WO2018010615A1

WO2018010615A1 - Novel non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier for aqueous coating

Info

Publication number: WO2018010615A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/092345
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei-Jen Huang; Chun-Hung YEN; Tsai-Ling HUANG; Mei-Ching Lin; Hung-Yi Lin
Original assignee: Deuchem (Shanghai) Chemical Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-07-15
Filing date: 2017-07-10
Publication date: 2018-01-18
Also published as: CN107629538A; CN107629538B

Abstract

A non-ionic rheology modifier which comprises polyamides that are prepared from an acid-terminated polymer with capping by a polymer containing a non-ionic hydrophilic segment, and dispersing in water thereafter, is made for use in aqueous paint, and that provides excellent pigment suspension and rheological properties to the aqueous based coating.

Description

NOVEL NON-IONIC POLYAMIDE RHEOLOGY MODIFIER FOR AQUEOUS COATING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A non-ionic rheology modifier composition for aqueous paints which prevents settlement of pigments and solid particles in paints.

BACKGROUND

To prevent the settling of pigments or other finely divided solid particles used in the paint during storage, pigment suspension or anti-settling agents are added into the composition. The anti-settling agents can provide excellent pigment suspension and rheological properties to the aqueous coating composition. Applying pigment suspension or anti-settling agents can overcome the problem of settling that occurs in the paint. Without such anti-settling agents, pigments and other undissolved materials, upon settling, may be difficult to re-disperse in the coating system. The additive, anti-settling agent, is therefore in the art useful to control the rheological properties and pigment suspension properties of aqueous fluid systems containing finely divided solid particles and become easy to use.

Because the particle size of the pigment is large and the specific gravity is also large, aluminum pigments or pearlescent pigments such as mica or corrosion-resistant pigments as used in used in metallic paints and corrosion-resistant paints would cause settling readily in paint. In solvent type paints, amide wax type or polyethylene oxide wax type anti-settling agents are used for preventing settling, but many of these additives are unsuitable for use in aqueous paints.

A material which is useful as anti-settling or pigment suspension agents for organic (or non-aqueous) coating compositions is emulsifiable polyethylene wax dispersed in organic solvents. It was disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,123,488 and 3,184,233. U.S. Pat. No. 3,985,568 described a creamy paste comprising finely divided particles of an emulsifiable polyethylene wax suspended in a sulfated/sulfonated castor oil solution which is useful for modifying the rheological and suspension properties of non-aqueous fluid systems containing finely divided solid particles.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,678 discloses that applying a mixture of an amide wax, obtained by reacting hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid, or an organic mixture containing hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid with amines, into non-aqueous fluid systems can improve the rheological properties and suspension properties of non-aqueous fluid systems containing finely divided solid particles.

Thickeners such as fumed silica or clays such as montmorillonite, hectorite, or attapulgite have been used in aqueous coating systems to correct pigment settling problems. However, these materials have the disadvantage of lowering the gloss associated with the cured coating system and are difficult to use as a post-add correction at the completion of the preparation of a paint. These materials are difficult to disperse during the manufacture of a paint and require high shear mixing equipment to achieve adequate dispersion.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,376 discloses a method for forming ionic copolymer salts from low molecular weight copolymer acids formed from ethylene and an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having at least one carboxylic acid group, and cations having a valence of 1 to 3. These materials can be dispersion aids to disperse finely divided inert material such as pigments in a variety of non-aqueous polymer compositions including polypropylene and polyethylene.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,687 discloses a substance obtained by neutralizing, with a neutralizing agent, an emulsifying copolymer obtained from a α-olefin and an α, β-ethylenic unsaturated carboxylic acid. The composition performed as an aqueous anti-settling agent. This additive is liquid and thus has an advantage on handling, but it is insufficient in effect as an anti-settling agent for aluminum pigments or pearlescent pigments such as mica used in aqueous metallic paints.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,494 discloses an anti-settling agent for aqueous paint. The composition was obtained by the following process: a polyamide, which is obtained by reacting a primary diamine having 2 to 12 carbon atoms with, in an amount in excess to the diamine, a dimer dicarboxylic acid, obtained by polymerizing an unsaturated fatty acid (common name: dimer acid) , or a mixture of a dimer acid with another dicarboxylic acid having 3 to 21 carbon atoms and/or a monocarboxylic acid having 2 to 22 carbon atoms. The polyamide is neutralized with a neutralizing base, and then the neutralized polyamide is dispersed in a medium mainly composed of water.

