The product guide for

Bermocoll ®

in latex paint
Committed to sustainability
and innovation

Growth driven by innovation Downstream, we focus on expanding our

We invest significantly in R&D to drive growth portfolio of eco-premium products, which
through innovation, create more profitable, safer, have a significant sustainability benefit over
and more sustainable products and processes, common alternatives.
develop our own capabilities, and improve
the way we work. We believe that being open to
the ideas and enthusiasm of outside collaborators
will help our company achieve its maximum
We see sustainability not
potential and lead the way to a more sustainable just as the right thing to do,
chemical industry.
but as a true business
Sustainability is a cornerstone opportunity that delivers
of our overall strategy to achieve
long term success value to everyone involved.
We have long been an industry leader in sustain-
ability and our commitment to sustainability
remains unchanged going forward. We take Backed up by our commitment to Product
pride in improving our environmental impact and Stewardship we believe that supplying the right
maximizing our positive societal impact. chemistry goes beyond just selling products.
Our efforts have been rewarded. The ISO 9001 and
On a daily basis we strive to do more with less, ISO 14001certification awarded for innovation,
reducing carbon emissions through a combi- purchasing, operations, marketing and distribution
nation of improved energy efficiency, increased of Bermocoll® are only the first steps on the road
use of renewable energy, and higher use of bio- to fulfilling our ambitions - to meet customers’
based raw materials in production. request for competitive, environmentally sound,
and profitable products today and tomorrow.

Bermocoll® is a registered trademark in

many countries.

2
Our Bermocoll
portfolio

Bermocoll® cellulose ethers are manu- Bermocoll® cellulose ethers are manufactured
by a unique, solvent-free process, ensuring our
factured by a unique, solvent-free process,
customers a low carbon footprint. They are
ensuring you a reliable product with a available in all required viscosities and a range
low carbon footprint. of modifications to ensure we meet every
customers’ needs.

Rheology of coatings
Bermocoll makes a difference Rheology is the science of deformation and flow
with reliable rheology of materials. Every material is influenced by external
We at Nouryon have been serving the paint forces. For paint, these forces can range from
industry around the world for more than 75 gravitational forces, which influence phenomena
years with our brand Bermocoll®, a range of such as sedimentation, leveling and sagging, to
non-ionic cellulose ethers. Bermocoll® is used as the very high shear forces that act on the paint
a rheology modifier, stabilizer and water retaining when it is brushed, rolled or sprayed. Viscosity is
agent for water-based decorative paints. a measure of a material’s resistance to flow.
Reliable rheology
solutions

Bermocoll® Prime
– high performance grades
We know that a high application viscosity is Superior color stability and
essential for good film build and hiding power. excellent color development
That’s why our Bermocoll Prime contributes to Excellent color stability is achieved with Bermocoll
the medium and high shear viscosity to a much Prime within a wide range of colorants and latex
greater extent than regular cellulose ethers. binders. Bermocoll Prime is designed with
particular attention to color acceptance and
Prime grades Viscosity (mPa.s) in color development and offers reliable color
1% water solution
performance. This means that the color appears
Bermocoll Prime 1000 500 – 900 in a uniform homogenous manner and at the
Bermocoll Prime 1500 900 – 1500 expected color strength. Color acceptance is
Bermocoll Prime 2500 2200 – 3200 related to the compatibility, distribution and
Bermocoll Prime 3500 3000 – 4000 stability of the colorant in the base paint.

Bermocoll Prime has been developed as the Efficient thickening and

next generation of cellulose ethers. It can be good stability at low addition rate
used in all types of latex paints ranging from Paints formulated with Bermocoll Prime show
low to high PVC. This new product is suitable very stable and constant viscosity even when
for all types of interior and exterior paints and stored at elevated temperatures and are very
the advantages are most apparent in flat to versatile with respect to compatibility with
semigloss finishes. different kinds of binders.

Performance advantages
• Advanced color compatibility and
rheology control to enhance touch
up properties
• Optimal rheology profile
• Versatile

4
Superior color stability and excellent color development

Good color acceptance Poor color acceptance

Color acceptance, violet 3% – typical dispersing agents

dE(00)

2.0 Bermocoll Prime

Cellulosic thickener 2
Cellulosic thickener 1

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.7
Salt of acrylic polymer Sodium hexameta­phosphate Salt of hydrophobic copolymer Salt of carboxylic acid polymer

Flat paint formulation Viscosity in water solution (Pa.s)

Bermocoll Prime was tested in a system
known to be sensitive with respect to
color acceptance. The tinters used were
of different color shades that are known Brookfield
viscosity
to be problematic. A range of different
dispersants were tested.

