BYK-381 is a polyacrylate-based surface additive for aqueous coatings and adhesives. It enhances leveling and substrate wetting in waterborne coatings, adhesives, and radiation-curable printing inks and overprint varnishes. The additive offers improved substrate wetting, pinholeing resistance, and anti-cratering properties. It is suitable for waterborne inks, radiation-curable inks, and other aqueous systems, functioning as a surface modifier. It belongs to the polyacrylate chemical family.

Chemical Family: Polyacrylates

Features: Anti-Cratering , Good Leveling, Improved Substrate Wetting, Pinholeing Resistance

End Uses: Printing Ink, Radiation Curable Ink, Waterborne Adhesive, Waterborne Coating, Waterborne Ink

Synonyms: Di(Propylene Glycol) Methyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether

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
0.1 - 1% (Additive - Total Formulation for Printing Inks and Overprint Varnishes), 0.1 - 1% (Additive - Total Formulation for Coatings and Adhesives)
Product Applications

Coatings and adhesives
Special Features and Benefits

The additive improves leveling and prevents surface defects such as craters and pinholes. It is recommended for all aqueous coatings and adhesives.
Recommended Levels
0.1-1% additive (as supplied) based on the total formulation. The above recommended levels can be used for orientation. Optimal levels are determined through a series of laboratory tests.
Incorporation and Processing Instructions

The additive can be incorporated during any stage of the production process, including post-addition.

Printing Inks and Overprint Varnishes
Special Features and Benefits

The additive improves leveling and substrate wetting and prevents surface defects such as craters and pinholes. It is recommended for aqueous and radiation-curable printing inks and overprint varnishes.
Recommended Levels
0.1-1% additive (as supplied) based on the total formulation. The above recommended levels can be used for orientation. Optimal levels are determined through a series of laboratory tests.
Incorporation and Processing Instructions 

The additive can be incorporated during any stage of the production process, including post-addition.

Properties

Physical Form
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Flash Point75°C-
SolventsDipropylene glycol monomethyl ether--
Non Volatile Matter52%-
Density (at 20°C)1.03g/ml-
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Lower Explosion Limit1.3%V
Upper Explosion Limit8.7%V
Auto-Ignition Temperature (at 1013hPa)270°CM0062, Analytics Wesel
Density (at 20°C, 1013 hPa)1.025g/cm³4 (Oscillating U-tube, at 20°C)
Flash Point75°CDIN 51755, Abel-Pensky
Initial Boiling Point184°CDerived
Vapour Pressure (at 20°C)0.5hPaDerived
AppearanceLiquid--
ColorYellow--
Flammability (liquids)Sustains Combustion--
Miscible inWater--
OdorAromatic--
pH (at 20°C, Concentration: 10%)8.0Universal pH-Value Indicator
Composition Data

Solution of a polyacrylate, ionic

Regulatory & Compliance

OEM Specifications