In recent years, examination of aqueous paints has actively been made because of environmental and ease of use concerns. As a result anti-settling agents for aqueous systems are naturally sought. Although, as stated above, various ones have hitherto been proposed as aqueous anti-settling agents, they have had problems, e.g. that they are insufficient in effect to prevent the settling of pigments having large particle sizes and large specific gravities, for example, aluminum pigments and pearlescent pigments such as mica used in aqueous metallic paints, corrosion-resistant pigments used in aqueous corrosion-resistant paints. Additionally luster and water resistance are lowered.

Previously disclosed anti-settling agents having a polyamide composition included an aromatic solvent to improve the dehydration which would cause residual aromatic solvent to be left in the coating even though the a solvent removal process was applied (U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,494) . Additionally, many of the earlier anti-settling agents for aqueous coatings require the use of amine neutralizing agents. As a result the coating performance became sensitive to pH. In some instances, the neutralizing agent would also cause volatility problems.

The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art by providing excellent pigment suspension and rheological properties to aqueous coating compositions without amine neutralizing agent and consequent pH sensitivity.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides for a non-ionic rheology modifier composition for aqueous paints which is derived from a process having steps of: reacting a multi-acid terminated polyamide with a mono-epoxy terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment to thereby form a polymer； and dispersing the polymer in water with co-solvent to obtain the rheology modifier dispersion.

In another embodiment, the invention provides for a non-ionic rheology modifier composition for aqueous paints which is derived from a process which comprises: reacting a multi-acid terminated polyamide with an alkyl glycidyl ether to form an intermediate； reacting the intermediate with a mono-isocyanate terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment to thereby form a polymer； and dispersing the polymer in water with co-solvent to obtain the rheology modifier dispersion.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides for a non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier according to Formula (1)

. X in Formula (1) is multi-acid terminated polyamide,

n＝2～6, and Y in Formula (1) is one of more of the end groups including:

where R1 in Formula (1) is aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic end group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, R2 in Formula (1) is the residue part of diisocyanate compound selected from the group consisting of toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-4, 4'-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-4, 4'-di-isocyanate, 1, 4-bis (2-isocyanato-2-yl) benzene, trimethyl hexamethylene diisocyanate, and X’ in is poly (C_2-4 alkylene oxide) .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The object of this invention is to provide an anti-settling agent or pigment suspension agent from an aromatic free and non-volatile process, which is more eco-friendly when compared to the present materials used for anti-settling and pigment suspension in the aqueous coating systems. The anti-settling agent is easy to handle, and is readily incorporated into aqueous compositions. Moreover, by using raw materials with designed composition instead of mixtures, the process and the ratio of compositions are controlled in the manufacture of the materials used for anti-settling in our invention, the physical properties and the application properties are also controllable. Embodiments of rheological additives to achieve this object are described herein.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides for a non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier which may be obtained from a process which comprises reacting a multi-acid terminated polyamide with a mono-epoxy terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment. Subsequently, the polyamide is dispersed in water with co-solvent to obtain the rheology modifier at 25％solid content.

