Utilising statistical analysis to deliver quicker and better results: A rheology case study

 
Paint formulation is usually a balancing act. Changing ingredients and/or formulation parameters (e.g. solids) usually affect multiple properties. A common challenge for formulators is finding the balance to hit multiple specifications. "Tweaking" has been a common approach to formulation optimisation, however, it usually involves uncertainty with multiple trial iterations, extending the work needed, uncertain timeframes and may not deliver a truly optimised solution. This paper describes a case where statistical analysis and design of experiment methodologies were used to develop the desired rheology profile (i.e. high/mid/low shear) for a product by optimising levels of three associative thickeners. The result suggested that both efficiency and accuracy of the project delivery can be improved by taking the approach described.