Addivion SURF 51 is a silicone-free air release additive built on a solution of foam-destroying polyolefins, formulated for unsaturated polyester resins and particularly recommended for polyurethane and epoxy systems. It delivers highly effective air release across virtually all unsaturated polyester resin processing techniques while maintaining strong compatibility with transparent and clear-coat formulations. The product is widely used in gel coats, casting and molding systems, epoxy flooring, and ambient-curing industrial coatings where reliable bubble and pinhole prevention is critical.
Addivion SURF 51 Overview
Addivion SURF 51 belongs to the family of silicone-free air release additives, in which a specially formulated polyolefin solution is dispersed to achieve rapid, effective air release across a broad range of ambient-curing resin systems. Because the active phase is silicone-free, the product offers excellent compatibility with transparent and pigmented systems alike, minimizing the risk of surface defects such as craters or fisheyes that can sometimes accompany more aggressive silicone-based defoamers.
The product is supplied ready for direct incorporation by stirring into the resin before other components are added. Beyond standard unsaturated polyester applications, it is also highly effective in polyurethane and epoxy systems cured under ambient conditions, helping reduce entrapped air during casting, flooring, and coating processes where visual clarity and mechanical integrity both matter.
Key Features
- Silicone-free polyolefin chemistry: Addivion SURF 51 is built on a foam-destroying polyolefin solution, delivering highly effective air release without silicone-related compatibility risk.
- High compatibility with transparent systems: The product is particularly well suited to clear gel coats and transparent castings, where haze and optical clarity are critical.
- Broad resin compatibility: Addivion SURF 51 performs well across unsaturated polyester, epoxy, and polyurethane systems, simplifying additive selection across a formulator’s product range.
- Effective in ambient-curing systems: The product is a highly effective air-release agent for resin systems cured under ambient conditions.
- Low use levels: Effective air release is achieved at recommended dosages of just 0.1-0.5% of the total formulation.
Typical Applications
Addivion SURF 51 is primarily used as an air release additive in unsaturated polyester resins across virtually all processing techniques, where its silicone-free chemistry supports clean, bubble-free surfaces without compromising downstream recoating or bonding. It is also widely applied in epoxy and polyurethane systems cured under ambient conditions, where entrapped air can compromise both mechanical performance and visual appearance.
Beyond standard resin systems, the product is valuable in transparent gel coats and casting applications, where its low Hazen color number and low turbidity support clarity requirements that silicone-based alternatives often cannot meet. For pigment wetting and dispersion alongside air release, formulators often evaluate Addivion DISP 20 in combination with this grade. The product is also a strong fit for composite fabrication processes such as hand lay-up, spray-up, and closed-mold casting, where trapped air bubbles directly affect both cosmetic finish and structural integrity.
Technical Specifications
- Composition: Solution of foam-destroying polymers, silicone-free
- Density (20°C): 0.89 g/ml
- Refractive index (20°C): 1.500
- Flash point: 46°C
- Hazen color number: <200
- Turbidity: <10 TE/F
- Function: Air release and defoaming additive for unsaturated polyester, epoxy, and polyurethane systems
Silicone-Free Air Release Chemistry & Optical Clarity
Silicone-free air release additives such as Addivion SURF 51 work by locally lowering the surface tension at air bubble interfaces to promote bubble rupture, while relying on a polyolefin active phase rather than silicone to avoid the recoating, intercoat adhesion, and fisheye risks that silicone-based defoamers can introduce. This makes the chemistry particularly well suited to transparent and gel coat systems, where the product’s low Hazen color number (<200) and low turbidity (<10 TE/F) support the optical clarity these applications demand.
As with all air release additives, incorporation method matters significantly for performance: the product should be stirred into the resin before other components are added, to ensure even distribution throughout the formulation. In some resin systems, air release additives may cause haze in the finished part, so the effect on optical clarity should always be tested in preliminary trials before full-scale use.
Formulators should note that, unlike silicone-based defoamers, polyolefin-based systems generally maintain good intercoat adhesion between successive resin layers, which is particularly valuable in multi-layer laminate or gel coat/laminate constructions where recoat performance is critical to final part quality.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture, heat, and foreign material.
- Recommended storage temperature: 0-30°C.
- Shelf life: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Protect from direct sunlight during storage and transport.
Documentation & Compliance
Each shipment of the product is supported by standard quality and compliance documentation to help customers manage incoming inspection, formulation approval, and downstream regulatory reporting.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): Provided per batch
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Mandatory prior to handling
- Labels: Prepared in accordance with applicable regulations
- Industrial and professional use only
Formulation Guidance
When formulating with this air release additive, dosage should be optimized through a small test series within the recommended 0.1-0.5% range rather than assumed from general guidance, since the correct level depends on resin polarity, processing method, and the specific air-entrainment challenge in the target system. The additive should always be stirred into the resin first, before other components such as catalysts, accelerators, or pigments are added.
Because the product is silicone-free, formulators working in systems sensitive to silicone contamination, such as automotive refinish or certain recoating applications, gain a compatibility advantage over silicone-based alternatives. For applications where a stronger, more aggressive silicone-based defoamer is preferred despite the associated compatibility trade-offs, formulators may wish to evaluate Addivion DEF 06.
Packaging & Logistics
- Packaging: Approved industrial packaging
- MOQ: Subject to packaging configuration
- Lead time: Indicative lead time, to be confirmed upon order acceptance
- Incoterms: Quoted case by case
Addivion SURF 51: Safety & Handling
Addivion SURF 51 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for resin and coating additives. Users are advised to review the Safety Data Sheet prior to handling and to implement appropriate personal protective equipment and engineering controls as specified therein. As with all air release additives, small-scale compatibility and dosage trials are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm performance and to check for any effect on clarity, gloss, or recoat adhesion in the target system.
Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling information for the product are available upon request. For related additive options, see also Addivion DEF 06 and Addivion DISP 20.