THIXOTROPIC DIUREA-DIURETHANE COMPOSITION

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thixotropic composition comprising a diurea-diurethane compound and an aprotic solvent, to its process of preparation and also to its use as rheology agent, in particular as thixotropic agent, especially in a binder composition.

Claims

1. A thixotropic composition comprising a compound of formula (I) or a mixture of compounds of formula (I) and an aprotic solvent: ##STR00026## in which: each R is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY and [(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ; the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I); each R.sub.2 is independently a divalent group selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group and an araliphatic group; each R.sub.3 is independently a divalent group selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group, an araliphatic group and a heterocyclic group; Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl; R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d are independently selected from the group consisting of H and methyl; each n is independently equal to 2, 3 or 4; m ranges from 1 to 30; p ranges from 3 to 5; q ranges from 1 to 20; wherein the composition contains less than 0.1 mol of salt per urea group in the composition, aprotic solvent excluded.

2. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition contains from 0 to 0.09 mol, or from 0 to 0.07 mol, or from 0 to 0.05 mol, or from 0 to 0.03 mol, or from 0 to 0.01 mol, or from 0 to 0.01 mol, of salt per urea group in the composition, aprotic solvent excluded.

3. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of a metal salt, an ionic liquid and an ammonium salt.

4. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition contains less than 0.1 mol of surfactant per urea group in the composition.

5. (canceled)

6. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition comprises from 5% to 80%, in moles, of compound of formula (I), with respect to the total molar amount of compounds having one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of urea, urethane and their mixtures, aprotic solvent excluded.

7. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition additionally comprises at least one compound of formula (II): ##STR00027## in which: R and R.sub.2 are as defined in claim 1.

8. The thixotropic composition according to claim 7, wherein the composition comprises from 20% to 95%, in moles, of compound of formula (II), with respect to the total molar amount of compounds having one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of urea, urethane and their mixtures, aprotic solvent excluded.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The thixotropic composition according to claim 10, wherein the R groups are identical and correspond to R.sub.1; R.sub.1 being a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl.

12. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein the composition comprises a mixture of compounds of formula (I), said mixture containing at least one compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein the mixture of compounds of formula (I) contains at least two different compounds of formula (I) in which the R groups are different.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein more than 20 mol % of all of the R groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) are hydrophilic group.

19. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein each R.sub.2 is independently an aromatic group.

20. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein more than 85 mol % of all of the R.sub.2 groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) are aromatic groups of the following formula: ##STR00028## in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea or urethane group of the formula (I).

21. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein each R.sub.3 is independently a group selected from a group consisting of C.sub.2-C.sub.24 alkylene, (CR.sub.hR.sub.i).sub.s-[A-(CR.sub.jR.sub.k).sub.t].sub.u, (CR.sub.lR.sub.m).sub.vCY(CR.sub.nR.sub.o).sub.w and (CR.sub.pR.sub.q).sub.xCY(CH.sub.2).sub.yCY(CR.sub.rR.sub.s).sub.z; in which: A is O or NX; R.sub.h, R.sub.i, R.sub.j, R.sub.k, R.sub.l, R.sub.m, R.sub.n, R.sub.o, R.sub.p, R.sub.q, R.sub.r and R.sub.s are independently chosen from H and methyl; X is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl; CY is a ring chosen from phenyl, cyclohexyl, naphthyl, decahydronaphthyl, piperazinyl, triazinyl and pyridinyl, the ring being unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl groups; s ranges from 2 to 4; t ranges from 2 to 4; u ranges from 1 to 30; v, w, x, y and z independently range from 0 to 4.

22. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 wherein each R.sub.3 is independently a group selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2-C.sub.24 alkylene and (CR.sub.lR.sub.m).sub.vCY(CR.sub.nR.sub.o).sub.wwith CY a cyclohexyl or phenyl ring, the ring being unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl groups, v and w ranging from 0 to 1.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. A process for the preparation of a thixotropic composition, comprising the following stages: a) reacting at least one diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO with at least one alcohol of formula ROH in order to form at least one monoisocyanate adduct of formula ROC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO, the molar ratio of the total amount of alcohol to the total amount of diisocyanate ranging from 1.10 to 1.80; b) reacting the at least one monoisocyanate adduct obtained in stage a) with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in the presence of less than 0.2 mol of metal salt per mole of diamine used, in order to form at least one compound of formula (I) ##STR00029## in which: each R is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY and [(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ; the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I): each R.sub.2 is independently a divalent group selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group and an araliphatic group: each R.sub.3 is independently a divalent group selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group, an araliphatic group and a heterocyclic group: Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl; R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d are independently selected from the group consisting of H and methyl: each n is independently equal to 2, 3 or 4: m ranges from 1 to 30: p ranges from 3 to 5: q ranges from 1 to 20.

26. The process according to claim 25, wherein stage b) is carried out in the presence of from 0 to 0.19, from 0 to 0.15, from 0 to 0.1, from 0 to 0.05, from 0 to 0.02, from 0 to 0.01 or 0 mol of salt per mole of diamine used.

27. The process according to claim 25 wherein stage b) is carried out in the presence of less than 0.2 of surfactant per mole of diamine used.

28. The process according to claim 25 wherein it does not comprise a stage of distillation of residual diisocyanate.

29. The process according to claim 25 wherein the amount of residual diisocyanate in the reaction mixture at the end of stage a) is less than 6 molar %, with respect to the molar amount of all of the compounds having one or more functional groups chosen from urethane and isocyanate.

30. (canceled)

31. The process according to claim 25 wherein: in stage a), the at least one diisocyanate reacts with a single alcohol of formula R.sub.1OH in order to form at least one monoisocyanate adduct of formula R.sub.1OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and, in stage b), the product obtained in stage a) reacts with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form at least one compound of formula (I): ##STR00030## in which: the R.sub.1 groups are identical and as defined for R in claim 25; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as defined in claim 25.

32. The process according to claim 25 wherein: in stage a), the at least one diisocyanate reacts with at least two different alcohols of formulae R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH in order to form a mixture of at least two monoisocyanate adducts of formulae R.sub.4OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and R.sub.5OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and, in stage b), the mixture obtained in stage a) reacts with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form at least one compound of formula (Ia), optionally as a mixture with a compound of formula (Ib) and/or a compound of formula (Ic): ##STR00031## in which: all the R.sub.4 groups are identical and as defined for R in claim 25; all the R.sub.5 groups are identical and as defined for R in claim 25; the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.5.

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. The process according to claim 25 wherein: in stage a), the diisocyanate reacts with a mixture of at least three different alcohols of formulae R.sub.4OH, R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH in order to form a mixture of at least three monoisocyanate adducts of formulae R.sub.4OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO, R.sub.5OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and R.sub.6OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO, and, in stage b), the mixture obtained in stage a) reacts with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form a compound of formula (Ia), a compound of formula (Id) and optionally one or more compounds of formula (Ib), (Ic), (Ie) or (If) represented below: ##STR00032## in which: all the R.sub.4 groups are identical and as defined for R in claim 25; all the R.sub.5 groups are identical and as defined for R in claim 25; all the R.sub.6 groups are identical and as defined for R in claim 25; the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.5; the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.6; the R.sub.5 groups are different from R.sub.6.

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

40. A binder composition comprising a binder and the thixotropic composition according to claim 1.

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

[0018] In the present patent application, the terms comprises a and comprises an mean comprises one or more.

[0019] Unless otherwise mentioned, the percentages by weight in a compound or a composition are expressed with respect to the weight of the compound or of the composition.

[0020] The term diurea-diurethane compound means a compound having two urea functional groups and two urethane functional groups.

[0021] The term diurethane compound means a compound having two urethane functional groups and no urea functional group.

[0022] The term polyurea-diurethane compound means a compound having two urethane functional groups and at least four urea functional groups.

[0023] The term urea functional group or urea group means an NHC(O)NH sequence.

[0024] The term urethane functional group or urethane group means an NHC(O)O or OC(O)NH sequence.

[0025] The term solvent means a liquid having the property of dissolving, diluting or lowering the viscosity of other substances without chemically modifying them and without itself being modified.

[0026] The term aprotic solvent means a solvent which does not have an acidic hydrogen atom. In particular, an aprotic solvent does not comprise a hydrogen atom bonded to a heteroatom (O, N or S).

[0027] The term salt means an ionic compound. A salt can be inorganic or organic, preferably inorganic. Within the meaning of the present invention, the term salt does not include ionic surfactants.

[0028] The term surfactant means a compound capable of modifying the surface tension between two surfaces. A surfactant can in particular be an amphiphilic compound, that is to say that it exhibits two parts of different polarity, the lipophilic one (which retains fatty substances) is non-polar and the other hydrophilic one (water-miscible) is polar.

[0029] The term alkyl means a saturated monovalent acyclic group of formula C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1. An alkyl can be linear or branched. A C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl means an alkyl having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0030] The term alkenyl means a monovalent acyclic hydrocarbon group having one or more CC double bonds. An alkenyl can be linear or branched. A C.sub.2-C.sub.30 alkenyl means an alkenyl having from 2 to 30 carbon atoms.

[0031] The term cycloalkyl means a monovalent cyclic hydrocarbon group. A cycloalkyl can be saturated or unsaturated. A cycloalkyl is non-aromatic. A C.sub.5-C.sub.12 cycloalkyl means a cycloalkyl having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0032] The term aryl means a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group. A C.sub.6-C.sub.12 aryl means an aryl having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0033] The term arylalkyl means an alkyl group substituted by an aryl group.

[0034] The term aliphatic means a non-aromatic acyclic compound or group. It can be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated and substituted or unsubstituted. It can comprise one or more bonds/functional groups, for example chosen from ether, ester, amine and their mixtures.

[0035] The term cycloaliphatic means a non-aromatic compound or group comprising a ring having only carbon atoms as ring atoms. It can be substituted or unsubstituted.

[0036] The term aromatic means a compound or a group comprising an aromatic ring, that is to say obeying Hckel's rule of aromaticity, in particular a compound comprising a phenyl group. It can be substituted or unsubstituted. It can comprise one or more bonds/functional groups as defined for the term aliphatic.

[0037] The term araliphatic means a compound or a group comprising an aliphatic part and an aromatic part.

[0038] The term heterocyclic means a compound or a group comprising a ring having at least one heteroatom chosen from N, O and/or S as ring atom. It can be substituted or unsubstituted. It can be aromatic or non-aromatic.

Thixotropic Composition

[0039] The thixotropic composition according to the invention comprises a diurea-diurethane compound or a mixture of diurea-diurethane compounds and an aprotic solvent as are described below.

