New Evonik additive Tego Powder Aid D01 improves powder coating formulations

The lower melt viscosity of the additv also leads to better degassing, which supports the flow during curing of the formulation and reduces pinholes in the coating. Thus, the new additive optimizes gloss development and provides better DOI (Distinctness of Image) on the coating surface. According to the manufacturer, another plus point of Tego Powder Aid D01 is its particularly versatile use in formulations with inorganic fillers and pigments as well as organic pigments including carbon black. "Our new product thus offers a wide range of benefits for formulators who want a multifunctional additive for various powder coating systems," says Maximilian Morin, head of the Industrial & Transportation Coatings market segment. Tego Powder Aid D01 produces a large effect in small amounts and acts as a synergist with other additives."

Tego Powder Aid D01 also plays to its strengths in HAA curing systems for powder coatings, where water is a byproduct. "The challenge with crosslinking is that the water must escape from the system. This can lead to pinholes or small craters in the film," explains Bernhard Resch, a scientist in the Industrial & Transportation Coatings market segment. To avoid this, the low melt viscosity is particularly important: the homogenization of the ingredients and the flow of the surface are improved. "Tego Powder Aid D01 mimics pinholes by increasing the degassing limit and enables the application of higher coating thicknesses," says Resch. Powder coatings containing Tego Powder Aid D01 also exhibit comparable weathering resistance, making this additive suitable for exterior use. Yellowing behavior is also manageable, even at higher temperatures. The new additive imparts these positive properties to powder coating formulations without containing surface-active waxes. This means that overcoating is also possible without any problems.