BYK-348 is a silicone surfactant for aqueous coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and overprint varnishes. It reduces surface tension, enhancing substrate wetting without increasing surface slip. Suitable for systems without co-solvents, it functions as a surfactant in waterborne coatings, adhesives, and inks, and belongs to the silicone chemical family.

Chemical Family: Polyether Siloxanes, Silicones

Features: Good Leveling, Improved Substrate Wetting, Surface Tension Reduction

Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

Applications & Uses

Markets
Applications
Application Area
Adhesive & Sealant End Applications
Coating End Applications
Ink & Toner End Applications
Use Level
0.05 - 0.5% (additive total formulation)
Product Applications

Coatings and Printing Inks
Special Features and Benefits

The additive produces a significant decrease in the surface tension of aqueous systems and therefore particularly improves substrate wetting and leveling. It only marginally, if at all, stabilizes foam and the recoatability is not impaired.The additive does not increase the surface slip. If a greater surface slip is required, we recommend that it is combined with a polysiloxane such as BYK-333.
Recommended Use : The additive is especially recommended for all aqueous coatings, printing inks and overprint varnishes, particularly also for formulations which do not contain co-solvents.
Recommended Levels
0.05-0.5% additive (as supplied) based upon total formulation. The above recommended levels can be used for orientation. Optimal dosage levels are determined through a series of laboratory tests.
Incorporation and Processing Instructions : It is preferable to add the additive to the finished formulation. However, it can be used at any stage during manufacture.

Adhesives
Special Features and Benefits

The additive produces a significant decrease in the surface tension of aqueous adhesives and therefore improves substrate wetting. It only marginally, if at all, stabilizes foam. The additive does not increase the surface slip. It is particularly suitable for adhesive systems that do not contain co-solvents.
Recommended Levels
0.05-0.5% additive (as supplied) based upon total formulation. The above recommended levels can be used for orientation. Optimal dosage levels are determined through a series of laboratory tests.
Incorporation and Processing Instructions: It is preferable to add the additive to the finished formulation. However, it can be used at any stage during manufacture.

Properties

Physical Form
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Density (at 20°C)1.06g/ml-
Active Substance100%-
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Auto-Ignition Temperature (at 1013hPa)min. 200°CDIN 51 794/ DIN prEN 14 522
Flash Point (at 1013 hPa)103°CPensky-Martens
Initial Boiling Pointmin. 200°CDerived
Melting Point (at 1013 hPa, Calculated)max. 0°CDerived
Density (at 20°C, 1013 hPa)1.055g/cm³Oscillating U-tube
Vapour Pressure (at 20°C)max. 1hPaDerived
AppearanceLiquid--
ColorLight brown--
Flammability (liquids)Sustains Combustion--
Miscible inWater--
pH (at 20°C, Concentration: 10%)7.0Universal pH-Value Indicator
Composition Data

Polyether-modified siloxane

Special Note

The additive is also suitable for systems that do not contain organic co-solvents. If the system contains increased quantities of co-solvents, the silicone surfactant will not be as effective. In such formulations, we recommend the use of a polysiloxane, e.g. BYK-333.

Regulatory & Compliance

OEM Specifications

Storage & Handling

Storage Information

Storage and Transportation: Separation or turbidity may occur when stored or transported below 5°C. Heat to 20°C and stir.