[0040] The composition according to the invention is stable although it contains little or no salt. The thixotropic composition according to the invention contains less than 0.1 mol of salt per urea group in the composition, aprotic solvent excluded. The number of urea groups is determined over the whole of the compounds contained in the composition, aprotic solvent excluded. The compound(s) of formula (I) contain(s) 2 urea groups. If the composition contains 1 mol of compound(s) of formula (I) and if there is no other compound having at least one urea group in the composition, then the composition contains less than 0.2 mol of salt.

[0041] In particular, the thixotropic composition can contain from 0 to less than 0.1 mol, or from 0 to 0.09 mol, or from 0 to 0.07 mol, or from 0 to 0.05 mol, or from 0 to 0.03 mol, or from 0 to 0.01 mol, or from 0 to 0.001 mol, of salt per urea group in the composition, aprotic solvent excepted.

[0042] More particularly, the thixotropic composition can contain less than 1%, or from 0% to 0.9%, or from 0% to 0.7%, or from 0% to 0.5%, or from 0% to 0.25%, or from 0% to 0.2%, or from 0% to 0.15%, or from 0% to 0.09%, or from 0% to 0.03%, by weight of LiCl, with respect to the weight of the composition, aprotic solvent excepted.

[0043] More particularly, the thixotropic composition can contain less than 1.6%, or from 0% to 1.4%, or from 0% to 1.1%, or from 0% to 0.8%, or from 0% to 0.4%, or from 0% to 0.3%, or from 0% to 0.25%, or from 0% to 0.15%, or from 0% to 0.05%, by weight of LiNO.sub.3, with respect to the weight of the composition, aprotic solvent excepted.

[0044] The salt can in particular be chosen from a metal salt, an ionic liquid and an ammonium salt. In particular, the salt can be a metal salt chosen from a halide, an acetate, a formate or a nitrate. More particularly, the salt can be a lithium salt. More particularly still, the salt can be a lithium salt chosen from LiCl, LiNO.sub.3, LiBr and their mixtures.

[0045] The composition according to the invention can in particular be stable without addition of stabilizer, such as, in particular, a surfactant. According to a specific embodiment, the thixotropic composition according to the invention contains less than 0.1 mol of surfactant per urea group in the composition.

[0046] In particular, the thixotropic composition can contain from 0 to 0.1 mol, or from 0 to 0.08 mol, or from 0 to 0.06 mol, or from 0 to 0.04 mol, or from 0 to 0.02 mol, or from 0 to 0.01 mol, or from 0 to 0.001 mol, of surfactant per urea group in the composition, aprotic solvent excepted.

[0047] More particularly, the thixotropic composition can contain less than 3%, or from 0% to 2.8%, or from 0% to 2.4%, or from 0% to 2%, or from 0% to 1.6%, or from 0% to 1.2%, or from 0% to 1%, or from 0% to 0.5%, or from 0% to 0.1%, or from 0% to 0.01%, by weight of surfactant, with respect to the weight of the composition, aprotic solvent excepted.

[0048] The surfactant can in particular be chosen from an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant and their mixtures. The surfactant can in particular have an HLB of from 8 to 12.

[0049] Examples of anionic surfactants are sulfonates, sulfates, sulfosuccinates, phosphates and carboxylates. Examples of cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium salts (in particular tetraalkylammonium salts and quaternary ammonium esters or esterquats). Examples of non-ionic surfactants are alkoxylated (in particular ethoxylated and/or propoxylated) fatty alcohols, alkylglycosides, esters of fatty acids (in particular glycol esters, glycerol esters, sorbitan esters or sucrose esters of fatty acids) and esters of fatty acids which are alkoxylated (in particular ethoxylated and/or propoxylated). Examples of zwitterionic surfactants are betaines, imidazolines, sultaines, phospholipids and amine oxides.

[0050] The composition according to the invention can have an NCO number of less than 0.5 mg KOH/g, in particular of less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, more particularly of less than 0.1 mg KOH/g, more particularly still 0 mg KOH/g. The NCO number can be measured according to the method described below.

Compound of Formula (I)

[0051] The thixotropic composition according to the invention comprises a compound of formula (I) or a mixture of compounds of formula (I):

##STR00003## [0052] in which the R, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 groups are as defined below.

[0053] Preferably, the compounds of formula (I) do not contain a tertiary amine functional group or a quaternary ammonium functional group.

[0054] The compound(s) of formula (I) can in particular correspond to the reaction product(s) of at least one alcohol of formula ROH, of at least one diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO and of at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2.

[0055] The thixotropic composition can in particular comprise from 5% to 80%, in particular from 15% to 75%, more particularly from 25% to 65%, in moles, of compound of formula (I), with respect to the total molar amount of compounds having one or more functional groups chosen from urea, urethane and their mixtures, aprotic solvent excepted.

R Group

[0056] A compound of formula (I) contains two R groups. The R groups of one and the same compound of formula (I) can be identical or different. The composition according to the invention can comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I) having identical R groups. The composition according to the invention can comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I) which differ in their R groups. For example, some compounds of the mixture can have identical R groups and some compounds of the mixture can have different R groups.

[0057] Each R group can originate from the use of an alcohol of formula ROH to form the diurea-diurethane compound(s) of formula (I). The R group can correspond to the residue of an alcohol of formula ROH without the OH group. The R groups and the corresponding alcohols of formula ROH described below also apply to the process according to the invention.

[0058] Each R is independently chosen from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY and [(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ; [0059] the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I); [0060] Y and Z are independently chosen from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl; [0061] R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d are independently chosen from H and methyl, in particular H; [0062] each n is independently equal to 2, 3 or 4, in particular n is 2; [0063] m ranges from 1 to 30, in particular m ranges from 2 to 25; [0064] p ranges from 3 to 5, in particular p is 5; [0065] q ranges from 1 to 20, in particular q ranges from 2 to 10.

[0066] An R group can be an alkyl, in particular a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkyl. Examples of suitable alkyl groups are methyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl, X.sub.1-2-methylpropyl, pentyl, X.sub.1-3-methylbutyl, hexyl, X.sub.1-4-methylpentyl, heptyl, X.sub.1-5-methylhexyl, octyl, X.sub.1-6-methylheptyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, X.sub.1-7-methyloctyl, decyl, X.sub.1-8-methylnonyl, undecyl, X.sub.1-9-methyldecyl, dodecyl, X.sub.1-10-methylundecyl, tridecyl, X.sub.1-11-methyldodecyl, 2,5,9-trimethyldecyl, tetradecyl, X.sub.1-12-methyltridecyl, pentadecyl, X.sub.1-13-methyltetradecyl, hexadecyl, X.sub.1-14-methylpentadecyl, heptadecyl, X.sub.1-15-methylhexadecyl, octadecyl, X.sub.1-16-methylheptadecyl, nonadecyl, X.sub.1-17-methyloctadecyl, icosyl, X.sub.1-18-methylnonadecyl, henicosyl, X.sub.1-19-methylicosyl, docosyl, X.sub.1-20-methylhenicosyl, 2-propylheptyl, 2-propylnonyl, 2-pentylnonyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-butyldecyl, 2-hexyloctyl, 2-hexyldecyl, 2-octyldecyl, 2-hexyldodecyl, 2-octyldodecyl, 2-decyltetradecyl, 6-methyldodecyl and their isomers, in which X.sub.a-b represents an integer which can take all the values ranging from a to b, X.sub.a-b indicating the position of the substituent in the alkyl group. The X.sub.1-n-methyldodecyl group is a dodecyl group substituted by a methyl group in the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 position, for example 11-methyldodecyl or 2-methyldodecyl. The term isomers is understood to mean the alkyl groups comprising the same number of carbon atoms but having a different substitution scheme, for example an ethyl substituent instead of a methyl substituent or a greater number of methyl substituents. Thus, the 2,5,9-trimethyldecyl group is an isomer of the 11-methyldodecyl or 2-methyldodecyl group. The abovementioned alkyl groups can in particular be bonded to the urethane group in the 1 position. Thus, the 2,5,9-trimethyldecyl group can be represented by the following formula:

##STR00004## [0067] in which the broken line represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the compound of formula (I).

[0068] An R group can be an alkenyl, in particular a C.sub.2 to C.sub.30 alkenyl. Examples of suitable alkenyl groups are hex-Y.sub.2-5-enyl, hept-Y.sub.2-6-enyl, oct-Y.sub.2-7-enyl, non-Y.sub.2-8-enyl, dec-Y.sub.2-9-enyl, undec-Y.sub.2-10-enyl, dodec-Y.sub.2-11-enyl, tridec-Y.sub.2-12-enyl, tetradec-Y.sub.2-13-enyl, hexadec-Y.sub.2-15-enyl, octadec-Y.sub.2-17-enyl, icos-Y.sub.2-19-enyl, docos-Y.sub.2-21-enyl, heptadeca-8,11-dienyl, octadeca-9,12-dienyl, nonadeca-10,13-dienyl, icosa-11,14-dienyl, docosa-13,16-dienyl, octadeca-5,9,12-trienyl, octadeca-6,9,12-trienyl, octadeca-9,12,15-trienyl, octadeca-9,11,13-trienyl, icosa-8,11,14-trienyl and icosa-11,14,17-trienyl, in which Y.sub.a-b represents an integer which can take all the values ranging from a to b, Y.sub.a-b indicating the position of the double bond in the alkenyl group. The hex-Y.sub.2-5-enyl group is a hexenyl group in which the double bond can be in the 2, 3, 4 or 5 position, which corresponds to the hex-2-enyl, hex-3-enyl, hex-4-enyl and hex-5-enyl groups. The abovementioned alkenyl groups can in particular be bonded to the urethane group in the 1 position. Thus, the hex-2-enyl group can be represented by the following formula:

##STR00005## [0069] in which the broken line represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the compound of formula (I).

[0070] An R group can be a cycloalkyl, in particular a C.sub.5 to C.sub.12 cycloalkyl. Examples of suitable cycloalkyl groups are cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cycloctyl, cyclononyl, cyclodecyl, cycloundecyl and cyclododecyl.

[0071] An R group can be an aryl, in particular a C.sub.6 to C.sub.12 aryl. Examples of suitable aryl groups are phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, ortho-, meta or para-tolyl, 2,3-, 2.4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4- or 3,5-xylyl and mesityl.

[0072] An R group can be an arylalkyl, in particular a C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 arylalkyl. Examples of suitable arylalkyl groups are benzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 4-phenylbutyl and 2-phenylbutyl.

[0073] An R group can be a [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY group in which: [0074] Y is chosen from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl; [0075] R.sub.a and R.sub.b are independently chosen from H and methyl, in particular H; [0076] each n is independently equal to 2, 3 or 4, in particular n is 2; [0077] m ranges from 1 to 30, in particular m ranges from 2 to 25.

[0078] Examples of [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY groups are the alkoxylated derivatives of the alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and alkylaryl groups described above. Polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, co-poly(ethylene glycol/propylene glycol) and polytetramethylene glycols comprising an end group chosen from an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl group as described above are suitable in particular. These groups can in particular be obtained by reacting an alcohol ROH having an R group as described above with a cyclic compound chosen from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, tetrahydrofuran and their mixtures.

