RHOPLEX AC-3001 EMULSION

Aqueous Acrylic Vehicle for Coatings Over Cementitious Substrates

Description
RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion is a thermoplastic all-acrylic binder designed to be formulated into water resistant
finishes with an excellent balance of early block resistance and coalescent demand. Typical applications for factory
applied coatings based on RHOPLEX AC-3001 cementitious substrates include flat and corrugated fibercement tiles
for facade and roofing, and other concrete elements.
RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion can be formulated in pigmented coatings as well as clears for application directly to
uncoated or over prepainted cementitious surfaces. As with all aqueous binders, RHOPLEX AC-3001 should be
carefully formulated to meet the various requirements of different substrates and application line conditions.
Performance Features
Coatings formulated with RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion offer the following features:

Excellent water-whitening resistance

Excellent water resistance
Early block resistance
Low coalescent demand
Good exterior durability
Low water vapor permeability

Typical Properties
These properties are typical but do not constitute specifications.

Appearance

Milky white liquid

Solids content, % by weight

48

pH

7.7 to 8.7

Brookfield viscosity, cP

200 to 500

Density, lbs/US gal

8.8

Dry bulking value, gal/lb

0.1072

Minimum film-forming temperature (MFFT), C

27

Glass transition temperature (Tg), C

32

Tukon hardness, KHN

3-5

Typical Performance
The following characteristics of coatings based on RHOPLEX AC-3001 acrylic emulsion have been recommended in
our laboratories and at our exposure stations located around the world. These coatings were compared to coatings
based on PRIMAL E-357 emulsion, a similar widely used acrylic vehicle.

Figure 1
Clear Film Water Whitening
RHOPLEX AC-3001 VS PRIMAL E-357

Water-Whitening Resistance
Clear films of RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion display excellent resistance to water-whitening in comparison to
PRIMAL E-357 finishes, another widely used vehicle for cementitious coatings, as demonstrated in Figure 1. Not
only do clear films based on RHOPLEX AC-3001 show a minimal amount of whitening under both ambient (25C)
and elevated (45C) water soak temperatures, but they also completely recover to visually clear films when
removed from the water.
CIE Lab L* Scale: 0 (black) to 100 (white)

Each coalesced [15% EB (BOP)] clear latex was drawn down (5 mil opening) on several preweighed 3" x 4"

black Leneta panels, which were then air-dried for several minutes, and placed in a constant temperature
room (CTR) for 24 hours.

Each sample was dried at 60C for 64 hours, and placed in a CTR for 24 more hours.

The samples were weighed, initial L* values were recorded, and clear film water-whitening tests were then
initiated by placing the test samples in ambient temperature (25C) or 45C DI water.

Measurements for L* were taken at the indicated time intervals, and DL* values (measured L* value minus
initial value) were calculated.
Figure 2
Water Resistance of Clear Films
RHOPLEX AC-3001 VS PRIMAL E-357

Water Resistance
In addition to its other features RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion provides excellent early water resistance properties
(see Figure 2). As shown, RHOPLEX AC-3001 compares favorably to the much harder and very water resistant
PRIMAL E-357 polymer.

The same steps in sample preparation were taken as in steps 1 and 2 noted under Figure 1.

The samples were then weighed at the same time intervals used in measuring L* values.

The percent water absorbed (clear film water pickup) by the clear film was then calculated as: [(polymer

wgt at time t initial polymer wgt)/initial polymer wgt] x 100%

Block Resistance
Formulated paints based on RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion possess an exceptionally high degree of early block
resistance. Results clearly show the superior block and print resistance of an 18 PVC coating based on RHOPLEX
AC-3001 emulsion compared to one based on PRIMAL E-357, which has a much higher Tg. (Table 1) Paints based
on RHOPLEX AC-3001 demonstrate much higher block and print resistance when formulated to an equivalent
MFFT, which in this case was 28C. Formulation to other equivalent MFFTs would also be expected to yield similar
results. Thus, a higher level of block resistance can be achieved while lowering the VOC content of the formulation.
Table 1
BLOCK AND PRINT RESISTANCE OF 18 PVC BLACK PAINTS BASED ON
RHOPLEX AC-3001 AND PRIMAL E-357
Tg, C

%
Coalescent*

Block
Resistance**

Print
Resistance**

RHOPLEX AC-3001

32

PRIMAL E-357

55

Binder

* Coalescent: Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, % BOP required for 28C MFFT.
**Rating: 1 - 10 (10 best)
Substrate: Fiber cement
Conditions: 70C preheat
Face to face block test: 6 hrs/28 psi/50C platens.
Print test: Cheesecloth between samples, 6 hrs/28 psi/50C.