In some embodiments, the multi-acid terminated polyamide is made by reacting at least one dicarboxylic acid and/or tricarboxylic acid having 3 to 54 carbon atoms and with at least one diamine. In such embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of propanedioic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, isophthalic acid and dimerized fatty acid. In another embodiment, the tricarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, propane-1, 2, 3-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-butanetricarboxylic acid, benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, biphenyl-3, 4’ , 5-tricarboxylic acid and trimerized fatty acid. In each of the foregoing embodiments, the diamine is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine, 1, 4-diaminobutane, hexamethylenediamine, 1, 10-decamethylenediamine, 1, 11-undecamethylenediamine, 1, 12-dodecamethylenediamine, xylenediamine and 4, 4’ -diaminodiphenylmethane.

In some embodiments, a mono-epoxy terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment is made by reacting an epichlorohydrin with a mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound, or by reacting monoalkyl acid with di-glycidyl capped non-ionic hydrophilic compound. In such embodiments, the mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound has a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 3000 g/mole and comprises a poly (C_2-4alkylene oxide) and having an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic end group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.

In some embodiments where a monoalkyl acid is reacted with di-glycidyl capped non-ionic hydrophilic compound, a monoalkyl acid is selected from a group consisting of acetic acid, butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behemic acid, 1, 2-hydroxystearic acid, and oleic acid. In such embodiments, the non-ionic hydrophilic segment of di-glycidyl capped compound has a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 3000 and comprises poly (C_2-4alkylene oxide) segment containing 10％-100％ethylene oxide groups.

Each of the foregoing embodiments of multi-acid terminated polyamide and mono-epoxy terminated polymer may be combined as different embodiments of a non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier.

Another embodiment of the disclosure provides for a non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier which may be obtained from a process which comprises reacting a multi-acid terminated polyamide with an alkyl glycidyl ether to form an intermediate and then reacting the intermediate with a mono-isocyanate terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment.

In one embodiment, the multi-acid terminated polyamide is made by reacting at least one dicarboxylic acid and/or tricarboxylic acid having 3 to 54 carbon atoms and with at least one diamine. In such embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of propanedioic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, isophthalic acid and dimerized fatty acid. In another embodiment, the tricarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, propane-1, 2, 3-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-butanetricarboxylic acid, benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, biphenyl-3, 4’ , 5-tricarboxylic acid and trimerized fatty acid. In each of the foregoing embodiments, the diamine is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine, 1, 4-diaminobutane, hexamethylenediamine, 1, 10-decamethylenediamine, 1, 11-undecamethylenediamine, 1, 12-dodecamethylenediamine, xylenediamine and 4, 4’ -diaminodiphenylmethane.

In one embodiment, the alkyl glycidyl ether is selected from the group consisting of alkyl glycidyl ether with alkyl C2-C16, ex: ethyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl isopropyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl isobutyl ether, tert-butyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, decyl glycidyl ether, dodecyl glycidyl ether, tetradodecyl glycidyl ether and glycidyl hexadecyl ether.

In another embodiment, the mono-isocyanate terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment is made by reacting a diisocyanate with mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound. In such embodiments, the diisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-4, 4'-Diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-4, 4'-di-isocyanate, 1, 4-bis (2-isocyanato-2-yl) benzene, trimethyl hexamethylene diisocyanate, or mixtures of such diisocyanates. In such embodiments, the mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound has a molecular weight ranging from M from 500 to 3000 g/mole and comprises a poly (C_2-4alkylene oxide) having an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic end group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.

Each of the foregoing embodiments of multi-acid terminated polyamide, alkyl glycidyl ether and mono-isocyanate terminated polymer may be combined as different embodiments of a non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier.

For each of the foregoing embodiments of non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier, the co-solvent is selected from a group consisting of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether butyl Cellosolve solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol acetate, methyl-5- (dimethylamino) -2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate, N-formylmorpholine.

In another embodiment of the disclosure provides for a non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier according to Formula (1)

wherein X is multi-acid terminated polyamide and n＝2～6. Y in Formula (1) is one of more of the end groups selected from the group consisting of:

In some embodiments, R1 is aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic end group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. In some other embodiments, R2 is the residue part of diisocyanate compound selected from the group consisting of toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-4, 4'-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-4, 4'-di-isocyanate, 1, 4-bis (2-isocyanato-2-yl) benzene, trimethyl hexamethylene diisocyanate,

and X’ is poly (C_2-4 alkylene oxide) .