Optimal rheology profile Standard Bermocoll

Bermocoll Prime In can Application
Bermocoll Prime is less shear thinning than viscosity viscosity

­Bermocoll Standard. With a comparable

viscos­ity in paint Bermocoll Prime has
lower Brookfield viscosity in water solution. 0.01 0.10 1.00 10.00 100.0 1000 10 000
Shear rate (1/s)

5
It’s a matter
of spatter

Bermocoll® EHM
– associative grades
Bermocoll® EHM is a non-ionic associative
cellulose-based polymer with enhanced
enzymatic resistance. We developed it in
order to improve the rheological properties
in latex paints. Bermocoll® EHM combines
the performance of low viscosity cellulose
with high thickening efficiency.

EHM grades Viscosity (mPa.s) in Spatter resistance

1% water solution

Bermocoll EHM 200 350 – 700 9 * = Dosage

Bermocoll EHM 300 1700 – 3000 0.5* 0.5* 0.48*

8
Bermocoll EHM 500 7000 – 10 000
Bermocoll EHM Extra 250 – 450 7
0.4*
6 0.35*

Performance advantages 5
0.3*

• Combines advantages of cellulose

4
ethers with rheological properties
of synthetic associative thickeners 3

• Low spatter 0.35*

2
• Good leveling
1
• Enhanced brushing viscosity
0
HM-HEC 1 HM-HEC 2 EHM Extra EHM 200 EHM 300 EHM 500 Standard CE

Below, from left to right, spatter from:

EHM Extra EHM 200 EHM 300 EHM 500 Standard

6
Bermocoll® EHM Extra
– high performing associative grade
Bermocoll EHM Extra is specially Paint rheology, higher ICI viscosity
developed to meet the demand With equal dosage and Stormer viscosity (KU), Bermocoll EHM Extra
for high-quality paint and next achieves higher ICI viscosity than competitor products – demonstrating
generation cellulose derivatives. the robust and reproducible thickening character of our product. The higher
It maintains all of the advantages of ICI viscosity contributes to an improved film build and thus better coverage.
existing hydrophobically modified
products, while boosting additional
properties such as higher application
(ICI) viscosity, color acceptance, Application (ICI) viscosity
ICI viscosity (P)
reduced color float and enhanced
1.1 Vinyl acrylic binder
storage stability. Vinyl acetate/Ethylene binder

1.0

Performance advantages
• Excellent application
0.9
properties for outstanding
coverage and film build
• Superior storage stability
with minimal syneresis
0.8
• Extremely good application
properties, such as spatter
and sag resistance
0.7
Bermocoll Bermocoll HM-HEC HEC Bermocoll Bermocoll HM-HEC HEC
EHM Extra EHM 200 EHM Extra EHM 200

Hiding power
EHM Extra EHM 500 EBS 481 FQ

7
Biostable and
well-proven

Bermocoll® E, EBS and EM

– standard grades
When choosing the viscosity type of Bermocoll Standard grades Viscosity (mPa.s) in water solution
you should consider its influences on a number 1% 2%
of properties in the paint. Leveling, hiding power Bermocoll E 230 FQ 260 – 360
and spatter will be better when using medium Bermocoll E 320 FQ 1850 – 2650
and low viscosity grades due to their more
Bermocoll EBS 351 FQ 5000 – 6000
Newtonian character. On the other hand
Bermocoll EBS 451 FQ 3000 – 4000
the higher viscosity grades offer improved
cost efficiency and water resistance because Bermocoll EBS 481 FQ 4000 – 6000
of lower addition levels. Bermocoll EM 7000 FQ 6000 – 8000

Performance advantages
cellulose ethers versus synthetics Open time

• Water retention - Bermocoll helps to retain

the water within the paint film and also to
delay it from penetrating into the substrate or
evaporating. This gives an increased open time.

• Contribute to dispersion by improving

flow during grinding.

• Contribute to stabilization
(prevent flocculation) of pigments. Storage stability
Bermocoll Synthetic thickener
(50° C, 2 weeks)
• Robust/Stable viscosity and creamy texture.

