Addivion RHEO 18 is a silicone- and aromatic-free, polyolefin-based defoamer for solvent-borne and solvent-free coating systems. Supplied at approximately 20% non-volatile content in dearomatized hydrocarbon solvent, it delivers powerful, spontaneous foam destruction with good compatibility in medium to non-polar formulations. The product is widely used across general industrial coatings, wood and furniture coatings, marine and protective coatings, floor coatings, and solvent-borne printing inks where reliable air release without loss of intercoat adhesion is essential.
Addivion RHEO 18 Overview
Addivion RHEO 18 belongs to the family of polymer-based, silicone-free defoamers, engineered as a solution of polyolefins in dearomatized hydrocarbon solvent. This composition avoids the silicone and aromatic solvent content found in many conventional defoamer chemistries, making the product a suitable choice for formulators seeking to eliminate silicone-related surface defects such as craters and fisheyes while still achieving strong, spontaneous foam knockdown.
Supplied as a solution at approximately 20% non-volatile matter, the product is ready to use as a direct addition to the millbase or letdown stage of a formulation. Because the defoamer is aromatic-free as well as silicone-free, it is particularly well suited to formulators working under tightening restrictions on aromatic solvent content, while still delivering effective performance across a broad range of medium to non-polar coating systems.
Key Features
- Silicone-free, polyolefin-based chemistry: Addivion RHEO 18 avoids silicone entirely, reducing the risk of recoating and intercoat adhesion problems common with silicone-containing defoamers.
- Aromatic-free solvent carrier: The product is supplied in dearomatized hydrocarbon solvent, supporting formulations that must minimize or eliminate aromatic solvent content.
- Powerful, spontaneous foam destruction: The product delivers strong, immediate defoaming action, effective at low dosage across a range of formulation types.
- Good compatibility in medium to non-polar systems: Addivion RHEO 18 is optimized for medium to non-polar coating and ink formulations, minimizing compatibility issues during incorporation.
- Does not reduce intercoat adhesion: Unlike many silicone-based defoamers, the product does not compromise adhesion between coats when recoating.
Typical Applications
Addivion RHEO 18 is primarily used as a defoaming and air-release additive in general industrial coatings, wood and furniture coatings, and marine and protective coatings, where its silicone-free chemistry helps avoid surface defects while still delivering reliable foam control during production and application. It is also well suited to floor coatings and architectural coatings requiring dependable air release without compromising film appearance.
Beyond coatings, the product is also applied in solvent-borne printing inks and overprint varnishes, where it prevents foam formation during production and filling and prevents air entrapment during processing. For pigment wetting and dispersion alongside foam control, formulators often evaluate Addivion DISP 20 in combination with this grade.
Technical Specifications
The product is characterized by the following indicative technical parameters; confirmed values will be provided in the final product specification sheet.
- Chemical type: Solution of polyolefins
- Solvent carrier: Dearomatized hydrocarbons
- Non-volatile matter: Approximately 20%
- Density: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Flash point: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Recommended dosage: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Function: Defoaming and air-release additive for solvent-borne and solvent-free systems
Silicone-Free Polyolefin Defoamer Chemistry
Polyolefin-based defoamers such as Addivion RHEO 18 work by exploiting the deliberate incompatibility between the polyolefin phase and the surrounding binder system. When dispersed into the formulation, microscopic droplets of the defoamer migrate to air bubbles at the liquid surface, locally destabilizing the bubble film and causing it to rupture. Because the active phase is polyolefin rather than silicone, the mechanism avoids the silicone-related surface tension gradients that can cause craters, fisheyes, or interlayer adhesion loss in multi-coat systems.
As with all defoamers, incorporation method matters significantly for performance: for optimal defoaming, the product should be added as early as the millbase stage; if added later in the process, sufficiently high shear must be applied to achieve good distribution and avoid cratering. In clearcoat systems, the effect of the defoamer on transparency should always be tested before full-scale use, since even silicone-free defoamers can influence optical clarity at higher dosage.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture, heat, and foreign material.
- Recommended storage and transport temperature: 0-50°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 defoaming additive, dosage should be optimized through a small test series rather than assumed from general guidance, since the correct level depends on binder polarity, application method, and the specific foam or air-entrainment challenge in the target system. As a general starting point, dosage levels in the range of 0.05-0.5% of additive as supplied, based on the total formulation, are typical for both coatings and printing ink applications, with the exact optimum determined by trial.
Because the product is silicone-free, it can generally be used alongside silicone-containing additives elsewhere in a formulation without the incompatibility risks sometimes seen when combining multiple silicone defoamers. For formulations that also require surface leveling or slip control, formulators may wish to evaluate Addivion SURF 55 alongside this grade, confirming compatibility through small-scale trials before full-batch formulation.
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 RHEO 18: Safety & Handling
Addivion RHEO 18 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for coatings and printing ink 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 defoaming additives, small-scale compatibility and dosage trials are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm performance and to check for any effect on clarity or gloss 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.