Evonik´s Coating Additives business line has developed a new, multifunctional polymer additive for powder coating formulations: TEGO® Powder Aid D01 makes the formulation easier to disperse during extrusion by promoting pigment wetting and effectively reducing melt viscosity.

The lower melt viscosity also leads to better degassing, which aids flow and leveling as the formulation cures and prevents pinholes in the coating. Thus, the new additive optimizes gloss development and ensures better DOI (Distinctness of Image) on the coating surface.

Another plus point of TEGO Powder Aid D01 is its particularly versatile applicability in formulations with inorganic fillers and pigments, along with organic pigments including carbon black.

"Our new product thus offers a wide range of benefits for formulators who desire one multifunctional additive for various powder coating systems," says Maximilian Morin, head of the Industrial & Transportation Coatings market segment. "TEGO® Powder Aid D01 generates 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 with water being formed as a by-product. "The challenge during crosslinking is, that the water needs to escape from the system. This can result in pinholes or small craters in the film," explains Bernhard Resch, Scientist in Market Segment Industrial & Transportation Coatings.

To avoid this, the low melt viscosity is particularly important: homogenization of the ingredients and leveling of the surface is improved. "TEGO® Powder Aid D01 prevents pinholes by increasing the degassing threshold and enables the application of thicker coating films," says Resch.