• Natural renewable polymer with chief

component wood pulp or cotton linters.

Performance advantages: Low viscous

• Maximum open time/water retention
• Leveling Color floating
Bermocoll Synthetic thickener
• High application (ICI) viscosity (50° C, 2 weeks)

Performance advantages: High viscous

• Efficiency
• Texture
• Economic

8
High efficiency and
excellent stability

Bermocoll® EBM
– high viscosity grades
High viscosity products with enhanced
stability. Our EBM grades are especially
appreciated in high PVC formulations like
joint compounds, distempers and putties
because of their good compatibility with
fillers. Bermocoll EBM is suitable for both
paint and building applications.

Unique enzyme resistance

Bermocoll® EBM 10 000 is specially
developed to meet the demand for a
high viscous thickener with an excellent
stability against enzymatic attack.

EBM grades Viscosity (mPa.s) in Enzyme resistance

1% water solution Retained viscosity in %

Bermocoll EBM 5500 5000 – 6500 100

Bermocoll EBM 8000 7000 – 9000

95
Bermocoll EBM 10 000 10 000 – 15 000
90

85

80

Performance advantages 75

• High viscosity grades hence

highly efficient 70

• Outstanding enzyme stability 65

• Especially appreciated in high

PVC formulations 60

• Excellent storage stability 55

and color acceptance
50
Bermocoll Bermocoll Biostable Regular MHPC
EBM Prime HEC HEC

9
10
Causes and cures
Guidance for latex paint formulation with Bermocoll®

Problem Cause Cure

Manufacturing
Lump formation during • Wrong type of Bermocoll used • Use only Bermocoll paint grades
dissolving of Bermocoll • pH of water too high • Add acetic acid
• pH of solution too high • Add Bermocoll directly after adding water – then
add alkaline ingredients, e.g. pigment dispersant
Too slow dissolving • Neutral or acidic water • Increase pH
• Temperature too low
Too fast dissolving • pH too high • Decrease pH
• Hard water/ high pH
• Temperature too high
Foam development during grinding • Surface active products (Bermocoll, • Add the right foam suppressor before Bermocoll
­surfactants, pigment dispersant) and other surface active products
Final viscosity too low • Inadequate amount of Bermocoll • Post addition of slurry of Bermocoll
or polyurethane thickener
Final viscosity too high • Incorrect amount or type of Bermocoll • Use lower addition level
• Use lower viscosity grade

Application
Spatter from roller • Too elastic thickener • Use Bermocoll low viscosity grade
or EHM grade
• Use polyurethane thickener in
combination with Bermocoll
Brush resistance too low • Low application viscosity • Use Bermocoll low viscosity grade
or EHM grade
Poor open time • Insufficient water retention • Increase Bermocoll addition level
• Add glycol
Poor hiding power • Low application viscosity • Use Bermocoll low viscosity grade
or use EHM grade

Dried film
Poor gloss • Cellulose ethers not suitable • Use polyurethane thickener
in high gloss paints
Poor leveling • Rheological character of the paint • Use Bermocoll low viscosity grade or EHM grade
• Use polyurethane thickener in
combination with Bermocoll
Inadequate wet scrub resistance • Water sensitivity of film • Reduce surface active ingredients

Storage
Drop in viscosity • Enzymatic degradation • Use enzyme stable Bermocoll grades
• Bacterial contamination • Clean production equipment
• Change bactericide
Increase in viscosity • Insufficient amount of dispersant • Increase pigment dispersant
• Interaction Bermocoll / Latex • Use non-ionic surfactants
• Use new generation Bermocoll
Separation • Low shear viscosity too low • Increase Bermocoll addition or use
higher viscosity grade
Syneresis • Insufficient colloidal stabilization • Add non-ionic surfactants
• Use new generation Bermocoll