[0079] An R group can be a [(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ group in which: [0080] Z is chosen from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl; [0081] R.sub.c and R.sub.d are independently chosen from H and methyl, in particular H; [0082] p ranges from 3 to 5, in particular p is 5; [0083] q ranges from 1 to 20, in particular q ranges from 2 to 10.

[0084] Examples of [(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ groups are the esterified derivatives of the alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl groups described above. Polyesters comprising an end group chosen from an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl group as described above are suitable in particular. These groups can in particular be obtained by reacting an alcohol ROH having an R group as described above with a lactone chosen from -butyrolactone, -valerolactone, -caprolactone and their mixtures.

[0085] According to one embodiment, each R is independently chosen from alkyl and [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY as defined above. In particular, each R is independently chosen from linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl and [CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O].sub.mY with Y a C.sub.1-C.sub.24 alkyl and m ranging from 1 to 25. More particularly, each R is independently chosen from branched C.sub.8-C.sub.20 alkyl and [CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O].sub.mY with Y a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl and m ranging from 1 to 20.

[0086] More particularly still, each R is independently chosen from octyl, X.sub.1-6-methylheptyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, X.sub.1-7-methyloctyl, decyl, X.sub.1-8-methylnonyl, undecyl, X.sub.1-9-methyldecyl, dodecyl, X.sub.1-10-methylundecyl, tridecyl, X.sub.1-11-methyldodecyl, 2,5,9-trimethyldecyl, tetradecyl, X.sub.1-12-methyltridecyl, pentadecyl, X.sub.1-13-methyltetradecyl, hexadecyl, X.sub.1-14-methylpentadecyl, heptadecyl, X.sub.1-15-methylhexadecyl, octadecyl, X.sub.1-16-methylheptadecyl, nonadecyl, X.sub.1-17-methyloctadecyl, icosyl, X.sub.1-18-methylnonadecyl, henicosyl, X.sub.1-19-methylicosyl, docosyl, X.sub.1-20-methylhenicosyl, 2-propylheptyl, 2-propylnonyl, 2-pentylnonyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-butyldecyl, 2-hexyloctyl, 2-hexyldecyl, 2-octyldecyl, 2-hexyldodecyl, 2-octyldodecyl, 2-decyltetradecyl, 6-methyldodecyl and their isomers, [CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O].sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CH.sub.3 and [CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O].sub.mCH.sub.3 with m=2 to 20.

[0087] A compound of formula (I) can have identical or different R groups. A compound of formula (I) can have R groups having a different molecular weight. A compound of formula (I) can have R groups having a chemical nature, in particular a hydrophilicity, which is different.

[0088] The composition according to the invention can comprise a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical. The composition according to the invention can comprise a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different. The composition according to the invention can comprise a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical and a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different.

[0089] The composition according to the invention can in particular comprise a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical. The R groups can be identical and correspond to R.sub.1, R.sub.1 being a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl, in particular a linear or branched C.sub.8-C.sub.20 alkyl, more particularly a branched C.sub.8-C.sub.20 alkyl, as described above.

[0090] The composition according to the invention can in particular comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I), said mixture containing at least one compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different. The mixture can contain at least one compound of formula (I) in which the R groups have a different molecular weight. The mixture can contain at least one compound of formula (I) in which the R groups have a chemical nature, in particular a hydrophilicity, which is different.

[0091] A composition comprising a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different can in particular be obtained by using a mixture of at least 2 different alcohols ROH, corresponding in particular to R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH, to form the compound(s) of formula (I).

[0092] In particular, the mixture of compounds of formula (I) can contain: [0093] at least one compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different, one of the R groups corresponding to R.sub.4 and the other R group corresponding to R.sub.5; [0094] optionally a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical and correspond to R.sub.4; [0095] optionally a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical and correspond to R.sub.5; [0096] R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 being as defined above for R.

[0097] The mixture of compounds of formula (I) can in particular comprise a compound of formula (Ia), optionally as a mixture with a compound of formula (Ib) and/or a compound of formula (Ic):

##STR00006## [0098] in which: [0099] all the R.sub.4 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0100] all the R.sub.5 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0101] the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.5.

[0102] The R.sub.4 group can be more hydrophobic than the R.sub.5 group; and/or the R.sub.5 group can have a higher molecular weight than that of the R.sub.4 group.

[0103] The molecular weights of the R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 groups can be different. In particular, the R.sub.4 group can have a lower molecular weight than that of the R.sub.5 group. More particularly, the difference between the molecular weight of the R.sub.4 group and that of the R.sub.5 group can be at least 50, at least 100, at least 150, at least 200, at least 300 or at least 350 g/mol.

[0104] The chemical natures of the R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 groups can be different. In particular, the R.sub.4 group can be more hydrophobic than the R.sub.5 group.

[0105] The R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 groups can be groups of formula [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY having different molecular weights, Y, R.sub.a, R.sub.b, n and m being as defined above. Alternatively, the R.sub.4 group can be a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl and the R.sub.5 group can be a group of formula [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY in which Y, R.sub.a, R.sub.b, n and m are as defined above.

[0106] The total molar amount of R.sub.5 group, in particular of the least hydrophobic group and/or of the group having the highest molecular weight, can in particular represent more than 20%, in particular from 25% to 95%, 30% to 90%, 35% to 85%, or 40% to 80%, of the total molar amount of the R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 groups of all of the products having one or more functional groups chosen from urea, urethane and their mixtures in the composition according to the invention, aprotic solvent excepted.

[0107] The composition according to the invention can in particular comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I), said mixture containing at least two different compounds of formula (I) in which the R groups are different. The mixture can contain at least two different compounds of formula (I) in which the R groups have a different molecular weight. The mixture can contain at least two different compounds of formula (I) in which the R groups have a chemical nature, in particular a hydrophilicity, which is different.

[0108] A composition comprising at least two compounds of formula (I) in which the R groups are different can in particular be obtained by using a mixture of at least 3 different alcohols ROH, corresponding in particular to R.sub.4OH, R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH, to form the diurea-diurethane compound(s) of formula (I).

[0109] The mixture of compounds of formula (I) can contain: [0110] at least one compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different, one of the R groups corresponding to R.sub.4 and the other R group corresponding to R.sub.5; and [0111] at least one compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different, one of the R groups corresponding to R.sub.4 and the other R group corresponding to R.sub.6; [0112] optionally a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are different, one of the R groups corresponding to R.sub.5 and the other R group corresponding to R.sub.6; [0113] optionally a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical and correspond to R.sub.4; [0114] optionally a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical and correspond to R.sub.5; [0115] optionally a compound of formula (I) in which the R groups are identical and correspond to R.sup.6; [0116] R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 being as defined above for R.

[0117] The mixture of compounds of formula (I) can in particular comprise a compound of formula (Ia), a compound of formula (Id) and optionally one or more compounds of formula (Ib), (Ic), (Ie) or (If) which are represented below:

##STR00007## [0118] in which: [0119] all the R.sub.4 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0120] all the R.sub.5 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0121] all the R.sub.6 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0122] the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.5; [0123] the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.6; [0124] the R.sub.5 groups are different from R.sub.6.

[0125] The R.sub.4 group can be more hydrophobic than the R.sub.5 group and/or than the R.sub.6 group; and/or the R.sub.4 group can have a lower molecular weight than that of the R.sub.5 group and/or than that of the R.sub.6 group.

[0126] The molecular weights of the R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups can be different. In particular, the R.sub.4 group can have a lower molecular weight than that of the R.sub.5 group; and/or the R.sub.4 group can have a lower molecular weight than that of the R.sub.6 group; and/or the R.sub.5 group can have a lower molecular weight than that of the R.sub.6 group. More particularly, the R.sub.4 group has a lower molecular weight than those of the R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups. More particularly still, the difference between the molecular weight of the R.sub.4 group and that of the R.sub.5 group; and/or the difference between the molecular weight of the R.sub.4 group and that of the R.sub.6 group; and/or the difference between the molecular weight of the R.sub.5 group and that of the R.sub.6 group can be at least 50, at least 100, at least 150, at least 200, at least 300 or at least 350 g/mol.

[0127] The R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups can have different chemical natures. In particular, the R.sub.4 group can be more hydrophobic than the R.sub.5 group; and/or the R.sub.4 group can be more hydrophobic than the R.sub.6 group; and/or the R.sub.5 group can be more hydrophobic than the R.sub.6 group. More particularly, the R.sub.4 group is more hydrophobic than the R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups.

[0128] The R.sub.4 group can be a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl and the R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups can be groups of formula [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY having different molecular weights, Y, R.sub.a, R.sub.b, n and m being as defined above.

[0129] The total molar amount of the R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups, in particular the total molar amount of the least hydrophobic groups and/or of the groups having the highest molecular weights, can in particular represent more than 20%, in particular from 25% to 95%, 30% to 90%, 35% to 85%, or 40% to 80%, of the total molar amount of the R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups of all of the products having one or more functional groups chosen from urea, urethane and their mixtures in the composition according to the invention, aprotic solvent excepted.

[0130] According to a preferred embodiment, more than 20 mol %, in particular from 25 mol % to 95 mol %, 30 mol % to 90 mol %, 35 mol % to 85 mol %, or 40 mol % to 80 mol %, of all of the R groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) are hydrophilic groups, in particular [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY groups.

[0131] The R groups can in particular be the residues of one or more alcohols of formula ROH without the OH group. An alcohol ROH can in particular be chosen from a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkane substituted by an OH group, a C.sub.2 to C.sub.30 alkene substituted by an OH group, a C.sub.5 to C.sub.12 cycloalkane substituted by an OH group, a C.sub.6 to C.sub.12 arene substituted by an OH group, a C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 arylalkane substituted by an OH group, HO[(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY and HO[(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ [0132] Y and Z are independently chosen from C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.30 alkenyl, C.sub.5 to C.sub.12 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 to C.sub.12 aryl and C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 arylalkyl; [0133] R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d are independently chosen from H and methyl, in particular H; [0134] each n is independently equal to 2, 3 or 4, in particular n is 2; [0135] m ranges from 1 to 30, in particular m ranges from 2 to 25; [0136] p ranges from 3 to 5, in particular p is 5; [0137] q ranges from 1 to 20, in particular q ranges from 2 to 10.

