GARAMITE-1958 is a powdered rheology additive from BYK, based on organophilic phyllosilicates, formulated for solvent-based and solvent-free systems to increase storage duration and sagging resistance. It offers very wide compatibility across coatings, thermoset composite resins, PVC plastisols, construction chemicals, adhesives and sealants, agricultural formulations, and non-aqueous drilling fluids. This page summarizes the technical and safety data published in the manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet.
What Is GARAMITE-1958?
It is composed of organophilic phyllosilicates and delivered as an off-white powder. Due to its high bulk density, it is easy to handle and is not sensitive to shear forces. Key product features include pseudoplastic flow, improved sagging resistance, improved anti-settling properties, and support for the alignment of effect pigments, making it especially recommended for protective coatings, floor coatings, and powder coatings.
Technical Specifications of GARAMITE-1958
The table below summarizes the core product properties as published in the manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheet (Issue 08/2023) and Safety Data Sheet.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | Organophilic phyllosilicates |
| Delivery form | Powder |
| Appearance / Color | Off-white powder, odourless |
| Loose bulk density | 34–172 kg/m³ |
| Density | 1.6 g/cm³ (20℃) |
| pH (1% concentration) | 4–6 (20℃) |
| Auto-ignition temperature | 290℃ (dust layer); 520℃ (dust cloud) |
| Max. storage/transport temperature | 40℃ |
Per its Safety Data Sheet, it is not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under GHS, and no hazardous ingredients are listed in its composition. Water solubility is insoluble, minimum explosible dust concentration is 200 g/m³, dust deflagration index (Kst) is 77 m.bar/s (dust explosion class St1), and minimum ignition energy is greater than 500 mJ.
Applications and Dosage Levels for GARAMITE-1958
Recommended dosage varies by application, as outlined in the manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheet. Actual dosage should be confirmed through application-related test series.
| Application | Recommended Level |
|---|---|
| Liquid coatings (protective, industrial, architectural) | 0.1–2% of total formulation |
| Powder coatings (epoxy-based binders recommended) | 0.5–4% of total formulation |
| Thermoset resins (UP, vinyl ester, PUR, epoxy) | 0.5–5% based on resin content |
| PVC plastisols | 1–5% of total formulation |
| Detergents and cleaning products | 0.5–3% of total formulation |
| Construction chemicals (joint fillers, tile adhesive/grout, putty) | 0.5–3% of total formulation |
| Adhesives and sealants | 0.5–5% of total formulation |
| Agricultural (oil-based plant protection) | 0.1–2% of total formulation |
| Non-aqueous drilling fluids | 1.4–2.8 kg/m³ of total formulation |
Using GARAMITE-1958 in Thermoset Composite Resins
For unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resin systems, the manufacturer recommends preparing a premixture in styrene to achieve full efficacy at dosages of 0.5–2%: 8 to 12% of the additive is incorporated into styrene, producing a mixture that remains pumpable and flowable for later dosing into the resin. Deaerators are advisable to reduce air bubbles. Content in UP/VE resins can be reduced by combining it with booster additives such as RHEOBYK-R 605, which also allows the rheology profile to shift from pseudoplastic to thixotropic behavior with reduced thixotropic drift over time. This additive can be sourced alongside other auxiliary agent products for FRP and composite formulation.
Safety, Handling, and Storage for GARAMITE-1958
According to its Safety Data Sheet, this additive is not a hazardous substance or mixture and carries no GHS label elements. The main handling precaution relates to dust: fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentration, in the presence of an ignition source, is a potential dust explosion hazard, and the SDS references NFPA 654 for safe handling of combustible particulate solids. Dust deposits should not be allowed to accumulate on surfaces, and appropriate exhaust ventilation should be provided where dust is formed.
Recommended personal protective equipment includes protective gloves, safety glasses, and a protective suit. For storage, keep it in a dry place; no decomposition occurs if it is stored and applied as directed, and storage or transport temperature should not exceed 40℃.
Sourcing GARAMITE-1958 Through chemicalsstore.com
Coatings formulators, composite fabricators, and construction chemical and adhesive manufacturers sourcing rheology additives such as GARAMITE-1958 can contact chemicalsstore.com for current availability, supply chain resource support, and coordination on order volumes, lead times, and documentation requests, including the manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions About GARAMITE-1958
What is it made of?
It is composed of organophilic phyllosilicates, supplied as an off-white powder, per its Technical Data Sheet.
Is GARAMITE-1958 a hazardous material?
No. According to its Safety Data Sheet, it is not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture and contains no hazardous ingredients, though dust explosion precautions still apply.
What dosage is recommended for unsaturated polyester or vinyl ester resins?
0.5–5% based on resin content, or 0.5–2% when premixed in styrene at an 8–12% concentration, as outlined in the Technical Data Sheet.
How does it compare to GARAMITE-7305?
Both are organophilic phyllosilicate rheology additives, but GARAMITE-1958 has a higher loose bulk density (34–172 kg/m³) and is especially recommended for protective, floor, and powder coatings, while GARAMITE-7305 is especially recommended for architectural, protective, industrial, and powder coatings. Consult the respective Technical Data Sheets for full details.
How should it be stored?
Keep it in a dry place at a temperature not exceeding 40℃. No decomposition occurs if stored and applied as directed.
To request current availability, technical documentation, or a formal quotation for GARAMITE-1958, contact the chemicalsstore.com sourcing team with your target volume and application details.
