“Multifunctional additives can simplify coating formulations and reduce raw material requirements. This, in turn, can improve manufacturing and formulating efficiency,” said Dow Corning Technical Specialist Guy Beck. “The trick is to provide as many favorable characteristics as possible without negatively impacting other important coating benefits.”

Dow Corning^® 52 Additive illustrates the point. Designed to customize slip and improve scratch and abrasion resistance in water-based wood coatings, the product also offers blocking resistance, improves sandability and provides a good hand feel. Plus, it delivers these benefits with no impact on the recoatability, intercoat adhesion, water resistance or surface hardness of the cured coating.

Dow Corning Associate Scientist Gerald Witucki said, “Tightening regulations are dictating formulation changes – including the use of new binders with lower VOC content and higher performance – that can limit foam-control choices. While silicone foam-control agents perform well in these modern formulations, many traditional defoamers may not.”

To further complicate matters, industry globalization is driving manufacturers to consolidate raw materials across product lines. “This creates efficiencies in purchasing, inventory control and manufacturing,” Witucki said. “But it also intensifies the need for more versatile foam-control agents that can perform effectively in multiple systems.”