EXAMPLES

Example A-1: Multi-Acid Terminated Polyamide Synthesis

0.49 mole of dimer acid and 0.11 mole of adipic acid were charged in a 1L four-necked flask equipped with a stirring apparatus, a thermos-regulator, a diversion device and a nitrogen-inducing tube, then stirred and heated to 50℃. 0.4 mole of ethylenediamine was gradually added and the exothermic situation was observed, the mixture was stirred and gradually heated to 175℃ to carry out dehydration reaction. A brown multi-acid terminated polyamide A-1 with acid value of 74 mg KOH/g was obtained by two (2) hour reaction.

Examples A-2-A-8: Multi-Acid Terminated Polyamide Synthesis Examples

Other multi-acid terminated polyamide synthesis examples were carried out according to the synthesis method of Example 1 with the composition showed in Table 1 to obtain multi-acid terminated polyamides A-2 to A-8.

Table 1 Composition of Synthesis Examples of Multi-Acid Terminated Polyamides

Examples B1-B2: Mono-Epoxy Terminated Polymer With Non-Ionic Hydrophilic Segment Synthesis

MPEG1000 was charged in a four necked round bottom flask equipped with a stirring apparatus, a cold water condenser, a thermo-regulator and a nitrogen-inducing tube. An equal equivalent epichlorohydrin was dropwise added into flask, the reaction was carried out at 60℃for three (3) hours and further extracted with 5％NaOH aqueous solution by separatory funnel to obtained the mono-epoxy capping polymer with non-ionic hydrophilic segment B-1.

Di-glycidyl PEG1000 and triethylamine as catalyst were charged in a four necked round bottom flask equipped with a stirring apparatus, a cold water condenser, a thermo-regulator and a nitrogen-inducing tube. Half-equivalent lauric acid was pre-melt at 70℃ and gradually added into flask, the reaction was carried out at 85℃ for six (6) hours to obtain the mono-epoxy capping polymer with non-ionic hydrophilic segment B-2.

Table 2 Synthesis Examples of Mono-Epoxy Terminated Polymer With Non-Ionic Hydrophilic Segment

Examples C1-C2: Mono-isocyanate Terminated Polymer with Non-Ionic Hydrophilic Segment Synthesis

One (1) mole of MPEG550 was charged in a 1L four-necked flask equipped with a stirring apparatus, a thermo-regulator and a nitrogen-inducing tube, heated to 70℃, when the MPEG compound melted, one (1) mole of IPDI was gradually added into the flask, then cooled to 50℃, added 0.15 wt％of triethylamine. A mono-isocyanate terminated polymer synthesis example C-1 was obtained in which the NCO％changed from 10.8％to 5.4％.

The mono-isocyanate terminated polymer synthesis example C-2 was carried out according to the synthesis step of example C-1, and the target intermediate was obtained in which the NCO％changed from 6.9％to 3.45％.

Table 3 Synthesis Examples of Mono-isocyanate Terminated Polymer with Non-Ionic Hydrophilic Segment

Example 1: Non-Ionic Polyamide Rheology Modifier Synthesis

One (1) mole of multi-acid terminated polyamide A-1 and 2 mole of mono-epoxy terminated polymer B-1 were charged in a four necked round bottom flask equipped with a stirring apparatus, a cold water condenser, a thermo-regulator and a nitrogen-inducing tube. 0.15 wt％of triethyl amine as catalyst added into flask and the reaction was carried out at 120℃ for six (6) hours to obtain the non-ionic rheology modifier example 1.

Examples 2-4: Non-Ionic Polyamide Rheology Modifier Synthesis Examples

Other non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier synthesis examples were carried out according to the synthesis method of Example 1 with the composition showed in Table 4 to obtain non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier examples 2 to 4.

