The times when a decorative coating for interior or exterior use in the architectural sector was simply paint without any function are long since gone. Likewise, the regulatory demands on coating producers increase significantly from year to year.

BYK is one of the world’s leading suppliers of tailor-made additives for the paint and coatings industry. As for all producers in this field, the company has been working for many years on steadily enhancing the functionality and look of architectural coatings that combine both optimum performance and environmental friendliness.

New product developments are free of volatile organic compound (VOC) and alkyl phenol ethoxylate (APEO) e.g. wetting and dispersing additive for the manufacture of universal pigment concentrates. It augments the existing portfolio in terms of improving the compatibility of inorganic pigment concentrates in both solvent-borne and aqueous systems, and satisfies all the regulations and quality labels in the architectural coatings sector.

Another focus of the development work has centered on the systematic expansion of the product portfolio for rheology additives. As a result, BYK recently presented both a new high-shear and a new low-shear thickener, without any APEO, VOCs, S-VOCs, tin and propylene glycol.

Also new is a high-performance liquid rheology additive for aqueous systems. Due to its specific impact in the high-shear range, this additive provides a clear improvement in syneresis, spatter resistance and brushability. Additionally, a newly developed low-shear thickener was introduced. This additive specifically creates pseudoplastic flow behavior, which impacts positively on the anti-sagging properties and the storage stability in aqueous coating systems.

According to the company, the additives are practically suitable for any application, provide a high degree of effectiveness and reduce the complexity of the coating system.