Low Coalescent Demand

RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion has a much lower Tg than PRIMAL E-357, and in effect requires less coalescent to
reach a given MFFT (or level of paint film integrity). This is illustrated graphically in Figure 3 where the MFFT of
RHOPLEX AC-3001 is plotted as a function of coalescent type and level for a variety of common waterborne
industrial coating solvents. Figure 3 can also be used to determine the amount of a particular coalescent required
to achieve some predetermined target MFFT.
Figure 3
Coalescent Demand of Clear Films
RHOPLEX AC-3001 VS PRIMAL E-357

Exterior Durability
Coatings based on RHOPLEX AC-3001 acrylic emulsion provide comparable durability to those based on PRIMAL
E-357 in a variety of formulations (Tables 2-4). Black, brown and green paints at various pigment volume
concentrations (PVC), based on RHOPLEX AC-3001, applied to preheated fiber-cement panels, at various pigment
volume concentrations, compare favorably to PRIMAL E-357 in both accelerated weathering and standard outdoor
exposures.
Table 2
EXTERIOR DURABILITY OF 18 PVC BLACK PAINTS BASED ON
RHOPLEX AC-3001 AND PRIMAL E-357
%
Coalescent*

Appearance**

Efflorescence
Resistance**

Face Cracking**

RHOPLEX AC-3001

10

10

10

PRIMAL E-357

10

RHOPLEX AC-3001

10

10

10

PRIMAL E-357

10

Vehicle
Spring House, PA

Florida

* Coalesced to 28C MFFT with ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (% BOP).

**Rating: 1 - 10 (10 best)
Exposure Locations: Spring House, PA and Florida, Inland
Exposure Direction: South 45
Exposure Time: 1 year
Spray-applied to 90C fiber-cement (1.2 mils) and dried 3 minutes at 90C.

Table 3
ACCELERATED EXPOSURE RESULTS OF RHOPLEX AC-3001 VS PRIMAL E-357
IN 15 PVC, 25 PVC, AND 35 PVC BROWN PAINTS
Accelerated Exposure Condition and Time: QUV ('A') 1000 hr/QUV ('A') 2000 hr
% Gloss Retention
PVC

Efflorence
Resistance*

Face
Cracking*

Color Fade
DE**

60

85

RHOPLEX AC-3001

15

10/10

10/10

0.2/2.7

100/86

98/94

PRIMAL E-357

15

10/10

6/5

0.7/0.6

86/81

98/65

RHOPLEX AC-3001

25

10/10

10/10

0.7/1.4

100/96

96/86

PRIMAL E-357

25

10/10

9/9

0.5/1.0

100/96

96/86

RHOPLEX AC-3001

35

10/10

10/10

1.0/1.3

100/97

86/68

PRIMAL E-357

35

10/10

10/10

0.8/1.2

100/92

93/81

Vehicle

* Rating: 1 - 10 (10 best)

**Color fade: D E Hunter Units

Table 4
ACCELERATED EXPOSURE RESULTS OF RHOPLEX AC-3001 VS PRIMAL E-357
IN 20 PVC GREEN PAINTS
Accelerated Exposure Condition and Time: QUV ('A') 1000 hr/QUV ('A') 2000 hr
% Gloss Retention
PVC

Efflorence
Resistance*

Face
Cracking*

Color Fade
DE**

60

85

RHOPLEX AC-3001

20

10/10

10/10

0.3/0.5

100/100

100/100

PRIMAL E-357

20

10/10

8/8

0.3/0.3

100/100

95/95

Vehicle

* Rating: 1 - 10 (10 best)

** Color fade: D E Hunter Units

Water Vapor Permeability

Coatings based on RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion help to protect the substrate from moisture because of the low
water vapor permeability of RHOPLEX AC-3001 (see Table 5). This is an important factor to consider in the design
of coatings for concrete substrates, where the existence of water and water vapor play a role in the efflorescence
resistance of the finished product.

