Pro-CoteŽ polymers are supplied in dry, granular form. Certain precautions and steps are required to insure that maximum dispersion and optimum solubility are achieved during preparation to achieve desired functionality. Pro-Cote products are intended for use in water-based systems and must be completely solubilized to perform as desired.

Effect of pH
Pro-Cote products are soluble under alkaline conditions. The carboxylic acid groups on the polymer are neutralized by the alkali. The resulting soy polymer is soluble. Without alkali, there is no ionization of the functional groups on the polymer. This “acid” protein is not water soluble. The graph indicates alkali must be added to approximately pH 7.0 to achieve maximum solubility. At pH less than 7.0, the soy polymer will not be totally in solution and its efficiency reduced.



Solubility of Typical Soy Polymer Proteins as a Function of pH.

Alkali Options
It is recommended that soy polymers be used at mildly alkaline pH where the salts of the carboxylic acids are formed and the polymer solubility is excellent.

Two types of soy polymers exist:

Grades that require the addition of a suitable alkali to solubilize. The alkali is needed not only to swell, but also to ionize the polymer particles.

Grades that have an alkali incorporated in the delivered form, but require sufficient temperature and shear to solubilize.

Be sure to follow individual product makedown instruction included on the General Product Description Sheet.

For Pro-CoteŽ grades requiring the addition of an alkali to dissolve, Ammonium Hydroxide (aqueous ammonia, 26 Be°) and Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda) are recommended. Addition levels are product and application specific. Addition levels are normally 10-15% NH4OH (as-is on dry weight of Pro-CoteŽ) or 4-8% NaOH (dry on dry). Ammonium hydroxide can be added as-received. Sodium hydroxide should be added from dilute solution (10-30%) to prevent shocking the system with concentrated alkali. Please consult individual General Product Description Sheet for details.

Formulating with Soy Polymers

Recommended Mix Order
Dry Cutting. Pro-Cote can be added directly to aqueous dispersions, given adequate water is available to completely solubilize the protein. For alkali-requiring grades, adding alkali before Pro-Cote to the dispersion will give faster dissolving. The cationically charged soy polymers react with anionically dispersed materials. When combining with anionically dispersed materials, the best performance with respect to interaction is achieved by adding the Pro-Cote before any additional materials. If minimal interaction is desired, add the Pro-Cote as the last component.

Solution Mixing. The cationically charged soy polymers react with anionically dispersed materials. When combining the Pro-Cote solution with anionically dispersed materials, the best performance with respect to interaction is achieved by adding the Pro-Cote before any additional materials. If minimal interaction is desired, add the Pro-Cote as the last component.

Solids Concentration
Solids concentrations are equipment and formulation dependent. Please request assistance from the individual Account Manager or Technical Service for specific recommendations.

Mixer Requirements
High shear mixing capability is required to dissolve most Pro-Cote soy polymer products. A Kady Mill or Cowles Dissolver are preferred for pigmented systems. A Lightin’ Mixer or any low speed agitation devices may be sufficient for low viscosity applications.

Makedown Procedures
A combination of shear, temperature, and time are required to solubilize Pro-Cote soy polymers. High shear, elevated temperature and extended make-down time will improve the solubilization process. This product can be incorporated into a formulation in two ways: Solution Blending or Dry Addition. These guidelines were developed under laboratory conditions for general mill application.

Solution Blending

Prepare Dilution Water	Fill a well-agitated tank with the appropriate amount of water heated to 60C/140F. For typical makedown concentrations, reference Typical Properties table p. 9. Note: Higher concentrations and faster dissolving of the protein polymer can be obtained at higher temperatures (not to exceed 70C/160F).
Add Pro-Cote Soy Polymer	Set mixing equipment to generate and maintain a vortex. Add product at a rate to avoid buildup of a layer of undispersed soy polymer on the top of the solution. Allow adequate mix time for good dispersion - 2 to 5 minutes is normally sufficient. Care must be taken to ensure good dispersion with no lumps.
For Alkali-Requiring Grades	Add alkali to solution. 6% NaOH (dry on dry) or 15% NH4OH (as is on dry weight of Pro-Cote) The Pro-Cote should be kept under agitation for 20-30 minutes at 60C. Low temperatures (<40C) will require longer times, and are not recommended.
For Non-Alkali Requiring Grades	Grades not requiring alkali should be kept under agitation for 20-30 minutes at 60C. Low temperatures (<40C) will require longer times, and are not recommended.
Add to Pigment Slip	Add to pigment slip using good agitation. The solution of Pro-Cote is best added to the formulation slurry before other ingredients.
Check Coating pH	The finished coating should normally be in the range of pH 8.0-9.5.

Dry Addition to Pigments

Disperse Pigments	Use normal procedures at normal solids.
Add Dilution Water	Add dilution water based on target solids and quantity of Pro-Cote added.
For Alkali-Requiring Grades	Add alkali to coating. Adding alkali before Pro-Cote will give faster dissolving. 6% NaOH (dry basis on weight of Pro-Cote) or 15% NH4OH
For Non-Alkali Requiring Grades	Go directly to next step
Add Pro-Cote Soy Polymer	Set mixing equipment to generate and maintain a vortex, and add product at a rate to avoid buildup of a layer of undispersed soy polymer on the top of the coating. Note: Care must be taken to ensure good dispersion with no lumps. Maintain high shear agitation for complete dissolving – 30 minutes is normally sufficient.
Check Coating pH	The finished coating should normally be in the range of pH 8.0-9.5.

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