PARTEC, which, as a subsidiary of
the Buhler Group, specializes in the
relatively new field of nanotechnology, or the processing and refining of
nanoparticles (1-100nm) into nan-odispersions that are ready to use as
additives.
Among its advantages, Oxylink
improves MEK rub resistance, blocking and humidity resistance and it
reduces drying time. Other important parameters such as gloss are not
affected. Oxylink contains tailor-made nanoparticles that improve the
coating by direct interaction with the
resin. Its effectiveness is determined
by the high degree of dispersion of
the nanoscaled particles in Oxylink.
Oxylink is based on so-called dispersions of inorganic nanoparticles
in water and requires a dosage of
only one percent. The additive may
be used for clear as well as pigmented formulations. In the interests of
maximum flexibility for users,
Oxylink is available in three standard categories—Oxylink 3101, 3102
and 3103.
“Oxylink is applicable in clears
and pigmented formulations for all
substrates and applications including top coat, primer, glossy, satin, air
dry, forced dry, architectural and
decorative,” said Steffen Pilotek,
business development director
PARTEC, Buhler Inc., USA. “It is a
nanoparticle-based additive that has
been formulated to performance,
which means it is a formulated product rather than just a nanoparticle
dispersion.
“Oxylink's main effect is increased
and accelerated cross-linking of the
resin,” Piloteck said. “It accelerates
drying without affecting the open
time and yields increased resistance
in blocking, humidity and solvent-
rubs. At the same time, Oxylink does-
n't change the in-can stability of the
1K systems and it is easy to handle
because it is free of ammonia and
mild in pH.”
BYK-Chemie GmbH is serving the
whole paint and coatings additives
market with a broad portfolio of coat-
ing additives. “In 2009 we introduced
more than 20 new products improving
final product performance and process-
ability of paints,” said Dederichs.
“Latest technologies introduced into
the market involve the use of
macromer technology. The new surface
additive—BYK-3550—combines
unique and very often contradictory
properties of both silicone additives
and acrylates in one material.”
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 cra-
tering. The right choice of additive
and the right dosage are essential for
a well-balanced performance.
