Active Minerals International’s Innovation: Bringing Min-U-Gel^® 500+ Rheology Modifiers to the Coatings Industry

By Active Minerals International

Active Minerals International (AMI), a leader in the production of Air Float Kaolin and Gelling Grade Attapulgite, is continuing to expand its horizons and commitment to a strong emphasis on innovation and research. This commitment is being heralded by our Research & Development (R&D) Innovation Center in Houston, Texas, and the development of advanced products like Min-U-Gel^® 500+. Designed for the CASE industry, Min-U-Gel^® 500+ represents a product offerings leap forward in gelling and rheological properties, offering enhanced performance and reliability in diverse formulations.

A New Era in Innovation: AMI's R&D Center

Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and laser particle size analyzers, our Houston-based R&D Center focuses on the development of new products, including materials and mineral research, as well as application testing. By investing in high-tech research tools, AMI aims to accelerate its product innovation process and deliver enhanced technical support to its customers. This focus on innovation is driven by AMI’s customer-centric philosophy and desire to deliver world-class technical solutions.

The R&D Center will also engage directly with AMI’s customers, providing technical support through customer-focused service projects. This direct engagement ensures that AMI's research efforts are aligned with market needs, fostering long-term partnerships and enhancing the value of AMI's product offerings.

Min-U-Gel^® 500+: A Breakthrough for the Coatings Industry

One of the key innovations developed through AMI's enhanced R&D capabilities is attapulgite-based Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product. This advanced hydrous magnesium aluminum silicate is engineered to meet the needs of the coatings industry. Its unique properties include gelling and rheological capabilities that make it an ideal solution for thickening and stabilizing liquid systems.

Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product is engineered with a fine particle size, providing superior characteristics for suspension and syneresis control. This is particularly beneficial in coatings applications where controlling pigment stability and minimizing syneresis are critical for product performance and shelf life.

Enhancing Formulation Flexibility

A key advantage of the Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product is its versatility. It can be used as a standalone solution or in combination with associative thickeners, where low-shear thixotropy is required to complement high-shear rheology. This makes Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product a valuable addition to a range of coating formulations, including solvent-based systems like oil and alcohol-based coatings.

The product's high performance is maintained across different pH levels, ionic concentrations, and in the presence of biological agents, offering formulators increased flexibility in their applications. Whether used for improving viscosity, reducing pigment flotation, or ensuring consistent performance in challenging environments, Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product can deliver reliable results on par with industry leading rheological additives.

A Commitment to Quality

Active Minerals International emphasizes the importance of consistent product quality through its company-wide Quality Management System (QMS), in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards. This commitment ensures that the Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product meets the highest standards, providing customers with the confidence that they are using a product that has been rigorously tested and consistently manufactured.

Conclusion

Active Minerals International's investment in its Houston-based R&D Innovation Center and the development of Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product underscores its commitment to advancing the performance of industrial minerals. The combination of cutting-edge research, experienced leadership, and a focus on customer needs positions AMI as a key innovator in the coatings industry. Min-U-Gel^® 500+ product stands as a testament to AMI’s ability to translate technical expertise into practical solutions, helping formulators achieve better stability, viscosity, and overall performance in their products.