Silicone and acrylate additives are typically
used in combination in standard coating formulations. Acrylate additives improve
the flow and leveling of a coating system while the silicone additives enhance
substrate wetting and prevent cratering. The right choice of additive and the
right dosage are essential for a well-balanced performance.
BYK®-3550 is based on a novel, state-of-the-art technology. This
macromer technology opens up a new product profile, since it provides
properties that can only be achieved by means of innovative chemistry. The new
BYK-3550 additive is a silicone macromer-modified polyacrylate, which
incorporates both acrylate and silicone characteristics in a single
additive.
BYK-3550 shows different shaped performances, depending on the nature of the
respective system’s polarity. In high-polarity coatings, the additive brings
about a massive reduction in surface tension, therefore providing good
substrate wetting with no significant reduction of the dry surface energy. Its
negligible influence on surface energy, for example, avoids ghosting effects in
automotive coatings when recoated and leads to a better adhesion of wrap guard
foils and adhesives on finished cars.
The efficient silicone part provides good anti-crater properties without
increasing surface slip. The acrylate backbone provides excellent leveling. In
non-polar coatings such as alkyd paints, conventional anti-blocking silicone
additives often have a negative influence on recoatability. Due to its long
acrylate chain, BYK-3550 offers superb recoatability and leveling in
combination with strong anti-blocking properties.
The main application fields for BYK-3550 are automotive, industrial, wood and
architectural coatings.
For more information, visit www.byk.com.
Surface-Active Additive Based on Patented Macromer Technology
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