Example 5: Non-Ionic Polyamide Rheology Modifier Synthesis

One (1) mole of multi-acid terminated polyamide A-3 was charged in a four necked round bottom flask equipped with a stirring apparatus, a cold water condenser, a thermo-regulator and a nitrogen-inducing tube, heated to 120℃ to melt, 2 mole of BGE, 0.15 wt％of triethylamine as catalyst were added in flask, then the hydroxyl polyamide intermediate with acid value<1 mg KOH/g was obtained by carrying out the reaction at 120℃ for six (6) hours, then cooled to 70℃, and two (2) mole of mono-isocyanate terminated polymer C-1 was added into the flask and react with the hydroxyl polyamide intermediate for five (5) hours while the NCO％is lower than 0.1％to obtain the non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier.

Example 6-12: Non-Ionic Polyamide Rheology Modifier Synthesis Examples

Other non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier synthesis examples were carried out according to the synthesis method of Example 5 with the composition showed in TABLE 4 to obtain non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier examples 6-12.

Table 4 Synthesis Examples of Non-Ionic Polyamide Rheology Modifier

TEST EXAMPLE

Performance test of non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier for aqueous paint was carried out on aqueous styrene acrylic resin paint of the following composition in Table 5.

Table 5 Composition of Aqueous Styrene Acrylic Resin Paint

Method of the preparation of aqueous paints:

DI-water, Levelol W-469, DAPRO DF677, AS2610 and Deuadd MA-95 (10％) are mixed under stirring to give a basic coating as Part A. BG and DI-water used as co-solvent, NUOSPESE FN265 and AWA40596 (50％) are mixed under stirring to give an aluminum paste as Part B. Part B is added into Part A under stirring, then add rheology modifier and thickener Rheolate 150 to give an aqueous paint.

Evaluation of KU viscosity and Brookfield viscosity of aqueous paints:

The KU viscosities of the aqueous paints were measured by KU viscometer at 25℃ for initial and overnight.

The Brookfield viscosities (cPs) at 25℃ in 10 rpm to 100 rpm of the aqueous paints are measured using a DV-II viscometer with spindle LV3, and the ratio (viscosity at 10 rpm/viscosity at 100 rpm) is calculated.

Anti-settling test:

The paint is diluted with deionized water so that the viscosity measured using a NK2 viscosity cup may be 12 to 15 seconds (25℃) , the diluted paint is transferred into a 50-mL glass test tube, and the percentage of the volume of the AWA40596 which settled to the volume of the whole paint is measured.

Table 6 Performance Test of Examples (2％Dosage)

(Continued) Table 6 Performance Test of Examples (2％Dosage)

Results of performance test of non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier for aqueous paint were shown in Table 6. The results showed that the rheology modifier in this invention exerts good effect in thixotropic properties, prevention of settling of metallic pigment and contributes to an improved pigment orientation of metal pigment when using in aqueous paint system.

Claims

A non-ionic rheology modifier composition for aqueous paints which is derived from a process which comprises:

(1) reacting a multi-acid terminated polyamide with a mono-epoxy terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment to thereby form a polymer； and

(2) dispersing the polymer in water with co-solvent to obtain the rheology modifier dispersion.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 1, wherein the multi-acid terminated polyamide is obtained by reacting at least one dicarboxylic acid and/or tricarboxylic acid having 3 to 54 carbon atoms with at least one diamine.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 2, wherein the dicarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of propanedioic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, isophthalic acid and dimerized fatty acid.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 2, wherein the tricarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of, citric acid, propane-1, 2, 3-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-butanetricarboxylic acid, benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, biphenyl-3, 4’ , 5-tricarboxylic acid and trimerized fatty acid.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 2 wherein the diamine is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine, 1, 4-diaminobutane, hexamethylenediamine, 1, 10-decamethylenediamine, 1, 11-undecamethylenediamine, 1, 12-dodecamethylenediamine, xylenediamine and 4, 4’ -diaminodiphenylmethane.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 1, wherein the mono-epoxy terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment is obtained by

