Coating additives belong to a broad and diffuse category of key components in a coating formulation. The additive function is very specific in nature and engenders a diversity of properties to a coating. Wetting and dispersing additives, for example, enhance uniform pigment distribution, and rheology additives improve the flow behavior of the coating. Defoamers and leveling agents play an important role with respect to the final coating quality. Within the same category, matting agents strongly influence the appearance of a coating and sometimes even its haptic qualities. It is the purpose of this article to introduce a novel biopolymer-based additive with emphasis on matting performance.
Increased public awareness concerning sustainability and the preservation of nature has led to a high demand for eco-friendly products and even to new regulations. Thus, the need for innovative and so-called “green” solutions is greater than ever, and challenges all the components of a coating formulation, even if only used in small quantities. Biotechnology opened the door to an entirely new matting additive with an unprecedented combination of properties compared to conventional matting agents, such as waxes and silicas. The new additive is based on a biopolymer, which is obtained by bacterial fermentation from sugars. The biopolymer-based product originates from renewable resources, is fully biodegradable and GMO (genetically modified organism) free (Figure 1).