Table 5
Moisture Vapor Transmission of Clear Films Based on
RHOPLEX AC-3001 VS PRIMAL E-357
Perm Units*
(grains/ft2/hr/in Hg)

Latex
RHOPLEX AC-3001
PRIMAL E-357

4.4
14.2

*Per ASTM D1653-91a

A formulation containing latex and coalescent [15% EB (BOP)] was drawn down (3 mils dry) on Teflon-

coated release paper and allowed to dry for 24 hours in a CTR.

The clear films were dried at 60C for 48 hours, peeled from the Teflon, and placed in a CTR for 24 hours.

A circular test specimen of each clear film sample was placed over the circular opening of a Perm cup (10

cm) filled with distilled water.

The weight loss of water was measured every 24 hours until a constant weight change per unit time was

observed.

Perm values were calculated as grains of water lost per square foot of coating surface, per hour, per inch of

Mercury pressure difference between the two sides of the coating.

Formulation Guidelines
Pigmentation
With RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion, as in all coating systems, the pigment loading and choice of pigments has a
strong influence on final exterior durability. For best results, we recommend that maximum pigment volume
concentrations (PVC) should not exceed 30%.
We also recommend the selection of highly durable pigments, such as Ti-Pure R960, for weatherable exterior
coatings. To maximize durability, the minimum amount of TiO2 levels necessary for good hiding should be used.
Although many kinds of extenders can be used, we recommend the use of mica generally due to the better acid,
chemical, and water resistance that it imparts.
Coalescent
Since RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion is not a film former at room temperature, coalescing agents may be required to
achieve optimal film properties, depending on substrate preheating and postheating conditions. Inadequately
coalesced paint films may have fundamental flaws such as cracks, and will result in less than optimal performance.
The choice and amount of coalescent will also have a strong influence on such properties as film formation, and
block, print, water, and efflorescence resistance. In general, 10% ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (BOP) is
sufficient to achieve a satisfactory level of performance. Other satisfactory coalescents include Dowanol PnB and
DPnB.
Additives
TAMOL 731 is the preferred dispersant for formulating pigmented coatings based on RHOPLEX AC-3001
emulsion. This product provides an excellent combination of dispersing properties with a low level of water
sensitivity. The use of Triton CF-10 can also be employed with TAMOL 731 to enhance the wetting of difficult-todisperse pigments.
Adequate antifoaming properties can be accomplished with a variety of commercially available defoamers.
Formulations in this brochure included Nopco NXZ, Bubble Breaker 3056A, Drew L108, and Surfynol 104E
and 104H.
Typical Starting Point Formulations
The following starting point formulations demonstrate the use of RHOPLEX AC-3001 emulsion in several different
types of finishes including clear sealers, basecoats, and topcoats.

STARTING POINT CLEAR SEALER

FORMULATION BASED ON
RHOPLEX AC-3001 EMULSION
Materials

Pounds

RHOPLEX AC-3001 (47.9%)

95.21

Drew L-108

0.11

Butyl Cellosolve

4.55

Surfynol 104E

0.13

Total

100.00

Adjust viscosity as needed with water and/or ACRYSOL RM-825

FORMULATION BC-3001-W1
STARTING POINT 20 PVC WHITE BASECOAT FORMULATION
BASED ON RHOPLEX AC-3001 EMULSION
Materials

Pounds

Gallons

Water

68.2

8.19

QP-4400 (2.0%)

53.4

6.36

TAMOL 731 (25%)

6.2

0.67

Triton CF-10

1.6

0.18

Bubble Breaker 3056A

4.2

0.57

246.4

7.63

604.7

68.87

54.4

7.14

3.2

0.39

1042.3

100.00

Cowles Grind

Ti-Pure R-960
Letdown
RHOPLEX AC-3001 (48%)
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (80%)*
Surfynol 104E
Totals
Formulation Constants
PVC, %

20

Volume solids, %

38.8

Weight solids, %

51.9

pH, Adjust with NH4OH (14%) to:

approx. 9.0

Viscosity, #4 Ford cup, seconds

20

Coalescent* on binder, % (BOP)

15

VOC, g/L

119.8

VOC, lb/gal

1.0

Note, this level of coalescent is recommended for ambient drying conditions. Elevated
preheat or postheat temperatures would diminish or possibly eliminate the need for
coalescent.