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Incorporating
Bermocoll

The method of choice for incorporating As a slurry

Slurries containing up to 15–20% Bermocoll are
Bermocoll is yours. We will make sure
readily made by dispersing a Bermocoll paint
you will get the high quality you deserve. grade either in water or in a suitable organic
solvent. Such slurries are generally usable within
half an hour after preparation. When working
Bermocoll cellulose ethers can be incorporated with aqueous slurries of Bermocoll paint grades,
into the paint in different ways and at several the pH must be 7 or less.
stages during the manufacturing process. We
recommend the following three main addition As a stock solution
methods to be considered: as a dry powder Stock solutions are made by adding Bermocoll
(“batch in one”), as a slurry, and as a stock solution. powder to water and stirring until the thickener
All three methods have their pros and cons. Your is dissolved. We recommend a concentration
choice of method will mainly be dependent upon of 2–5% depending on the Bermocoll type.
the type of equipment and process you use. When using a Bermocoll paint grade, the water
should be neutral or slightly acid. If it is alkaline
As a dry powder when adding Bermocoll paint, the thickener will
Bermocoll paint grades can be added as a dry dissolve too quickly, forming an insoluble gel
powder directly to the batch of water in the instead of a solution. If you’re planning to store
pigment grind. When added, the water should stock solutions for a prolonged length of time,
be neutral or slightly acid. Alkaline ingredients we recommend that stock solutions should be
are added after thorough dispersion of the protected from micro-organisms by using a
cellulose ether. We have seen that with this suitable preservative.
method, the dispersion power of Bermocoll is
utilized during the subsequent grinding.

Bermocoll paint grade, influence of pH at 20°C. Bermocoll paint grade, influence of temperature at pH 7.
Relative viscosity in % Dissolving time, minutes

100 120

100
 80 pH 10
pH 8
pH 7  80
 60
 60
 40
 40

 20
 20

  0   0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Time, minutes Temperature °C
12
Bermocoll is also suitable
for use in eductors where
the slurry concentration can
be even higher, up to 30%.

13
Who we are and
what we do

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. Bermocoll locations:

Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our
essential solutions to manufacture everyday Service center
products, such as personal care, cleaning goods, Bridgewater (NJ), USA
paints and coatings, agriculture and food,
pharmaceuticals, and building products.
Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900
employees with a shared commitment to our
customers, business growth, safety, sustainability
and innovation has resulted in a consistently
strong financial performance. We operate in over
80 countries around the world with a portfolio of
industry-leading brands.

Your partner in essential solutions

for a sustainable future

Paints and Coatings, one of the Nouryon business lines,

have a unique technology base and profound experience
of high quality cellulose ethers as well as surfactants.

Reliable rheology solutions Surfactants for improved

Bermocoll , our well-known range of non-ionic cellulose
®
paint performance
ethers, are used as rheology modifiers, stabilizers and We provide the paints and coatings industry
water retaining agents for water-based decorative paints with a wide range of surfactants for improved
and coatings. wetting, pigment dispersing, paint compatibility
and much more.
Our research and product development has always been
guided by our customers and their requirements. We strive Our surfactants brand names are: Berol, Ethylan,
to be the most reliable and dedicated supplier of cellulose Phospholan, Alcosperse, Amadol among others.
ethers to the water-based paint industry.

14
 Research and development/
Business and service center
Stenungsund/Gothenburg, Sweden

Production site
Örnsköldsvik, Sweden

Business and service center

Shanghai, P.R. China

Business and service center

Dubai, UAE

Business and service center

Singapore

Production site
Ningbo, P.R. China

15
bermocoll.com
Bermocoll® is a registered trademark in many countries.

Nouryon is a global, specialty chemicals leader. This document contains select information
relating only to the product(s) and/or end
Markets and consumers worldwide rely on our use(s) identified. All information contained
herein is offered in good faith and are
essential solutions to manufacture everyday believed to be reliable. Nouryon, however,
makes no warranty as to the accuracy and/
products, such as personal care, cleaning or sufficiency of such information, as to the
goods, paints and coatings, agriculture and merchantability or fitness of the product(s)
listed for any particular purpose, or that
food, pharmaceuticals, and building products. any suggested use will not infringe any
patent. Any person using the product(s) must
Furthermore, the dedication of more than 7,900 determine for themselves, by preliminary tests
or otherwise, the suitability of the product(s)
employees with a shared commitment to our for their purposes. This disclaimer is effective
customers, business growth, safety, sustainability to the extent allowed by law and any
provisions ruled not recognized or deemed
and innovation has resulted in a consistently unsuitable are considered severed from the
September 2021

disclaimer and the remaining provisions shall

strong financial performance. We operate in over continue to have the full force and effect.
80 countries around the world with a portfolio
of industry-leading brands. Visit our website and
follow us @Nouryon and on LinkedIn. nouryon.com