Large scale raw material manufacturers for the Coatings, Sealant & Adhesives sector, usually maintain a technical library of "starter formula's" and a few industry specific formula, usually presented as research papers for various conferences.
Registering on websites of these manufacturer's will usually give you access to their technical library. Reviewing the manufacturer's own formulations, isn't just about reading about the wonders of the ingredient/s they are trying to sell but also what other constituents from other suppliers they used to make the final product.
Viscosity and volume extension are common concerns with adhesive, sealers and coatings/paint.
Manufacturers sometimes produce blends that on the face may seem more expensive, until you factor in 'less material handling' possibly less storage & faster production; with the prospect of asking for a better price because they will be your largest supplier.
You can also look at your competitor's Material Safety Data Sheet and see what is listed. They may play games with the chemical names but you can also search for the CAS number.
Manufacturer's have different means of distribution, sometimes direct and sometimes via a distributor. Even if you are moving just 12 to 16, fifty gallon drums a month, both manufacturers and suppliers should be willing to talk to you and lend some advise.
A well seasoned distributor/manufacturer's representative, particularly one with a BS in Chemistry, can really cut through some of the hassle. For instance, your pigment supplier may know a lot about 'let-down' chemicals or surfactants that aid viscosity reduction, so you can add more filler/volume. That kind of knowledge is a reliable source, only once; unless you 'repeatedly buy' something from them.
Your "Chemist" is working with Lab Samples, presumably he requested them from the manufacturers. If you are buying lab sample size quantities for lab work, you shouldn't be. Except perhaps 'in-country' freight costs. Who is your chemist calling for samples? Sometimes you have to pry the information from them.