Worldwide, the invariable trend in all applications is more and more towards waterbased and low-VOC coating systems. Increasingly, the challenge is to branch out in the field of general industrial coatings with high gloss and low film build on mostly non-polar substrates. In addition, the aim is to allow for good surface wetting on metal substrates which are often impure or even have oily contaminations. BYK-3480, especially recommended for pigmented systems, and BYK-3481, ideally suited for clear coats, provide the perfect product profile in water-based systems to fulfil 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-pack PU, two-pack epoxy, styrene acrylic emulations, water-based baking systems, water-based UV systems. The two additives thus offer a balanced property package: defoaming, substrate wetting, and leveling at the same time.

After receiving the award, He Ji Dong, BYK Greater China Business Line Manager Paint Additives, commented on the accolade: “In response to the increased demands posed by the need for compliance with legal provisions and by environmental concerns, the coatings industry is speeding up efforts to develop water-based, low-emission, and other forms of environmentally friendly systems. There is therefore huge potential in the demand for water-based products with unique properties. And both BYK-3480 and BYK-3481 are examples of how such demands can be met.”