(1) reacting an epichlorohydrin with a mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound or

(2) reacting a monoalkyl acid with a di-glycidyl terminated non-ionic hydrophilic compound.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 6, wherein the mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound comprises a poly (C_2-4alkylene oxide) having an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic end group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms and wherein the mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound has a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 3000 g/mole.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 6, wherein the monoalkyl acid is selected from a group consisting of acetic acid, butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, 1, 2-hydroxystearic acid, and oleic acid.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 6, wherein the non-ionic hydrophilic segment of the i-glycidyl terminated non-ionic hydrophilic compound has a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 3000 and comprises a segment of poly (C_2-4-alkylene oxide) containing 10％-100％ethylene oxide groups.
A non-ionic rheology modifier composition for aqueous paints which is derived from a process which comprises:

(1) reacting a multi-acid terminated polyamide with an alkyl glycidyl ether to form an intermediate；

(2)reacting the intermediate with a mono-isocyanate terminated polymer having a non-ionic hydrophilic segment to thereby form a polymer； and

(3) dispersing the polymer in water with co-solvent to obtain the rheology modifier dispersion.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 10, wherein the multi-acid terminated polyamide is obtained by reacting at least one dicarboxylic acid and/or tricarboxylic acid having 3 to 54 carbon atoms with at least one diamine.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 11, wherein the dicarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of propanedioic acid, succinic acid, glutamic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, isophthalic acid and dimerized fatty acid.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 11, wherein the tricarboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of, citric acid, propane-1, 2, 3-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-butanetricarboxylic acid, benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid, 1, 2, 4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, biphenyl-3, 4’ , 5-tricarboxylic acid and trimerized fatty acid.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 11 wherein the diamine is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine, 1, 4-diaminobutane, hexamethylenediamine, 1, 10-decamethylenediamine, 1, 11-undecamethylenediamine, 1, 12-dodecamethylenediamine, xylenediamine and 4, 4’ -diaminodiphenylmethane.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 10, wherein the alkyl glycidyl ether is selected from the group consisting of alkyl glycidyl ether wherein the alkyl group has two to sixteen carbon atoms, such as ethyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl isopropyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl isobutyl ether, tert-butyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, decyl glycidyl ether, dodecyl glycidyl ether, tetradodecyl glycidyl ether and glycidyl hexadecyl ether.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 10, wherein the mono-isocyanate terminated polymer is made by reacting a diisocyanate with mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 11, wherein the diisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-4, 4'-Diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-4, 4'-di-isocyanate, 1, 4-bis (2-isocyanato-2-yl) benzene, trimethyl hexamethylene diisocyanate, or mixtures of such diisocyanates.
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 11, wherein the mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound comprises a poly (C_2-4alkylene oxide) _n and an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic end group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms and wherein the mono-hydroxyl non-ionic hydrophilic compound has a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 3000 g/mole, .
The non-ionic rheology modifier composition of claim 1 or claim 10, wherein the co-solvent is selected from a group consisting of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether butyl Cellosolve solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol acetate, methyl-5-(dimethylamino) -2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate, N-formylmorpholine.
A non-ionic polyamide rheology modifier according to Formula (1)

wherein X is multi-acid terminated polyamide, n＝2～6, and Y in Formula (1) is one of more of the end groups selected from the group consisting of:

where R1 is aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic end group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms,

R2 is the residue part of diisocyanate compound selected from the group consisting of toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate, dicyclohexylmethane-4, 4'-di-isocyanate, 1, 4-bis (2-isocyanato-2-yl) benzene, trimethyl hexamethylene diisocyanate,

and X’ is poly (C_2-4 alkylene oxide) .
The composition according to claim 20, wherein Y is:
The composition according to claim 20, wherein Y is:
The composition according to claim 20, wherein Y is: