German technical background VOK-346 leveling agent Used in printing inks to enhance leveling replaces BYK-346

German technical background  VOK®-SL 346 leveling agent

VOK®-SL 346 is a silicone surfactant for waterborne coatings, printing inks and varnishes that strongly reduces surface tension and significantly increases the wetting capacity of substrates. Does not increase surface slip. Solution of VOK®-345. 

Product information 

Chemical composition 

Polyether modified siloxane solution. 

Typical physicochemical data 

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

Active ingredient: 52% 

Density (20 °C): 1.00 g/ml 

Non-volatile (10 min., 150 °C): 45 % 

Solvent: Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether 

Flash point: 81 °C 

Special reminder 

Solution form of VOK®-SL 345. Since some small molecular weight polyethers volatilize during the measurement of non-volatile content, the values of non-volatile content and active substances are different. 

To avoid turbidity, VOK-SL 345 formulations contain a small amount of co-solvent (approximately 5% of the total solvent). In systems with a high co-solvent content, the effectiveness of silicone surfactants is reduced, and we recommend polysiloxanes such as VOK®-SL 333 for this type of formulation. 

Application areas 

Coatings and printing inks 

Features and benefits 

The additive improves leveling and substrate wettability by strongly reducing the surface tension of aqueous systems. It has no or slight foam stabilizing effect and does not reduce recoating. The additive does not increase surface slip. For high surface slip, VOK®-SL 333 is recommended.

Recommended Use 

The additive is recommended for all water-based coatings, printing inks and varnishes with the addition of a small amount of co-solvent. 

Recommended dosage 

0.1-1 % additive dosage (purchased form) is based on total formulation. 

The above recommended dosage is for reference, and the appropriate dosage needs to be determined through a series of tests. 

Addition method and processing guidance 

The additive can be added at any stage of production and we recommend adding it at the final production stage of the coating.