[0138] A C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkane substituted by an OH group can in particular be chosen from octan-1-ol, octan-2-ol, X.sub.1-6-methylheptan-1-ol, 2-ethylhexan-1-ol, nonan-1-ol, X.sub.1-7-methyloctan-1-ol, decan-1-ol, X.sub.1-8-methylnonan-1-ol, undecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-9-methyldecan-1-ol, dodecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-10-methylundecan-1-ol, tridecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-11-methyldodecan-1-ol, 2,5,9-trimethyldecan-1-ol, tetradecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-12-methyltridecan-1-ol, pentadecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-13-methyltetradecan-1-ol, hexadecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-14-methylpentadecan-1-ol, heptadecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-15-methylhexadecan-1-ol, octadecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-16-methylheptadecan-1-ol, nonadecan-1-ol, X.sub.1-17-methyloctadecan-1-ol, icosan-1-ol, X.sub.1-18-methylnonadecan-1-ol, henicosan-1-ol, X.sub.1-19-methylicosan-1-ol, docosan-1-ol, X.sub.1-20-methylhenicosan-1-ol, 2-propylheptan-1-ol, 2-propylnonan-1-ol, 2-pentylnonan-1-ol, 2-butyloctan-1-ol, 2-butyldecan-1-ol, 2-hexyloctan-1-ol, 2-hexyldecan-1-ol, 2-octyldecan-1-ol, 2-hexyldodecan-1-ol, 2-octyldodecan-1-ol, 2-decyltetradecan-1-ol, 6-methyldodecan-1-ol and their isomers, in which X.sub.a-b represents an integer which can take all the values ranging from a to b, X.sub.a-b indicating the position of an alkyl substituent on the alkane. X.sub.1-11-methyldodecan-1-ol is a dodecane substituted by an OH group in the 1 position and a methyl group in the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 position, for example 2-methyldodecan-1-ol or 11-methyldodecan-1-ol. The term isomers is understood to mean the alkanes comprising the same number of carbon atoms but having a different substitution scheme, for example an ethyl substituent instead of a methyl substituent or a greater number of methyl substituents. Thus, 2,5,9-trimethyldecan-1-ol is an isomer of 2-methyldodecan-1-ol and of 11-methyldodecan-1-ol. Preferably, the C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkane substituted by an OH group is chosen from 11-methyldodecan-1-ol and 2,5,9-trimethyldecan-1-ol.

[0139] A C.sub.2 to C.sub.3n alkene substituted by an OH group can in particular be chosen from Y.sub.2-5-hexen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-6-hepten-1-ol, Y.sub.2-7-octen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-8-nonen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-9-decen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-10-undecen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-11-dodecen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-12-tridecen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-13-tetradecen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-15-hexadecen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-17-octadecen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-19-icosen-1-ol, Y.sub.2-21-docosen-1-ol, heptadeca-8,11-dien-1-ol, octadeca-9,12-dien-1-ol, nonadeca-10,13-dien-1-ol, icosa-11,14-dien-1-ol, docosa-13,16-dien-1-ol, octadeca-5,9,12-trien-1-ol, octadeca-6,9,12-trien-1-ol, octadeca-9,12,15-trien-1-ol, octadeca-9,11,13-trien-1-ol, icosa-8,11,14-trien-1-ol, icosa-11,14,17-trien-1-ol, in which Y.sub.a-b represents an integer which can take all the values ranging from a to b, Y.sub.a-b indicating the position of the double bond in the alkene. Y.sub.2-5-hexen-1-ol is a hexene substituted by an OH in the 1 position in which the double bond can be in the 2, 3, 4 or 5 position.

[0140] A C.sub.5 to C.sub.12 cycloalkane substituted by an OH group can in particular be chosen from cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, cycloheptanol, cycloctanol, cyclononanol, cyclodecanol, cycloundecanol and cyclododecanol, preferably cyclopentanol and cyclohexanol.

[0141] A C.sub.6 to C.sub.12 arene substituted by an OH group can in particular be chosen from phenol, 1- or 2-naphthol, 2-, 3- or 4-phenylphenol, 2-, 3- or 4-methylphenol, 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4- or 3,5-dimethylphenol and 2,4,6-, 2,3,5- or 2,3,6-trimethylphenol.

[0142] A C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 arylalkane substituted by an OH group can in particular be chosen from benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethan-1-ol, 3-phenylpropan-1-ol, 4-phenylbutan-1-ol and 2-phenylbutan-1-ol, preferably benzyl alcohol and 2-phenylethan-1-ol.

[0143] An alcohol HO[(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY can in particular be chosen from an alkoxylated derivative of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkane substituted by an OH group as defined above, an alkoxylated derivative of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.30 alkene substituted by an OH group as defined above, an alkoxylated derivative of a C.sub.5 to C.sub.12 cycloalkane substituted by an OH group as defined above, an alkoxylated derivative of a C.sub.6 to C.sub.12 arene substituted by an OH group as defined above, an alkoxylated derivative of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 arylalkane substituted by an OH group as defined above. An alkoxylated derivative can in particular be an ethoxylated, propoxylated and/or butoxylated derivative, preferably an ethoxylated derivative.

[0144] Preferably, the alcohol HO[(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY is chosen from a polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MPEG), a polyethylene glycol monoethyl ether and a polyethylene glycol monobutyl ether; more preferentially an MPEG having a number-average molecular weight of from 200 to 1000 g/mol (in particular MPEG-250, MPEG-350, MPEG-400, MPEG-450, MPEG-500, MPEG-550, MPEG-650 or MPEG-750), or triethylene glycol monobutyl ether (also known as butyl triglycol (BTG)).

[0145] An alcohol HO[(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ can in particular be a polyester derivative of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 alkane substituted by an OH group as defined above, a polyester derivative of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.30 alkene substituted by an OH group as defined above, a polyester derivative of a C.sub.5 to C.sub.12 cycloalkane substituted by an OH group as defined above, a polyester derivative of a C.sub.6 to C.sub.12 arene substituted by an OH group as defined above, a polyester derivative of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.12 arylalkane substituted by an OH group as defined above. A polyester derivative can in particular comprise a polyester part obtained by ring opening polymerization of a lactone, preferably chosen from -butyrolactone, -valerolactone, -caprolactone and their mixtures.

R.SUB.2 .Group

[0146] A compound of formula (I) contains two R.sub.2 groups. The R.sub.2 groups of one and the same compound of formula (I) can be identical or different. The composition according to the invention can comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I) having identical R.sub.2 groups. The composition according to the invention can comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I) which differ in their R.sub.2 groups. For example, some compounds of the mixture can have identical R.sub.2 groups and some compounds of the mixture can have different R.sub.2 groups.

[0147] Each R.sub.2 group can originate from the use of a diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO in order to form the diurea-diurethane compound(s) of formula (I). The R.sub.2 group can correspond to the residue of a diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO without the NCO groups. The R.sub.2 groups and the corresponding diisocyanates of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO described below also apply to the process according to the invention.

[0148] Each R.sub.2 is independently a divalent group chosen from an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group and an araliphatic group.

[0149] According to one embodiment, each R.sub.2 is independently an aromatic group.

[0150] In particular, each R.sub.2 is independently an aromatic group having the following formula:

##STR00008## [0151] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea or urethane group of the formula (I).

[0152] More particularly, each R.sub.2 is independently an aromatic group having one of the following formulae:

##STR00009## [0153] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea or urethane group of the formula (I).

[0154] The thixotropic composition according to the invention can in particular have more than 85 mol %, more than 90 mol %, more than 95 mol %, more than 97 mol %, more than 98 mol %, more than 99 mol %, or 100 mol %, of all of the R.sub.2 groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) which are aromatic groups of the following formula:

##STR00010## [0155] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea or urethane group of the formula (I).

[0156] In particular, the thixotropic composition according to the invention can have from 86 mol % to 100 mol %, from 90 mol % to 100 mol %, from 95 mol % to 100 mol %, from 97 mol % to 100 mol %, from 98 mol % to 100 mol %, from 99 mol % to 100 mol %, or 100 mol %, of all of the R.sub.2 groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) which are aromatic groups of the following formula:

##STR00011## [0157] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea or urethane group of the formula (I).

[0158] The R.sub.2 group is bonded, on one side, to a urethane group (originating from the reaction between an isocyanate group of the diisocyanate OCNR.sub.2NCO and the OH group of the alcohol ROH) and, on the other side, to a urea group (originating from the reaction between the other isocyanate group of the diisocyanate OCNR.sub.2NCO and an NH.sub.2 group of the diamine H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2).

[0159] More particularly still, each R.sub.2 is independently an aromatic group of the following formula:

##STR00012## [0160] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I) and the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea group of the formula (I).

[0161] When the R.sub.2 group is asymmetric, there may be a side of the R.sub.2 group which is preferably bonded to the urethane group and the other side which is preferably bonded to the urea group. Without wishing to be committed to any one theory, the Applicant Company assumes that the least hindered side of the R.sub.2 group is preferably bonded to the urethane group.

[0162] The thixotropic composition according to the invention can in particular have more than 60 mol %, more than 65 mol %, more than 70 mol %, more than 75 mol %, more than 80 mol %, more than 85 mol %, or more than 90 mol %, of all of the R.sub.2 groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) which are aromatic groups of the following formula:

##STR00013## [0163] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I) and the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea group of the formula (I).

[0164] In particular, the thixotropic composition according to the invention can have from 61 mol % to 100 mol %, from 65 mol % to 100 mol %, from 70 mol % to 100 mol %, from 75 mol % to 100 mol %, from 80 mol % to 100 mol %, from 85 mol % to 100 mol %, or from 90 mol % to 100 mol %, of all of the R.sub.2 groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) which are aromatic groups of the following formula:

##STR00014## [0165] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I) and the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea group of the formula (I).

[0166] The R.sub.2 groups can in particular be the residues of one or more diisocyanates of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO without the NCO groups. A diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO can be a toluene diisocyanate (TDI). A TDI can be in the form of one or more isomers chosen from toluene-2,4-diisocyanate and toluene-2,6-diisocyanate.

[0167] In the context of the present invention, it is advantageous to use a TDI which comprises a high proportion of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, indeed even a TDI which comprises only toluene-2,4-diisocyanate. The Applicant Company assumes that the asymmetry of this compound makes it possible to decrease the amount of by-products, in particular of compound of formula (II), in the composition. This makes it possible to obtain compounds of formula (I) having a high proportion, indeed even consisting exclusively, of R.sub.2 groups according to the following formula:

##STR00015## [0168] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I) and the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea group of the formula (I).

[0169] In particular, a diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO is a TDI containing more than 85 mol %, more than 90 mol %, more than 95 mol %, more than 97 mol %, more than 98 mol %, more than 99 mol %, or 100 mol %, of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, with respect to the total amount of toluene diisocyanate isomers. More particularly, a diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO is a TDI containing from 86 mol % to 100 mol %, from 90 mol % to 100 mol %, from 95 mol % to 100 mol %, from 97 mol % to 100 mol %, from 98 mol % to 100 mol %, from 99 mol % to 100 mol %, or 100 mol %, of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, with respect to the total amount of toluene diisocyanate isomers. Preferably, a diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO is a TDI containing 100 mol % of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, with respect to the total amount of toluene diisocyanate isomers.

R.SUB.3 .Group

[0170] A compound of formula (I) contains an R.sub.3 group. The composition according to the invention can comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I) having identical R.sub.3 groups. The composition according to the invention can comprise a mixture of compounds of formula (I) which differ in their R.sub.3 groups.

[0171] Each R.sub.3 group can originate from the use of a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form the diurea-diurethane compound(s) of formula (I). The R.sub.3 group can correspond to the residue of a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 without the NH.sub.2 groups. The R.sub.3 groups and the corresponding diamines of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 described below also apply to the process according to the invention.

[0172] Each R.sub.3 is independently a divalent group chosen from an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group, an araliphatic group and a heterocyclic group.

[0173] According to a specific embodiment, each R.sub.3 is independently a group chosen from C.sub.2-C.sub.24 alkylene, (CR.sub.hR.sub.i).sub.s-[A-(CR.sub.jR.sub.k).sub.t].sub.u, (CR.sub.lR.sub.m).sub.vCY(CR.sub.nR.sub.o).sub.w and (CR.sub.pR.sub.q).sub.xCY(CH.sub.2).sub.yCY(CR.sub.rR.sub.s).sub.z; [0174] in which: [0175] A is O or NX; [0176] R.sub.h, R.sub.i, R.sub.j, R.sub.k, R.sub.l, R.sub.m, R.sub.n, R.sub.o, R.sub.p, R.sub.q, R.sub.r and R.sub.s are independently chosen from H and methyl, in particular H; [0177] X is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, in particular methyl or ethyl; [0178] CY is a ring chosen from phenyl, cyclohexyl, naphthyl, decahydronaphthyl, piperazinyl, triazinyl and pyridinyl, the ring being unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl groups; [0179] s ranges from 2 to 4, in particular s is 2; [0180] t ranges from 2 to 4, in particular t is 2; [0181] u ranges from 1 to 30; [0182] v, w, x, y and z independently range from 0 to 4.

[0183] Each R.sub.3 can in particular be a group chosen from C.sub.2-C.sub.24 alkylene and (CR.sub.lR.sub.m).sub.vCY(CR.sub.nR.sub.o).sub.w; [0184] in particular a group chosen from C.sub.2-C.sub.18 alkylene and (CH.sub.2).sub.vCY(CH.sub.2).sub.w with CY a cyclohexyl or phenyl ring, the ring being unsubstituted or substituted by 1 to 3 C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl groups, v and w ranging from 0 to 1.

[0185] More particularly, each R.sub.3 can be a group chosen from C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkylene and a group having the following formula:

##STR00016## [0186] in which the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urea group of the compound of formula (I).

[0187] The thixotropic composition according to the invention can in particular have more than 85 mol %, more than 90 mol %, more than 95 mol %, more than 97 mol %, more than 98 mol %, more than 99 mol %, or 100 mol %, of all of the R.sub.3 groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) which are groups of the following formula:

##STR00017##

[0188] In particular, the thixotropic composition according to the invention can have from 86 mol % to 100 mol %, from 90 mol % to 100 mol %, from 95 mol % to 100 mol %, from 97 mol % to 100 mol %, from 98 mol % to 100 mol %, from 99 mol % to 100 mol %, or 100 mol %, of all of the R.sub.3 groups contained in the compound(s) of formula (I) which are groups of the following formula:

##STR00018##

[0189] The R.sub.3 group(s) can in particular be the residue(s) of a (of one or more) diamine(s) of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 without the NH.sub.2 groups. A diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 can be chosen from a C.sub.2 to C.sub.24 aliphatic diamine, a C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 cycloaliphatic diamine, a C.sub.6 to C.sub.24 aromatic diamine, a C.sub.7 to C.sub.26 araliphatic diamine and a C.sub.3 to C.sub.18 heterocyclic diamine.

[0190] A C.sub.2 to C.sub.24 aliphatic diamine is a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in which R.sub.3 is an aliphatic group comprising from 2 to 24 carbon atoms. An aliphatic diamine can be linear or branched, preferably linear. An aliphatic diamine can be a polyetheramine, that is to say a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in which R.sub.3 comprises ether (O) bonds, more particularly ethylene oxide (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2) and/or propylene oxide (OCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.3) units. An aliphatic diamine can be a polyalkyleneimine, that is to say a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in which R.sub.3 is interrupted by one or more tertiary amines (NX with X a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl). An aliphatic diamine can be interrupted by one or more tertiary amine groups. Examples of linear aliphatic diamines which are suitable are 1,2-ethylenediamine, 1,3-propylenediamine, 1,4-tetramethylenediamine, 1,5-pentamethylenediamine, 1,6-hexamethylenediamine, 1,8-octamethylenediamine, 1,12-dodecamethylenediamine and their mixtures; preferably 1,2-ethylenediamine, 1,5-pentamethylenediamine and 1,6-hexamethylenediamine. Examples of branched aliphatic diamines which are suitable are 1,2-propylenediamine, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine, 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,5-pentanediamine and their mixtures. Examples of polyetheramines are the compounds sold by Huntsman under the Jeffamine reference, in particular the Jeffamine D, ED and EDR series (diamines). These series include in particular the following references: Jeffamine D-230, Jeffamine D-400, Jeffamine D-2000, Jeffamine D-4000, Jeffamine ED-600, Jeffamine ED-900, Jeffamine ED-2003, Jeffamine EDR-148 and Jeffamine EDR-176. An example of polyalkyleneimine is 3,3-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine.

[0191] A C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 cycloaliphatic diamine is a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in which R.sub.3 is a cycloaliphatic group comprising from 6 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of cycloaliphatic diamines which are suitable are 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine, 4-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine, isophoronediamine, 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, diaminodecahydronaphthalene, 3,3-dimethyl-4,4-diaminodicyclohexylmethane, 4,4-diaminodicyclohexylmethane, bis(aminomethyl)norbornane and their mixtures; [0192] preferably, 1,3- or 1,4-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, isophoronediamine and 4,4-diaminodicyclohexylmethane.

[0193] A C.sub.6 to C.sub.24 aromatic diamine is a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in which R.sub.3 is an aromatic group comprising from 6 to 24 carbon atoms. Examples of aromatic diamines which are suitable are ortho-, meta- and para-phenylenediamine, ortho-, meta- and para-tolylenediamine, 3,4-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4-diaminodiphenyl ether and their mixtures; preferably, ortho-, meta- and para-phenylenediamine.

[0194] A C.sub.7 to C.sub.26 araliphatic diamine is a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in which R.sub.3 is an araliphatic group comprising from 7 to 26 carbon atoms. Examples of araliphatic diamines which are suitable are ortho-, meta- and para-xylylenediamine, 4,4-diaminodiphenylmethane and their mixtures; preferably, ortho-, meta- and para-xylylenediamine.

[0195] A C.sub.3 to C.sub.18 heterocyclic diamine is a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in which R.sub.3 is a heterocyclic group comprising from 3 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of heterocyclic diamines which are suitable are 1,2-diaminopiperazine, 1,4-diaminopiperazine, 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine, 2,3-, 2,6- and 3,4-diaminopyridine, 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine and their mixtures.

Aprotic Solvent

[0196] The thixotropic composition according to the invention comprises an aprotic solvent. The thixotropic composition can comprise a mixture of aprotic solvents.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the aprotic solvent is chosen from dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone, N-propylpyrrolidone, N-butylpyrrolidone, N,N,N,N-tetramethylurea and their mixtures. In particular, the aprotic solvent is chosen from dimethyl sulfoxide, N-butylpyrrolidone and their mixtures.

[0198] The thixotropic composition can in particular comprise from 20% to 95% by weight, in particular from 40% to 80% by weight and more particularly from 50% to 70% by weight of aprotic solvent, with respect to the weight of the thixotropic composition.

Diurethane Compound

[0199] The thixotropic composition according to the invention can additionally comprise a diurethane compound. The thixotropic composition can comprise a mixture of diurethane compounds.

[0200] The diurethane compound can be a by-product resulting from the process for the preparation of the thixotropic composition according to the invention as described below. This is because the reaction between a diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO and an alcohol of formula ROH in order to form a monoisocyanate adduct of formula ROC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO can also generate a diurethane when the alcohol is in stoichiometric excess with respect to the diisocyanate.

[0201] Without wishing to be committed to any one theory, the Applicant Company assumes that the diurethane makes it possible to stabilize the thixotropic composition and to reduce the number of by-products obtained during its preparation. The presence of diurethane in the thixotropic composition makes it possible to eliminate or to greatly reduce the amount of salt, in particular of lithium salt, or of surfactant, with respect to the compositions of the prior art.

[0202] A diurethane compound can in particular correspond to a compound of formula (II):

##STR00019## [0203] in which R and R.sub.2 are as defined above for the compound of formula (I).

[0204] According to a specific embodiment, the thixotropic composition comprises from 20% to 95%, in particular from 25% to 85%, more particularly from 35% to 75%, in moles, of compound of formula (II), with respect to the total molar amount of compounds having one or more functional groups chosen from urea, urethane and their mixtures, aprotic solvent excepted.

Polyurea-Diurethane Compound

[0205] The thixotropic composition according to the invention can additionally comprise a polyurea-diurethane compound. The thixotropic composition can comprise a mixture of polyurea-diurethane compounds.

[0206] The polyurea-diurethane compound can be a by-product resulting from the process for the preparation of the thixotropic composition according to the invention as described below. This is because the reaction between a monoisocyanate adduct of formula ROC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and a diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 can also generate a polyurea-diurethane when the reaction medium contains diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO. The diisocyanate can in particular be residual diisocyanate originating from the reaction between a diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO and an alcohol of formula ROH in order to form the monoisocyanate adduct of formula ROC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO.

[0207] A polyurea-diurethane compound can in particular correspond to a compound of formula (III):

##STR00020## [0208] in which R, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as defined above for the compound of formula (I); [0209] z is from 1 to 10.

[0210] As the polyurea-diurethane compounds are generally solids, it is advantageous to limit their amount in the thixotropic composition. Although it is possible to reduce the content of residual diisocyanate by carrying out a distillation stage before the reaction between the monoisocyanate adduct and the diamine, this represents a not insignificant cost and requires specific plants. The composition according to the invention exhibits a low content of polyurea-diurethane compound although its process of preparation does not require a stage of distillation of residual diisocyanate. This is rendered possible in particular by adjusting the molar ratio of the reactants employed in the process for the preparation of the thixotropic composition as described below.

[0211] According to a specific embodiment, the thixotropic composition comprises less than 4%, in particular from 3.0% to 1.5%, from 2.0% to 1.0%, or from 1.0% to 0%, in moles, of compound of formula (III), with respect to the total molar amount of compounds having one or more functional groups chosen from urea, urethane and their mixtures, aprotic solvent excepted.

Process for the Preparation of the Thixotropic Composition

[0212] The thixotropic composition according to the invention can be prepared according to the process described below.

[0213] The preparation process according to the invention comprises a stage a), a stage b) and optionally one or more additional stages which can take place before stage a), between stage a) and stage b), and/or after stage b).

[0214] Stage a) is a stage during which at least one diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO reacts with at least one alcohol of formula ROH in order to form at least one monoisocyanate adduct of formula ROC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO.

[0215] Stage b) is a stage during which the at least one monoisocyanate adduct obtained in stage a) reacts with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form at least one compound of formula (I):

##STR00021## [0216] in which: [0217] each R is independently chosen from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, [(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY and [(CR.sub.cR.sub.d).sub.pC(O)O].sub.qZ; [0218] the symbol represents a point of attachment to a urethane group of the formula (I); [0219] each R.sub.2 is independently a divalent group chosen from an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group and an araliphatic group; [0220] each R.sub.3 is independently a divalent group chosen from an aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, an aromatic group, an araliphatic group and a heterocyclic group; [0221] Y and Z are independently chosen from alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl; [0222] R.sub.a, R.sub.b, R.sub.c and R.sub.d are independently chosen from H and methyl, in particular H; [0223] each n is independently equal to 2, 3 or 4, in particular n is 2; [0224] m ranges from 1 to 30, in particular m ranges from 2 to 25; [0225] p ranges from 3 to 5, in particular p is 5; [0226] q ranges from 1 to 20, in particular q ranges from 2 to 10.

[0227] The R, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 groups, the diisocyanate of formula OCNR.sub.2NCO, the alcohol of formula ROH and the diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 can in particular be as defined above for the compound of formula (I). The specific embodiments described for the compound of formula (I) also apply to the process according to the invention.

[0228] Stage a) can in particular be carried out by gradually adding the at least one alcohol to a reactor containing the at least one diisocyanate. The at least one diisocyanate can in particular be in the molten state. The rate of addition of the at least one alcohol can be controlled in order to limit the exothermicity. In particular, the rate of addition of the at least one alcohol can be controlled in order to keep the temperature of the reaction medium less than or equal to 60 C., in particular from 20 to 60 C., from 25 to 55 C. or from 30 to 40 C.

[0229] Stage a) is carried out with a molar ratio of the total amount of alcohol to the total amount of diisocyanate of from 1.10 to 1.80. In particular, the molar ratio of the total amount of alcohol to the total amount of diisocyanate in stage a) ranges from 1.20 to 1.60, more particularly from 1.25 to 1.45, more particularly still from 1.30 to 1.40.

[0230] The ratio of alcohol with respect to the diisocyanate in stage a) makes it possible to limit the amount of residual diisocyanate at the end of stage a). The amount of residual diisocyanate at the end of stage a) corresponds to the amount of diisocyanate introduced in stage a) which has not reacted with the at least one alcohol. Controlling the amount of residual diisocyanate at the end of stage a) advantageously makes it possible to limit the formation of insoluble entities, in particular of compound of formula (III) as described above, during stage b). According to a specific embodiment, the amount of residual diisocyanate in the reaction mixture at the end of stage a) is less than 6 molar %, in particular from 0 molar % to 5 molar %, from 0.01 molar % to 4.5 molar % or from 0.05 molar % to 4 molar %, with respect to the molar amount of all of the compounds having one or more functional groups chosen from urethane, isocyanate and their mixtures.

[0231] The ratio of alcohol with respect to the diisocyanate in stage a) advantageously makes it possible to avoid the implementation of a stage of removal of residual diisocyanate. This is because the amount of residual diisocyanate at the end of stage a) is sufficiently low and will not generate an excessive formation of insoluble entities, in particular of compound of formula (III) as described above, during stage b). According to a specific embodiment, the process according to the invention does not comprise a stage of distillation of residual diisocyanate, in particular a stage of distillation of residual diisocyanate between stage a) and stage b).

[0232] The ratio of alcohol with respect to the diisocyanate in stage a) can result in the formation of one or more diurethane compound(s) as described above. A diurethane compound can in particular result from the reaction between an alcohol of formula ROH and the monoisocyanate adduct of formula ROC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO. Thus, the reaction mixture obtained in stage a) can comprise the monoisocyanate adduct of formula ROC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and a compound of formula (II):

##STR00022## [0233] in which R and R.sub.2 are as defined above.

[0234] Without wishing to be committed to any one theory, the Applicant Company assumes that the presence of diurethane compound in the thixotropic composition makes it possible to stabilize the urea bonds formed during stage b). Thus, it is possible to greatly reduce, indeed even to eliminate, the amount of stabilizer (in particular of salt, for example of lithium salt, or of surfactant) added in stage b), in comparison with the processes of the prior art.

[0235] Once the addition of the at least one alcohol is complete, stage a) can be continued until the NCO number of the reaction mixture reaches the theoretical NCO number. The NCO number at the end of stage a) can in particular be less than 200 mg KOH/g. In particular, the NCO number at the end of stage a) can be from 5 to 150 mg KOH/g, from 25 to 125 mg KOH/g, from 50 to 100 mg KOH/g or from 60 to 80 mg KOH/g. The NCO number at the end of stage a) can in particular be measured according to the method described below. The theoretical NCO number at the end of stage a) can in particular be calculated according to the method described below.

[0236] Stage b) can in particular be carried out by gradually adding the mixture obtained in stage a) to a reactor containing the at least one diamine and optionally aprotic solvent and/or salt. The rate of addition of the mixture obtained in stage a) can be controlled in order to limit the exothermicity. In particular, the rate of addition of the mixture obtained in stage a) can be controlled in order to keep the temperature of the reaction medium less than or equal to 80 C., in particular from 20 to 80 C., from 30 to 70 C. or from 40 to 60 C.

[0237] Once the addition of the at least one monoisocyanate adduct is complete, stage b) can be continued until the NCO number of the reaction mixture reaches the desired value. The NCO number of the composition obtained by the process of the invention can in particular be of less than 0.5 mg KOH/g, especially of less than 0.2 mg KOH/g, more particularly of less than 0.1 mg KOH/g, more particularly still 0 mg KOH/g. The NCO number of the composition can in particular be determined according to the method described below.

[0238] Stage b) is carried out in the presence of less than 0.2 mol of salt per mole of diamine used. In particular, stage b) is carried out in the presence of from 0 to 0.19, from 0 to 0.15, from 0 to 0.1, from 0 to 0.05, from 0 to 0.02, from 0 to 0.01 or 0 mol of salt per mole of diamine used. The salt can in particular be as defined above for the thixotropic composition.

[0239] Stage b) can be carried out in the presence of less than 0.2 mol of surfactant per mole of diamine used. In particular, stage b) is carried out in the presence of from 0 to 0.19, from 0 to 0.15, from 0 to 0.1, from 0 to 0.05, from 0 to 0.02, from 0 to 0.01 or 0 mol of surfactant per mole of diamine used. The surfactant can in particular be as defined above for the thixotropic composition.

[0240] The molar ratio of the total amount of monoisocyanate adduct to the total amount of diamine in stage b) can range from 1.8 to 2.2. In particular, the molar ratio of the total amount of monoisocyanate adduct to the total amount of diamine in stage b) ranges from 1.9 to 2.1, more particularly from 1.95 to 2.05, more particularly still from 1.98 to 2.02.

[0241] A solvent can be added in stage a) and/or in stage b) and/or between stage a) and stage b) in order to reduce the viscosity of the composition and to dissolve the compounds obtained. In particular, stage a) and/or stage b) can be carried out in the presence of an aprotic solvent. The viscosity of the reaction medium obtained at the end of stage a) can be lowered by adding aprotic solvent. The aprotic solvent can in particular be as defined above for the thixotropic composition.

[0242] The process according to the invention can be carried out using an alcohol or a mixture of alcohols in stage a).

[0243] According to a first embodiment, in stage a), the at least one diisocyanate reacts with a single alcohol of formula R.sub.1OH in order to form at least one monoisocyanate adduct of formula R.sub.1OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and, [0244] in stage b), the product obtained in stage a) reacts with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form at least one compound of formula (I):

##STR00023## [0245] in which: [0246] the R.sub.1 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0247] R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as defined above.

[0248] The alcohol R.sub.1OH of the first embodiment can in particular be a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl substituted by OH.

[0249] According to a second embodiment, in stage a), the at least one diisocyanate reacts with at least two different alcohols of formulae R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH in order to form a mixture of at least two monoisocyanate adducts of formulae R.sub.4OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and R.sub.5OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and, [0250] in stage b), the mixture obtained in stage a) reacts with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form at least one compound of formula (Ia), optionally as a mixture with a compound of formula (Ib) and/or a compound of formula (Ic):

##STR00024## [0251] in which: [0252] all the R.sub.4 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0253] all the R.sub.5 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0254] the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.5.

[0255] The R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 groups, and also the alcohols of formulae R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH, can in particular be as defined above for the compound of formula (I).

[0256] In the second embodiment, the alcohol R.sub.4OH can be more hydrophobic than the alcohol R.sub.5OH; and/or the alcohol R.sub.5OH can have a higher molecular weight than that of the alcohol R.sub.4OH.

[0257] In the second embodiment, the molecular weights of the alcohols R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH can be different. In particular, R.sub.4OH can have a lower molecular weight than that of R.sub.5OH. More particularly, the difference between the molecular weight of R.sub.4OH and that of R.sub.5OH can be at least 50, at least 100, at least 150, at least 200, at least 300 or at least 350 g/mol.

[0258] In the second embodiment, the chemical natures of the alcohols R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH can be different. In particular, the alcohol R.sub.4OH can be more hydrophobic than the alcohol R.sub.5OH.

[0259] In the second embodiment, the alcohols R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH can be alcohols of formula HO[(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY having different molecular weights, Y, R.sub.a, R.sub.b, n and m being as defined above. Alternatively, the alcohol R.sub.4OH can be a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl substituted by OH and the alcohol R.sub.5OH can be an alcohol of formula HO[(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY in which Y, R.sub.a, R.sub.b, n and m are as defined above.

[0260] In the second embodiment, the total molar amount of the alcohol R.sub.5OH, in particular of the least hydrophobic alcohol and/or of the alcohol having the highest molecular weight, can in particular represent more than 20%, especially from 25% to 95%, from 30% to 90%, from 35% to 85%, or from 40% to 80%, of the total molar amount of the alcohols R.sub.4OH and R.sub.5OH introduced in stage a).

[0261] In the second embodiment, the alcohol R.sub.5OH, in particular the least hydrophobic alcohol and/or the alcohol having the highest molecular weight, can in particular be reacted with the diisocyanate before the alcohol R.sub.4OH, in particular the most hydrophobic alcohol and/or the alcohol having the lowest molecular weight, is introduced into the reaction mixture of stage a).

