The gelatinizers VORTEXCLAY are organic derivatives from a specific clay formed by "Katzmetit", belonging to the  Pyrophilites group. Chemically, they are Silicate-Aluminate hydrated compounds, very stratified; it means, like very thin flakes. They can absorb large volumes of liquids, which, by penetrating the flakes they swell  forming very stable gels

The organic part with which the Katzmetit is treated, determines the type of CATONE obtained. This has many hydrocarbons chains that, while reacting with the Katzmetit, they finally surround the flakes surface completely, to which they bond, according to John W. Jordan, due to secondary valency strengths. 

Thus, for example the VORTEXCLAY V34 is formed with lineal chain hydrocarbons or Aliphatic. Therefore, the best gels wil be formed with those kind of solvents; it means, with white spirits and its derivatives. Its most recommended application is in all those low polarity organic chemical formulations. 

The VORTEXCLAY V38 is formed with cyclical chain hydrocarbons or Aromatic. Therefore, the best gels will be formed with those kind of solvents, such as : Toluene, Xylol, etc. Its most recommended application is in  the different organic formulations, usually of high polarity. 

Regarding the VORTEXCLAY SD1 and 1000, it is formed with combined chains of Aliphatic and Aromatic hydrocarbons. Hence, although it forms gels with both types of solvents, their performance is below the one of the VORTEXCLAYS previously mentioned in their specific solvents. But its aplication is more universal, embracing the range of low and high polarity organic chemical formulations. 

Their choice will be subject to their compatibility with the final product the Pre-gel will be applied to. (For example Methanol cannot be used in those Pre-gels for Cosmetics, but Ethanol can be used). 

Although 5 minutes past from the polar Activator adding by fast agitation, the separation of most parts of  Microflakes would have already been achieved, and therefore the Gel formation, its higher viscosity will be achieved within 30 minutes.

5.- MOST COMMON APPLICATIONS OF VORTEXCLAY
We have already mentioned that the Gels VORTEXCLAY are practically inert, hence, they won´t react chemically with the organic formulations  to which they may be added. Its main function will be, appart from increasing the medium viscosity, to act as a "Colloid Protector"; it means, coating with a very thin layer of Gel each solid particle (pigments and charges) suspended in the medium. This Colloidal layer, protector and inert, cuts the charges or attraction strengths between the particles, avoiding its regrouping and consequently premature precipitation.

This explains, for example, why an Antirust properly treated with gel  VORTEXCLAY can last for months ready to be used even when its many solid particles (oxides and charges), are much  heavier than the medium (resins and solvents) that keeps them in suspension. 

And even when the bigger particles achieve sedimentation with time, these ones being  coated with the protector Gel won´t really get to compactate, thus resulting re-dispersable by agitation. 

Now that we know how  it really works the gel VORTEXCLAY, we can determine its application range. 

First, we will say that it can be applied to all those organic chemical formulations of two phases: one liquid or medium and one solid formed by fine dispersed particles. This first group includes : 

Second, VORTEXCLAY is applied to those organic chemical formulations of one single phase, to increase their Viscosity and/or their Tixotropic properties. This second group embraces: 

6.- TYPE OF VORTEXCLAY FOR EACH APPLICATION
If the Product to be treated is aliphatic solvent based formulated (usually low polarity) the most indicated VORTEXCLAY is the V34, previously gelatinized in oil of turpentine or its derivatives. 
If the product to be treated is aromatic solvent based formulated (usually medium and high polarity), the Most adequate VORTEXCLAY is the V38, gelatinized in Toluene, Xylol, etc. 

Finally, if the product to be protected contains both solvents (aliphstic and aromatic) VORTEXCLAY SD1 and 1000 may be used, but considering the following rule : If the product is high polarity it is convenient to gelatinize the VORTEXCLAY 1000 and SD1 in Toluene or Xylol; but if the product to be treated is low polarity it is better to gelatinize it in oil of turpentine. 
   
7.- SUGGESTED AMOUNTS: 
For the First Group Formulations; that is, double phase, the percentages of VORTEXCLAY to be used in order to achieve an effective protection will depend on: 

For the Second Group Formulation, one single phase, the percentages of CATONE to be used will depend exclusively on the final viscosity expected : 
As an example, we suggest : 

NOTICE: The Pre gels VORTEXCLAY must be added to the formulations before or during their Dispersion and/or Milling. In this way, the VORTEXCLAY will receive high shearing strengths that may allow: 

8.- VORTEXCLAY ADVANTAGES
The gels obtained with VORTEXCLAY are practically inert. Their incorporation to the different chemical formulations does not affect its nature, rather, like every inert substance, it will strenghten its physical-chemical structures turning them more resistant to the changes in: Temperature; pH; Strong Electrolytes, etc. 
The increases in Viscosity and/or Tixotropy achieved with VORTEXCLAY are stable and perfectly reproductive in later manufacturing. 
The Products treataded with VORTEXCLAY get a more homogeneous aspect,and in the case of paints formulated with different compounds the tones of the colors are equalized and the brightness differences are avoided. 
The VORTEXCLAY allows the application of thicker layers of paint without drippings . Besides, it avoids the surface abnormalities (wrinkles). 
The VORTEXCLAY, as an inert gel, strenghtens the film resistance to  the atmospheric agents. 
The VORTEXCLAY is, by nature, the ideal antisedimentant agent. Besides, the precipitates that can be formed with time,are re-dispersable. That is because being the solid particles coated with protector and inert gel VORTEXCLAY they won´t get compacted. 
The VORTEXCLAY V34 gelatinized in oil of turpentine results in an excellent matting agent, and this envolves the  mat and semi-mat paints. In turn, the gelatinized VORTEXCLAY in Toluene gives a transparent and brilliant gel, this is an advantage for the Cosmetic Polish and the high brightness paints. 
 
9.-POLARITY LEVEL OF MOST USED SOLVENTS AND RESINS 
It will be a useful guide to determine the type of VORTEXCLAY that most matches the different organic chemical formulations. 
 
VERY LOW TO NULL POLARITY LOW POLARITY 

MEDIUM POLARITY 

HIGH POLARITY VERY HIGH POLARITY

The range of application of the different VORTEXCLAY is : 
VORTEXCLAY V34, Gelatinized in oil of turpentine, covers: Very Low or Null, Low and Medium Polarity. 
VORTEXCLAY V38, Gelatinized in Toluene, covers: Medium, High and Very High Polarity. 
We notice that Medium Polarity is covered by both VORTEXCLAYS. The choice of one or another will be determined by the type of solvent used in the Product to be protected: If it is Aliphatic VORTEXCLAY V38 will be chosen, and if it is aromatic VORTEXCLAY V38 will be the one. 
VORTEXCLAY 1000 and SD1, Gelatinized in Oil of turpentine or Toluene, is of universal application. Therefore it will cover all the Polarities range. However, it is remarkable that its performance is quite lower to those of VORTEXCLAY V34 and V38 in their respective ranges of application. 
 
NOTICE: This Information is provided in good faith, but without engagement and it represents our knowledge current state.

We suggest the Users to develop their own experiencies and the better adjustment to the final products. Our Technical Service Department assistance will be at your disposal.