German Technical Background VOK-310 Leveling Agent Replaces BYK-310 For Solvent Free and Solventborne Coating Systems to Reduce Surface Tension

German technical background  VOK®-310 leveling agent

VOK®-SL 310 is a silicone-containing surface additive for solvent-free and solventborne coating systems, printing inks, adhesive systems and room temperature curing plastic systems and significantly reduces surface tension. Thermal stability up to 210 °C 

Product information 

Chemical composition 

Polyester modified polydimethylsiloxane solution 

Typical physicochemical data 

The data presented on this data page is typical and not a product specification. 

Density (20 °C): 0.91 g/ml 

Non-volatile (10 minutes, 150 °C): 25% 

Solvent: xylene 

Flash point: 25 °C 

Storage and transportation 

Delamination or turbidity may occur at temperatures below 5°C, heat to 20°C and mix thoroughly. 

Application information 

Coatings industry 

Features and benefits 

The additive significantly reduces the surface tension of the coating system, thereby improving substrate wetting and preventing cratering. It can increase surface slip and improve gloss. VOK®-SL 310 is a thermally stable silicone additive that, unlike conventional silicones, does not thermally decompose between 150 °C and 230 °C. As a result, there are no problems such as reduced adhesion or surface defects during recoating, which are often caused by the thermal decomposition of conventional silicones above 150 °C. 

Recommended apps 

The additive is particularly recommended for solventborne coatings, but also for solvent-free systems. 

Recommended dosage 

0.05-0.3% additive dosage (purchased form) based on total formulation. In solvent-free systems, dosages can reach 0.5%. 

The above data are empirical dosages, and good dosages need to be determined through a series of tests.

Joining methods and processing instructions 

The additive can be added at any stage of the production process or later. 

Pay special attention 

Compared to silicone fluids, the additive is safer to use. However, it should still be tested whether there will be bubble stabilization problems in the corresponding system. Recoating, migration of silicones, and tendency to crater should also be tested. 

Printing inks 

Features and benefits 

The additive significantly reduces the surface tension of the system, thus increasing substrate wettability and preventing cratering. It can also increase surface slip and improve gloss. 

Recommended apps 

Recommended for all solvent-based printing inks. 

Recommended dosage 

0.05-0.3% additive dosage (purchased form) based on total formulation. 

The above data are empirical dosages, and good dosages need to be determined through a series of tests. 

Joining methods and processing instructions 

The additive can be added at any stage of the production process or later. 

Pay special attention 

Compared to silicone fluids, the additive is safer to use. However, it should still be tested whether there will be bubble stabilization problems in the corresponding system. Recoating and crater propensity should also be tested.

Adhesives and sealants

Features and benefits 

VOK®-SL 310 is a highly effective silicone additive. The surface tension can be significantly reduced, which improves the wetting of difficult-to-wet substrates. 

Recommended apps 

Recommended for improving substrate wetting of epoxy adhesive systems. 

Recommended dosage 0.05-0.3% Additive dosage (form purchased) is based on total formulation. 

The above data are empirical dosages, and good dosages need to be determined through a series of tests. 

Joining methods and processing instructions 

The additive can be added at any stage of the production process or later. 

Pay special attention 

Compared to silicone fluids, the additive is safer to use. However, it should still be tested for other effects on adhesive performance. 

Room temperature curing plastic system 

Features and benefits 

VOK®-SL310 is a highly effective silicone additive. The surface tension can be significantly reduced, which improves the wetting of difficult-to-wet substrates. The additive is thermally stable at high temperatures. 

Recommended apps 

Recommended for improving substrate wetting of room temperature curing epoxy resin systems. 

Recommended dosage 

0.05-0.3% additive dosage (purchased form) based on total formulation. 

The above data are empirical dosages, and good dosages need to be determined through a series of tests. 

Joining methods and processing instructions 

The additive can be added at any stage of the production process or later. 

Pay special attention 

Compared to silicone fluids, the additive is safer to use. However, it should still be tested for surface defects in the respective system.