German technical background VOK-348 leveling agent The surface tension of aqueous systems can be reduced replaces BYK-348

German technical background  VOK®-SL 348 leveling agent

VOK®-SL 348 silicone surfactant for waterborne coatings, printing inks and overprint varnishes to significantly reduce surface tension and improve substrate wettability. Does not increase surface slip. Suitable for co-solvent-free systems. 

Product information 

Chemical composition 

Polyether-modified organosiloxanes 

Typical physicochemical data 

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

Effective Serving Size: 100% 

Density (20 °C): 1.06 g/ml 

Storage and transportation 

Storage or transport below 5 °C may be stratified or cloudy. Heat to 20 °C and stir well. 

Special considerations 

The additive is also suitable for systems that do not contain organic co-solvents. If the co-solvent content in the system is increasing, the silicone surfactant will gradually lose its effect. In such formulations, we recommend the use of polysiloxane additives, e.g. VOK®-SL 333. 

Application areas 

Coatings and printing inks 

Product features and benefits 

The additive significantly reduces the surface tension of aqueous systems and therefore significantly improves the wetting and leveling of the substrate. May cause slight foam stabilization, but does not affect recoatability. The additive does not increase surface slip. For better surface slip, it is recommended to use polysiloxane additives such as VOK®-SL 333. 

Recommended Use 

The additive is recommended for all water-based coatings, printing inks and overprint varnishes, especially for co-solvent-free formulations.

Recommended dosage 

0.05-0.5% additive dosage (form of supply) is based on total formulation. 

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

Addition method and processing guidance 

This additive can be added at any stage of production, but we recommend adding it later. 

Adhesive 

Product features and benefits 

The additive significantly reduces the surface tension of water-based adhesives and thus improves the wettability of the substrate. There may be a slight foam stabilizing effect.

The auxiliary 

Does not increase surface slip. They are particularly suitable for co-solvent-free adhesive systems. 

Recommended dosage 

0.05-0.5% additive dosage (form of supply) is based on total formulation. 

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

Addition method and processing guidance 

This additive can be added at any stage of production, but we recommend adding it later.