[0262] According to a third embodiment, in stage a), the diisocyanate reacts with a mixture of at least three different alcohols of formulae R.sub.4OH, R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH in order to form a mixture of at least three monoisocyanate adducts of formulae R.sub.4OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO, R.sub.5OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and R.sub.6OC(O)NHR.sub.2NCO and, [0263] in stage b), the mixture obtained in stage a) reacts with at least one diamine of formula H.sub.2NR.sub.3NH.sub.2 in order to form a compound of formula (Ia), a compound of formula (Id) and optionally one or more compounds of formula (Ib), (Ic), (Ie) or (If) represented below:

##STR00025## [0264] in which: [0265] all the R.sub.4 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0266] all the R.sub.5 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0267] all the R.sub.6 groups are identical and as defined above for R; [0268] the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.5; [0269] the R.sub.4 groups are different from R.sub.6; [0270] the R.sub.5 groups are different from R.sub.6.

[0271] The R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 groups, and also the alcohols of formulae R.sub.4OH, R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH, can in particular be as defined above for the compound of formula (I).

[0272] In the third embodiment, the alcohol R.sub.4OH can be more hydrophobic than the alcohol R.sub.5OH and/or than the alcohol R.sub.6OH; and/or the alcohol R.sub.4OH can have a lower molecular weight than that of the alcohol R.sub.5OH and/or than that of the alcohol R.sub.6OH.

[0273] In the third embodiment, the molecular weights of the alcohols R.sub.4OH, R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH can be different. In particular, R.sub.4OH can have a lower molecular weight than that of R.sub.5OH; and/or R.sub.4OH can have a lower molecular weight than that of R.sub.6OH; and/or R.sub.5OH can have a lower molecular weight than that of R.sub.6OH. More particularly, the alcohol R.sub.4OH has a lower molecular weight than those of the alcohols R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH. More particularly still, the difference between the molecular weight of R.sub.4OH and that of R.sub.5OH; and/or the difference between the molecular weight of R.sub.4OH and that of R.sub.6OH; and/or the difference between the molecular weight of R.sub.5OH and that of R.sub.6OH can be at least 50, at least 100, at least 150, at least 200, at least 300 or at least 350 g/mol.

[0274] The alcohols R.sub.4OH, R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH can have different chemical natures. In particular, R.sub.4OH can be more hydrophobic than R.sub.5OH; and/or R.sub.4OH can be more hydrophobic than R.sub.6OH; and/or R.sub.5OH can be more hydrophobic than R.sub.6OH. More particularly, the alcohol R.sub.4OH is more hydrophobic than the alcohols R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH.

[0275] In the third embodiment, the alcohol R.sub.4OH can be a linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.30 alkyl substituted by OH and the alcohols R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH can be alcohols of formula HO[(CR.sub.aR.sub.b).sub.nO].sub.mY having different molecular weights, Y, R.sub.a, R.sub.b, n and m being as defined above.

[0276] The total molar amount of the alcohols R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH, in particular the total molar amount of the least hydrophobic alcohols and/or of the alcohols having the highest molecular weights, can in particular represent more than 20%, especially from 25% to 95%, from 30% to 90%, from 35% to 85%, or from 40% to 80%, of the total molar amount of the alcohols R.sub.4OH, R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH introduced in stage a).

[0277] The alcohols R.sub.5OH and R.sub.6OH, in particular the least hydrophobic alcohols and/or the alcohols having the highest molecular weights, can in particular be reacted with the diisocyanate before the alcohol R.sub.4OH, in particular the most hydrophobic alcohol and/or the alcohol having the lowest molecular weight, is introduced into the reaction mixture of stage a).

Binder Composition

[0278] The thixotropic composition according to the invention is advantageously introduced into a binder composition in order to modify its rheology, in particular in order to confer a thixotropic or pseudoplastic effect on it.

[0279] The binder composition according to the invention comprises a binder and the thixotropic composition as described above.

[0280] According to a specific embodiment, the binder composition is a coating composition, in particular a varnish, rendering, surface gel, paint or ink composition, an adhesive, glue or mastic composition, a moulding composition, a composite material composition, a chemical sealing composition, a leaktightness agent composition, a photocrosslinkable composition for stereolithography or for 3D printing of objects, in particular by inkjet printing.

[0281] The binder composition can in particular comprise from 0.5% to 15%, especially from 1% to 10%, more particularly from 2% to 7%, by weight of thixotropic composition, with respect to the weight of the binder composition.

[0282] The binder composition can in particular be an aqueous or solvent-based composition. Preferably, the binder composition is an aqueous composition.

[0283] According to a specific embodiment, the binder composition according to the invention is crosslinkable, either thermally and/or chemically (in particular by addition of a crosslinking agent, such as a peroxide, an epoxy resin, a melamine/formaldehyde resin, a blocked or unblocked polyisocyanate, an anhydride, an amine, a hydrazide, an aziridine or an alkoxysilane), or by irradiation under radiation, such as UV (in the presence of at least one photoinitiator) and/or EB (electron beam, without initiator), including self-crosslinkable at ambient temperature, or it is non-crosslinkable. The binder composition can be crosslinkable one-component (a single reactive component) or crosslinkable two-component (binder based on two components which react together by mixing during use).

[0284] The binder can be a binder commonly used in the field of coatings, varnishes and paints, such as those described in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 5.sup.th Edition, Vol. A18, pp. 368-426, VCH, Weinheim, 1991. According to a specific embodiment, the binder is chosen from a nitrocellulose, a cellulose ester (for example cellulose acetate or cellulose butyrate), a vinyl resin (for example a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polyisobutylene, an olefin-based copolymer, such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or a modified polyolefin, such as a chlorinated or chlorosulfonylated polyethylene or polypropylene), a fluorinated polymer (for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene (FEP) copolymer, an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)), a polyvinyl ester (for example a polyvinyl acetate or a copolymer based on vinyl acetate), a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetal, a polyvinyl ether, an acrylic resin, an alkyd resin, an alkyd resin grafted by a polyester or a polyamide or diurea-diurethane modified, a saturated or unsaturated polyester resin, a polyurethane, a crosslinkable two-component polyurethane, an epoxy resin, a silicone resin, a polysiloxane, a phenolic resin, an epoxy-amine (crosslinkable two-component) reactive system, a polysulfide polymer, a (meth)acrylate polyfunctional oligomer or acrylated acrylic oligomer or allylic polyfunctional oligomer, an elastomer (for example SBR, polychloroprene or butyl rubber), a silanated prepolymer (for example a silanated polyether or a silanated polyurethane, or a silanated polyether-urethane) and their mixtures.

[0285] The binder can be an aqueous dispersion of polymer or copolymer particles, also known as latex. The polymers or copolymers can in particular be chosen from an acrylic, styrene/acrylic, vinyl acetate/acrylic or ethylene/vinyl acetate polymer or copolymer.

[0286] In a more specific case, the binder can be selected from the following crosslinkable two-component reactive systems: epoxy-amine or epoxy-polyamide systems comprising at least one epoxy resin comprising at least two epoxy groups and at least one amino or polyamide compound comprising at least two amine groups, polyurethane systems comprising at least one polyisocyanate and at least one polyol, polyol-melamine systems, and polyester systems based on at least one epoxy or on a polyol reactive with at least one acid or one corresponding anhydride.

[0287] According to other specific cases, the binder can be a crosslinkable two-component polyurethane system or a crosslinkable two-component polyester system starting from an epoxy-carboxylic acid or anhydride reaction system, or from a polyol-carboxylic acid or anhydride system, or a polyol-melamine reaction system in which the polyol is a hydroxylated acrylic resin, or a polyester or a polyether polyol.

[0288] In particular, the binder composition according to the invention is a two-component polyurethane composition based on a hydroxylated acrylic dispersion.

[0289] The binder composition according to the invention can comprise other components, such as, for example, fillers, plasticizers, wetting agents or also pigments.

Use

[0290] The thixotropic composition according to the invention is used as rheology agent, in particular as thixotropic agent.

[0291] Thus, the incorporation of the thixotropic composition in a binder composition makes it possible to modify its rheology, in particular to confer a thixotropic effect on it.

[0292] By way of illustration of the invention, the following examples demonstrate, without any limitation, the performance qualities of the additive according to the present invention.

EXAMPLES

Measurement Methods

[0293] The measurement methods used in the present patent application are described below:

NCO Number

[0294] The NCO number is measured by quantitative determination with a Metrohm (848 Titrino Plus) titrimeter equipped with a Metrohm reference 6.0229.100 measurement probe. The sample to be analysed is weighed into a 250 ml screw-necked Erlenmeyer flask. 50 ml de xylenefor stage a)and 50 ml of DMSOfor stage b)are added and the Erlenmeyer flask is hermetically closed. The sample is completely dissolved by magnetic stirring, if necessary while heating. If the dissolution of the sample has required heating, the mixture is left to return to ambient temperature before the following operation. 15 ml of 0.15N dibutylamine in xylene are added using a 15 ml precision pipette. The Erlenmeyer flask is hermetically stoppered and reaction is allowed to take place under gentle stirring for 15 minutes. 100 ml of isopropanolin stage a)and 100 ml of DMSOin stage b)are added while taking care to rinse the walls of the Erlenmeyer flask. Titration is carried out under magnetic stirring with 0.1N aqueous hydrochloric acid, according to the method of use of the chosen titrimeter. A blank quantitative determination (without sample) is carried out under the same conditions. The NCO number is calculated according to the following equation:

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}{N}_{\mathrm{NCO}}\left(\mathrm{mg}\mathrm{KOH}/g\right)=\frac{\left(\mathrm{VB}-\mathrm{VS}\right)\mathrm{NT}56.1}{W}& \left[\mathrm{Math}1\right]\end{array}$ [0295] with [0296] VS=Volume of titrant added for the quantitative determination of the sample (ml) [0297] VB=Volume of titrant added for the quantitative determination of the blank (ml) [0298] NT=Normality of the titrant (0.1N) [0299] W=Weight of the sample (g).

Theoretical NCO Number at the End of Stage a)

[0300] The theoretical NCO number at the end of stage a) is calculated according to the following equation:

[00002]$\mathrm{Theoretical}{N}_{\mathrm{NCO}}\left(\mathrm{mg}\mathrm{KOH}/g\right)=\frac{\left(w_{\mathrm{isocyanate}}{N}_{\mathrm{isocyanate}}\right)-\left(w_{\mathrm{alcohols}}{N}_{\mathrm{alcohols}}\right)}{w_{\mathrm{total}}}$

Brookfield Viscosity

[0301] The viscosity was measured in accordance with Standard NF EN ISO 2555 June 2018 using a Brookfield viscometer at 23 C. (spindle: S 5). A spindle of cylindrical shape rotates at a constant rotational speed around its axis in the product to be examined. The resistance which is exerted by the fluid on the spindle depends on the viscosity of the product. This resistance brings about torsion of the spiral spring, which is reflected in a viscosity value.

