch’
colour difference meter employing the lightness scale (delta L).
7. The lower the colour difference, the better the paint film
was coalesced.

15
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should be observed when handling and storing Eastman
products, are available online or by request. You should obtain
and review the available material safety information before
handling any of these products. If any materials mentioned are
not Eastman products, appropriate industrial hygiene and other
safety precautions recommended by their manufacturers should
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Neither Eastman Chemical Company nor its marketing affiliates
shall be responsible for the use of this information, or of any
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© Eastman Chemical Company, 2005.
Publication M-315A
June 2005
Printed in Europe