HEUR Thickener PUA-102W (Nonionic Polyurethane Associative)

HEUR (hydrophobically modified ethylene oxide urethane) thickeners are associative: their hydrophobic end-groups form networks with latex particle surfaces and other hydrophobes, creating a Newtonian-like flow profile at high shear and strong viscosity buildup at low shear. This gives excellent leveling and flow, with low spatter. HEC thickeners are non-associative and produce pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) rheology with stronger high-shear viscosity control, better sag resistance, and more forgiving formulation behavior, but typically poorer leveling. Most architectural paints combine both: HEC for sag and application control, HEUR for flow and leveling.