LOW VOC AND APE FREE UNIVERSAL PAINT COLOURANT COMPOSITIONS

摘要

The present invention relates to a universal colourant composition that is essentially free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs). The present invention comprises a dispersing vehicle that comprises a low molecular weight carbamide compound, a C3-C5 polyalcohol, a polyethylene glycol, and optionally water. The dispersing vehicle provides excellent humectant and dispersing properties. The colourant composition comprising the dispersing vehicle maintains its stability and functionality following extended exposure to the atmosphere and/or temperature extremes. The present invention provides a colourant composition that is universally compatible with a wide variety of aqueous/water-based and organic solvent-based paints and coatings, while exhibiting physical and performance characteristics that are comparable to conventional colourant compositions that contain VOCs and APEs. A process for preparing a universal colourant composition for tinting a wide variety of aqueous/water-based and organic solvent-based paints and coatings is also provided.