Addivion SURF 35 is a polyacrylate-based surface additive built on a solution of polyacrylate, formulated for solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes, and ambient curing plastic systems. As a standard leveling additive with a deaerating effect, it delivers anti-cratering performance, gloss enhancement, and a long-wave leveling profile while only slightly reducing surface tension, so recoating and overprinting capability remain unaffected.
Addivion SURF 35 Overview
Addivion SURF 35 belongs to the family of polyacrylate-based leveling and anti-cratering additives, in which a high molecular weight, non-polar polyacrylate solution migrates to the film surface to control surface tension gradients during film formation. This mechanism suppresses cratering defects and promotes a smooth, long-wave leveling profile while also contributing measurable deaeration as bubbles are more easily released through the modified surface layer.
Because the additive only slightly reduces surface tension, it avoids the recoating and intercoat adhesion problems that stronger surface-tension modifiers can introduce, making it a reliable default choice when both appearance and multilayer build-up performance matter.
Formulators evaluating leveling additives often have to trade off surface defect control against recoatability, since many highly active additives that eliminate craters most effectively also tend to interfere with adhesion between successive coats. Addivion SURF 35 is positioned to minimize that trade-off, offering dependable anti-cratering and gloss performance while remaining compatible with standard multi-coat build-ups used in industrial and protective coating systems.
Key Features
- Polyacrylate-based chemistry: Addivion SURF 35 is built on a solution of a high molecular weight, non-polar polyacrylate.
- Anti-cratering and gloss enhancement: The additive prevents cratering defects and increases gloss with a long-wave leveling effect.
- Deaerating effect: Its high molecular weight and non-polar structure give the additive a useful secondary deaerating benefit.
- Recoat-friendly performance: Only a minor reduction in surface tension means recoating, overprinting, and intercoat adhesion are not negatively affected.
- Thermally stable: The additive withstands typical processing and curing temperatures without loss of performance.
Typical Applications
Addivion SURF 35 is primarily used as a leveling and anti-cratering additive in solvent-borne and solvent-free coating systems, where it improves flow and film appearance without compromising recoat adhesion. It is also widely applied in UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes, where consistent leveling and gloss are essential to final print quality.
Beyond coatings and printing inks, the product performs well in ambient curing plastic systems such as unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy resins, where it improves surface appearance and supports deaeration during casting and lamination. For complementary air release performance in these same filled resin systems, formulators often evaluate Addivion SURF 53A alongside this grade.
Within printing inks specifically, the additive’s ability to combine leveling with only a mild reduction in surface tension is particularly valuable for gravure and flexographic processes, where a smooth, glossy surface must be achieved without compromising the anchorage of subsequent varnish or laminate layers.
Technical Specifications
- Composition: Solution of a polyacrylate
- Density (20°C): 0.95 g/ml
- Non-volatile matter (20 min., 150°C): 51%
- Solvents: Solvent naphtha/diisobutyl ketone 9/1
- Flash point: 45°C
- Function: Leveling and anti-cratering additive with deaerating effect
Polyacrylate Leveling Chemistry & Film Formation
Polyacrylate-based leveling additives such as Addivion SURF 35 work differently from silicone-based leveling agents: rather than dramatically lowering surface tension, the high molecular weight, non-polar polymer chain orients itself at the air-film interface and equalizes local surface tension gradients that would otherwise drive Bénard cells and cratering. Because the surface tension effect is comparatively mild, the risk of recoat and intercoat adhesion failure that is common with strongly surface-active silicone additives is significantly reduced.
The additive’s high molecular weight also means that as the film surface reorganizes during leveling, entrapped air bubbles find an easier escape path, giving Addivion SURF 35 a genuine secondary deaerating function alongside its primary leveling role. This dual mechanism is particularly valuable in cast and laminated ambient-curing systems, where both surface appearance and residual bubble content determine final part quality.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
- Recommended storage temperature: 0-30°C.
- Shelf life: Up to 60 months in the original, unopened packaging when stored under recommended conditions.
- Stir well before use if any separation is observed after prolonged storage.
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
Recommended addition levels are 0.1-1.5% of the additive as supplied, based on total formulation, across all recommended application areas including solvent-borne coatings, UV-curing inks and varnishes, and ambient-curing unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin systems. These levels serve as a starting point, with the optimal dosage determined through a series of laboratory trials for the target system.
The additive can be incorporated at any stage of the production process, including as a post-additive, giving formulators flexibility to fine-tune leveling late in the process. Better deaeration performance is achieved when the product is added to the millbase rather than post-added. For complementary pigment wetting and dispersion in filled unsaturated polyester and gel coat systems, formulators may wish to evaluate Addivion SURF 50.
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 35: Safety & Handling
Addivion SURF 35 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for coating and resin 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 leveling additives, small-scale compatibility and dosage trials are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm anti-cratering performance and to check for any effect on gloss, recoat adhesion, or deaeration 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 SURF 53A and Addivion SURF 50.