Thixotropic Index

[0302] The thixotropic index was measured by dividing the viscosity obtained with the Brookfield viscometer at 23 C. at the speed of 5 revolutions per minute by the viscosity obtained with this same viscometer at the speed of 50 revolutions per minute.

Starting Materials

[0303] In the examples, the following starting materials were used:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Product used Chemical name Function Supplier Desmodur T 100 Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate Reactant Covestro Desmodur T 80 Mixture of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate and Reactant Covestro toluene-2,6-diisocyanate with an 80:20 molar ratio Polyglykol M 350 Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether Reactant Clariant (M = 330-370 g/mol) Polyglykol M 500 Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether Reactant Clariant (M = 470-530 g/mol) BTG Butyl triglycol Reactant BASF MXDA meta-Xylylenediamine Reactant Itochu DMSO Dimethyl sulfoxide Solvent Arkema LiCl Lithium chloride Stabilizer FMC Disperbyk 190 Solution of high-molecular-weight Dispersing Byk- block copolymers agent Chemie having groups with a strong affinity for pigments Byk 024 Polypropylene glycol Antifoaming Byk- agent Chemie TiO.sub.2 Tiona Titanium dioxide Pigment Cristal RCL595 Encor 2171 Aqueous acrylic copolymer dispersion Resin Arkema Diethylene Diethylene glycol butyl ether Coalescent VWR glycol butyl agent ether Byk 333 Polyether-modified Spreading Byk- dimethylpolysiloxane agent Chemie

Preparation of the Mixture of Alcohols

Mixture A

[0304] 411.76 g of MPEG 350 (1.177 mol) and 588.2 g of MPEG 500 (1.177 mol) were mixed in a 1 litre round-bottomed flask equipped with a thermometer and a stirrer at ambient temperature and under an inert atmosphere for 10 min, in order to give a clear liquid.

Mixture B

[0305] 189.2 g of MPEG 350 (0.54 mol) and 810.8 g of MPEG 500 (1.62 mol) were mixed in a 1 litre round-bottomed flask equipped with a thermometer and a stirrer at ambient temperature and under an inert atmosphere for 10 min, in order to give a clear liquid.

Mixture C

[0306] 120.8 g of BTG (0.59 mol) and 879.2 g of MPEG 500 (1.76 mol) were mixed in a 1 litre round-bottomed flask equipped with a thermometer and a stirrer at ambient temperature and under an inert atmosphere for 10 min, in order to give a clear liquid.

Preparation of the Semi-Adducts

Semi-Adduct A

[0307] 145.3 g of Desmodur T 100 (0.835 mol) were charged to a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 354.7 g of Mixture A (0.835 mol) were added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 40 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 3 h and the NCO number was measured every hour until the theoretical NCO number of 93.6 mg KOH/g was reached.

Semi-Adduct B

[0308] 113.18 g of Desmodur T 100 (0.65 mol) were charged to a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 386.82 g of Mixture A (0.91 mol) were added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 40 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 3 h and the NCO number was measured every hour until the theoretical NCO number of 43.8 mg KOH/g was reached.

Semi-Adduct C

[0309] 105.95 g of Desmodur T 100 (0.61 mol) were charged to a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 394.1 g of Mixture B (0.85 mol) were added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 40 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 3 h and the NCO number was measured every hour until the theoretical NCO number of 41 mg KOH/g was reached.

Semi-Adduct D

[0310] 112.87 g of Desmodur T 100 (0.65 mol) were charged to a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 387.13 g of Mixture C (0.91 mol) were added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 40 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 3 h and the NCO number was measured every hour until the theoretical NCO number of 43.7 mg KOH/g was reached.

Semi-Adduct E

[0311] 98.76 g of Desmodur T 100 (0.57 mol) and 14.1 g of Desmodur T 80 (0.081 mol) were charged to a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 387.13 g of Mixture C (0.91 mol) were added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 40 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 3 h and the NCO number was measured every hour until the theoretical NCO number of 43.7 mg KOH/g was reached.

Semi-Adduct F

[0312] 118.4 g of Desmodur T 100 (0.68 mol) and 16.9 g of Desmodur T 80 (0.1 mol) were charged to a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 364.7 g of Mixture C (0.86 mol) were added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 40 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 3 h and the NCO number was measured every hour until the theoretical NCO number of 78.5 mg KOH/g was reached.

Preparation of the Urea-Urethanes

Example C1Comparative

[0313] 4.5 g of LiCl (0.106 mol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 19.25 g of MXDA (0.14 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 176.25 g of semi-adduct A (0.28 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 1According to the Invention

[0314] 53.96 mg of LiCl (1.27 mmol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 19.57 g of MXDA (0.144 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 180.38 g of semi-adduct A (0.288 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 2According to the Invention

[0315] 29.48 mg of LiCl (0.695 mmol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 10.69 g of MXDA (0.079 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 189.28 g of semi-adduct B (0.157 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 3According to the Invention

[0316] 11.39 mg of LiCl (0.269 mmol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 10.32 g of MXDA (0.076 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 189.67 g of semi-adduct B (0.152 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 4According to the Invention

[0317] 1.04 mg of LiCl (0.0245 mmol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 9.42 g of MXDA (0.07 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 190.57 g of semi-adduct C (0.14 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 5According to the Invention

[0318] 1.09 mg of LiCl (0.0257 mmol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 9.93 g of MXDA (0.075 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 190.07 g of semi-adduct D (0.15 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 6According to the Invention

[0319] 1.14 mg of LiCl (0.0269 mmol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 10.3 g of MXDA (0.076 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 189.68 g of semi-adduct E (0.152 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 7According to the Invention

[0320] 1.9 mg of LiCl (0.045 mmol) were dissolved in 300 g of DMSO (3.8 mol) and 17.28 g of MXDA (0.127 mol) at 80 C. in a 500 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 182.72 g of semi-adduct F (0.254 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

Example 8According to the Invention

[0321] 112.5 g of DMSO (1.44 mol) and 3.91 g of MXDA (0.029 mol) were mixed in a 250 ml reactor equipped with a thermometer, a condenser and a stirrer. 71.09 g of semi-adduct D (0.058 mol) were subsequently added via a dropping funnel over a period of time of 1 h while maintaining the temperature of the mixture below 60 C. At the end of the addition, the mixture was left stirring for 30 minutes in order to give a clear liquid product at ambient temperature. The solids content of the mixture was 40%.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Characteristics of the products 2,4- Molar TDI Alcohol Alcohol ratio Molar ratio Molar ratio Additive (%)* 1 (A1) 2 (A2) A1/A2 Alcohols/TDI Amine LiCl/Amine Example C1 100 MPEG MPEG 1:1 .sup.1:1 MXDA 0.75 (comparative) 350 500 Example 1 100 MPEG MPEG 1:1 .sup.1:1 MXDA 0.0088 (invention) 350 500 Example 2 100 MPEG MPEG 1:1 1.4:1 MXDA 0.0088 (invention) 350 500 Example 3 100 MPEG MPEG 1:1 1.4:1 MXDA 0.00035 (invention) 350 500 Example 4 100 MPEG MPEG 1:3 1.4:1 MXDA 0.00035 (invention) 350 500 Example 5 100 BTG MPEG 1:3 1.4:1 MXDA 0.00035 (invention) 500 Example 6 97.5 BTG MPEG 1:3 1.4:1 MXDA 0.00035 (invention) 500 Example 7 97.5 BTG MPEG 1:3 1.1:1 MXDA 0.00035 (invention) 500 Example 8 100 BTG MPEG 1:3 1.4:1 MXDA 0 (invention) 500 *the % of 2,4-TDI corresponds to the percentage by weight of toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, with respect to the total weight of the TDI isomers

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Appearance of the products Additive Appearance Stability Example C1 (comparative) Liquid >12 months Example 1 (invention) Liquid >12 months Example 2 (invention) Liquid >12 months Example 3 (invention) Liquid >12 months Example 4 (invention) Liquid >12 months Example 5 (invention) Liquid >12 months Example 6 (invention) Liquid >12 months Example 7 (invention) Liquid >12 months Example 8 (invention) Liquid >12 months

[0322] Despite the presence of a lower amount of salt than that indicated in the state of the art, indeed even the total absence of salt, the compositions according to the invention have an excellent stability over time.

Applicative Tests

Formulation F1

[0323] A paint formulation F1 was prepared with the following ingredients:

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Formulation F1 Component Function % by weight Part A Distilled water Solvent 5 Disperbyk 190 Dispersing agent 2.3 Byk 024 Antifoaming agent 0.1 TiO.sub.2 Tiona RCL595 Pigment 22 Part B Encor 2171 Resin 66.4 Diethylene glycol butyl Coalescent agent 3.7 ether Byk 024 Antifoaming agent 0.25 Byk 333 Spreading agent 0.25

[0324] The formulation F1 of the water-based paint was prepared using a high-speed disperser (HSD). In a first stage, the part A was prepared by adding the various components and by dispersing at 2000 revolutions per minute for 15 minutes. Subsequently, the part B was prepared separately by adding the coalescent agent to the resin at a dispersion speed of 800 revolutions per minute and by continuing the dispersion at the same speed for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the part B was added to the part A, dispersing being carried out at 800 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes. Finally, the additives Byk 024 and Byk 333 were added and the formulation F1 was dispersed at 800 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes.

Characterization of the Formulations

[0325] The additives of Comparative Example C1 and of Examples 1 to 7 according to the invention were evaluated in the formulation F1 by slowly adding 2.01 parts of rheology additive at a dispersion speed of 800 revolutions per minute to 200 grams of this paint F1. Subsequently, the mixture was dispersed at 1300 revolutions per minute for 3 minutes with a dispersion blade with a diameter of 3.5 cm. The mixture obtained was stored at 23 C.+/1 C. for 24 h before measuring the rheological properties, without the mixture being homogenized before the measurements.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Applicative results Viscosity, Brookfield RV2+, 23 C. (mPa .Math. s) 1 5 10 50 Thixotropic Additive used rev/min rev/min rev/min rev/min index 5/50 Example C1 (comparative) 9200 3800 2420 980 3.9 Example 1 (invention) 15 600 4840 2840 1132 4.3 Example 2 (invention) 10 600 4120 2400 1130 3.6 Example 3 (invention) 10 800 4960 2800 1212 4.1 Example 4 (invention) 8400 3200 2240 1032 3.1 Example 5 (invention) 12 400 4440 2600 1140 3.9 Example 6 (invention) 11 800 6280 3240 1490 4.2 Example 7 (invention) 17 600 5720 3480 1344 4.3

[0326] The paint formulations containing the rheology additives according to the invention show rheological performance qualities which are equivalent to, indeed even superior to, those of the additives of the state of the art.