pH Neutralizers & Buffers

pH neutralizers are amines added to a waterborne coating to raise and hold itsnpH in the mildly alkaline band where the binder, thickeners, and dispersants perform.nMost latex and acrylic emulsions are formulated to sit near pH 8 to 9, binder-dependent. Atnthat point the acid groups on the resin and the associative thickeners stay ionized, whichnkeeps viscosity and in-can stability predictable. Add the neutralizer during let-down andncheck pH against the binder supplier's target rather than a single fixed number.

AMP-95 is the workhorse neutralizer for latex and acrylic paints. It is a lower-odor aminonalcohol that lifts pH with a small dose and also helps wet pigment, so formulators reach fornit where odor and finish matter. The trade-off is real. Every amine neutralizer adds to thenformula's amine load, which can affect can odor and may count toward volatile organicncompound (VOC) content depending on how a jurisdiction classifies it. Confirm the VOCntreatment for your market.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is the second common choice and doubles as a co-dispersant, whichnis useful when a formula needs pH control and pigment wetting from one additive. Pick thenneutralizer to match the system: AMP-95 where low odor and minimal water sensitivity matter,ntriethanolamine where its dispersing action earns its place. Both are amines, so the samenodor and VOC questions apply, and triethanolamine's regulatory profile should be confirmednfor your application and jurisdiction before specifying.

• Waterborne architectural latex and acrylic paints requiring stable in-can pH
• Pigment dispersions and colorants where pH governs dispersant performance
• Waterborne industrial and wood coatings needing consistent viscosity over shelf life
• Adhesives, sealants, and primers built on acrylic or vinyl emulsions
• Let-down and tinting operations where pH must be corrected to a binder target

• AMP-95 (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol) u2014 PubChem
• Triethanolamine u2014 PubChem