FORMULATION TC-3001-BL1
18 PVC BLACK TOPCOAT FORMULATION
BASED ON RHOPLEX AC-3001 EMULSION
Materials

Pounds

Gallons

Cowles Grind
Water

121.8

14.62

Natrasol 250MR

1.1

0.10

Ammonia (28%)

0.5

0.07

12.1

1.31

3.8

0.51

174.5

4.55

48.3

2.06

605.1

68.92

43.6

5.81

3.2

0.41

Water

13.7

1.64

Totals

1027.7

100.00

TAMOL 731 (25%)

Nopco NXZ
Bayferrox 318M
WG-325 Mica
Letdown
RHOPLEX AC-3001 (48%)
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether*
Surfynol 104E

Formulation Constants
PVC, %

18

Volume solids, %

37.9

Weight solids, %

50.0

pH, Adjust with NH4OH (14%) to:

approx. 9.0

Viscosity, #4 Ford cup, seconds

18

Coalescent*, % on polymer solids

15

VOC, g/L

119.8

VOC, lb/gal

1.0

Note, this level of coalescent is recommended for ambient drying conditions. Elevated
preheat or postheat temperatures would diminish or possibly eliminate the need for
coalescent.

FORMULATION TC-3001-BR1
15 PVC BROWN TOPCOAT FORMULATION
BASED ON RHOPLEX AC-3001 EMULSION
Materials

Pounds

Gallons

Cowles Grind
Water

84.2

10.11

Natrasol 250HHR

0.7

0.06

Ammonia (28%)

0.4

0.05

TAMOL 731 (25%)

8.4

0.91

Nopco NXZ

2.1

0.28

Ti-Pure R-960

1.4

0.04

Bayferrox 318M

76.6

2.00

Bayferrox 130M

17.5

0.43

Bayferrox 3420

10.4

0.31

WG-325 Mica

62.6

2.67

620.5

70.67

43.8

5.83

0.9

0.09

Letdown
RHOPLEX AC-3001 (48%)
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether*
ACRYSOL RM-825 (25%)
Water

54.6

6.55

Totals

984.1

100.00

Formulation Constants
PVC, %

15

Volume solids, %

37.5

Weight solids, %

47.5

pH, Adjust with NH4OH (14%) to:

approx. 9.0

Viscosity, #4 Ford cup, seconds

20

Coalescent*, % on polymer solids

15

VOC, g/L

119.8

VOC, lb/gal

1.0

Note, this level of coalescent is recommended for ambient drying conditions. Elevated
preheat or postheat temperatures would diminish or possibly eliminate the need for
coalescent.

FORMULATION TC-3001-BR2
25 PVC BROWN TOPCOAT FORMULATION
BASED ON RHOPLEX AC-3001 EMULSION
Materials

Pounds

Gallons

Cowles Grind
Water

133.5

16.03

Natrasol 250HHR

1.1

0.10

Ammonia (28%)

0.6

0.08

13.3

1.44

3.3

0.44

TAMOL 731 (25%)

Nopco NXZ
Ti-Pure R-960

2.2

0.07

121.5

3.17

Bayferrox 130M

38.6

0.95

Bayferrox 3420

16.5

0.48

WG-325 Mica

99.4

4.24

523.3

59.51

25.1

5.01

1.3

0.14

Bayferrox 318M

Letdown
RHOPLEX AC-3001 (48%)
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether*
ACRYSOL RM-825 (25%)
Water

82.2

8.34

Totals

1061.9

100.00

Formulation Constants
PVC, %

25

Volume solids, %

35.9

Weight solids, %

50.0

pH, Adjust with NH4OH (14%) to:

approx. 9.0

Viscosity, #4 Ford cup, seconds

20

Coalescent*, % on polymer solids

15

VOC, g/L

107.8

VOC, lb/gal

0.9

Note, this level of coalescent is recommended for ambient drying conditions. Elevated
preheat or postheat temperatures would diminish or possibly eliminate the need for
coalescent.

FORMULATION TC-3001-GR1
20 PVC GREEN TOPCOAT FORMULATION
BASED ON RHOPLEX AC-3001 EMULSION
Materials

Pounds

Gallons

Cowles Grind
Water

102.3

12.28

Natrasol 250HHR

0.9

0.08

Ammonia (28%)

0.5

0.07

11.2

1.22

2.8

0.37

121.8

3.77

16.4

0.38

Bayferrox 318M

1.9

0.05

Bayferrox 3420

4.7

0.14

84.3

3.59

608.2

69.27

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether*

43.8

5.83

Water

24.6

2.95

Totals

1023.4

100.00

TAMOL 731 (25%)

Nopco NXZ
Ti-Pure R-960
Chrome Oxide Green, GN-M

WG-325 Mica
Letdown
RHOPLEX AC-3001 (48%)

Formulation Constants
PVC, %

20

Volume solids, %

39.3

Weight solids, %

51.0

pH, Adjust with NH4OH (14%) to:

approx. 9.0

Viscosity, #4 Ford cup, seconds

17

Coalescent*, % on polymer solids

15

VOC, g/L

119.8

VOC, lb/gal

1.0

Note, this level of coalescent is recommended for ambient drying conditions. Elevated
preheat or postheat temperatures would diminish or possibly eliminate the need for
coalescent.

