BYK Additive Systems Wins Innovation Award in Coatings

Both BYK-3480 and BYK-3481 possess excellent properties to significantly reduce static surface tension and foam reduction in water-based systems. Recently, they were honored by Ringier with the "Ringier Technology Innovation Award 2020" in the "Coatings Sector" category.

Globally, the consistent trend across all applications is toward water-based and low-VOC coating systems. The challenge, however, increasingly lies in the general industrial coatings sector, particularly on mostly non-polar substrates, where high gloss and low film build are required.

Additionally, the objective is to ensure good surface wetting on metal substrates that are often impure or even contaminated with oils. BYK-3480, recommended especially for pigmented systems, and BYK-3481, ideal for clear coatings, provide an excellent product profile in water-based systems to meet these requirements.

Compared to traditional silicone surfactant-based products, these two BYK additives are silicone surfactants for water-based systems with good defoaming properties. They can be used in any aqueous system, e.g. two-component PU, two-component epoxy, styrene acrylic emulsions, water-based bake systems, water-based UV systems. These two additives thus offer a balanced property package; namely defoaming and substrate wetting and leveling simultaneously.

Following receipt of the award, He Ji Dong, Director of Coatings Additives for the BYK Greater China Business Line, commented on the award: "In response to increasing demands driven by the need for regulatory compliance and environmental concerns, the coatings industry is accelerating efforts to develop water-based, low-emission and other environmentally friendly system formats. Therefore, there is great potential in demand for water-based products with unique properties. Both BYK-3480 and BYK-3481 are examples of how such demands can be met."