SUPPLIERS OF SUGGESTED RAW MATERIALS

Trade Name

Type

Supplier

ACRYSOL RM-825

Rheology modifier

Rohm and Haas Company

Philadelphia, PA

Bayferrox 318M
Bayferrox 130M
Bayferrox 3420

Black pigment
Red pigment
Yellow pigment

Miles Inc.
Industrial Chemicals Div.
Pittsburgh, PA

Bubble Breaker 3056A

Defoamer

Witco Chemical Corp.

New York, NY

Butyl Cellosolve

Coalescent

Union Carbide Chem & Plas Co.

Danbury, CT

Chrome Oxide GN-M

Green pigment

Miles Inc., Industrial Chem Div.

Pittsburgh, PA

Dowanol PnB
Dowanol DPnB

Coalescents

Dow USA
Midland, MI

Drew L-108

Defoamer

Drew Industrial Div., Ashland

Boonton, NJ

Nopco NXZ

Defoamer

Henkel Corp., Organics Products

Ambler, PA

QP-4400

HEC Thickener

Union Carbide Chem & Plas Co.

Danbury, CT

Natrasol 250HHR
Natrasol 250MR

HEC Thickeners

Hercules Inc.
Wilmington, DE

Surfynol 104E
Surfynol 104H

Surfactants

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Allentown, PA

TAMOL 731

Dispersant

Rohm and Haas Company

Philadelphia, PA

Ti-Pure R-960

Titanium dioxide
pigment

DuPont Co., DuPont Chemicals

Wilmington, DE

Triton CF-10

Wetting agent

Union Carbide Chem & Plas Co.

Danbury, CT

WG-325 Mica

Extender

KMG Minerals, Inc.

Kings Mountain, GA

Safe Handling Information

Based on the character of similar materials, this product is not expected to be acutely toxic. It may be a mild to
moderate skin and eye irritant.
Rohm and Haas Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) contain pertinent information that you may need to protect
your employees and customers against any known health or safety hazards associated with our products.
Under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, workers must have access to and understand MSDS on all
hazardous substances to which they are exposed. Thus, it is important that you instruct your employees in the
proper use of the MSDS and that you make sure that the MSDS for all hazardous products in the workplace are
readily available.
Rohm and Haas Company sends MSDS on all of its products, whether or not OSHA classifies them as hazardous, to
both the "bill to" and "ship to" locations indicated on the invoice. If you do not have a MSDS for a Rohm and Haas
product you receive, please contact your local Rohm and Haas representative for a copy. When MSDS are revised,
the updates are sent to all customers of record. In addition, all customers of record receive new copies of our
MSDS annually.
MSDS should be obtained from the suppliers of other materials recommended in this bulletin.

ACRYSOL, RHOPLEX, PRIMAL, and TAMOL are trademarks of Rohm and Haas Company, Philadelphia, or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
ACRYSOL, RHOPLEX, and TAMOL are intended to designate goods marketed in North and South America; the same goods may be marketed
in other countries, generally under other Company trademark designations.
Suggestions for use of our products are based on information we believe to be reliable. They are offered in good faith, but without
guarantee, as conditions and methods of use of our products are beyond our control. We recommend that the prospective user determine
the suitability of our materials and suggestions before adopting them on a commercial scale. None of these suggestions should be construed
as recommending use of our products in violation of any patent or as permission or license to use any patents of Rohm and Haas Company.
Rohm and Haas Company maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all of its products described in this publication. As the MSDS
contain pertinent information that you may need to protect your employees and customers against any known health or safety hazards
associated with our products, we recommend that you obtain copies of these documents for each product before its use in your facilities. We
also suggest that you contact your suppliers of other materials recommended for use with our products for appropriate health and safety
precautions prior to their use.

Rohm and Haas, 2008

All rights reserved.