Addivion SURF 53A is a silicone-free air release additive built on a solution of foam-destroying polymers, formulated for solvent-borne and solvent-free epoxy and polyurethane systems. It prevents foam and bubbles during the manufacture and application of ambient-curing plastic applications, and is particularly recommended for polyurethane-based floorings and casting systems such as polymer concrete and mineral casting that are based on epoxy resins. The product is also suitable for materials that come into contact with food, including drinking water.
Addivion SURF 53A Overview
Addivion SURF 53A belongs to the family of silicone-free air release additives, in which a specially formulated solution of foam-destroying polymers is dispersed to achieve rapid, effective air release across solvent-borne and solvent-free epoxy and polyurethane systems. Because the active phase is silicone-free, the product offers strong compatibility with subsequent coating layers and recoat applications, minimizing the cratering and intercoat adhesion issues that can accompany silicone-based defoamers.
The product should be stirred into the resin before other components are added for optimal distribution, though it is also possible to incorporate the additive into finished systems when sufficiently high shear forces are applied. Beyond standard flooring and casting applications, the additive is valued in protective coating systems and industrial coatings where reliable prevention of air bubbles and pinholes is essential to final part quality.
Key Features
- Silicone-free polymeric chemistry: Addivion SURF 53A is built on a solution of foam-destroying polymers, delivering effective air release without silicone-related compatibility risk.
- Suitable for food-contact applications: The product is suitable for materials that come into contact with food, including drinking water, expanding its use in regulated applications.
- Broad resin compatibility: The product performs well across solvent-borne and solvent-free epoxy and polyurethane systems, simplifying additive selection across a formulator’s product range.
- Effective in flooring and casting systems: Addivion SURF 53A is particularly recommended for polyurethane-based floorings and casting systems, including polymer concrete and mineral casting.
- Flexible incorporation: The additive can be stirred into the resin at the start of a formulation or added to finished systems with sufficient shear.
Typical Applications
Addivion SURF 53A is primarily used as an air release additive in ambient-curing plastic systems, where it prevents foam and bubble formation during both manufacture and application. It is particularly recommended for polyurethane-based flooring and casting systems built on epoxy resins, including polymer concrete and mineral casting, where trapped air directly affects surface quality and mechanical performance.
Beyond flooring and casting, the product is a highly effective defoamer for solvent-borne and solvent-free adhesives and sealants based on polyurethane and epoxy resins, as well as protective and industrial coating systems. For complementary pigment wetting and dispersion in these systems, formulators often evaluate Addivion DISP 20 alongside this grade.
Technical Specifications
- Composition: Solution of foam-destroying polymers, silicone-free
- Density (20°C): approximately 0.86 g/ml
- Refractive index (20°C): 1.48
- Recommended dosage: 0.1-1% of total formulation
- Food contact suitability: Suitable for materials in contact with food, including drinking water
- Function: Air release and defoaming additive for epoxy and polyurethane systems
Silicone-Free Defoamer Chemistry & Food-Contact Suitability
Silicone-free defoamers such as Addivion SURF 53A work by locally lowering the surface tension at air bubble interfaces to promote bubble rupture, while relying on a polymeric active phase rather than silicone to avoid the recoating and intercoat adhesion risks that silicone-based defoamers can introduce. This chemistry is particularly valuable in flooring and casting applications, where successive resin layers must bond reliably, and in food-contact applications, where regulatory suitability is a formulation requirement.
As with all defoamers, incorporation method matters significantly for performance: for optimal defoaming, the product should be added to the millbase at the start of formulation; if incorporated at a later stage, sufficiently high shear forces must be applied to ensure good distribution and to prevent cratering. Formulators should also note that the additive may cause cloudiness in transparent systems, so its effect on optical clarity should always be tested before use in clear formulations.
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 0.1-1% 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. For flooring and casting applications, adding the product to the millbase before other components generally delivers the best defoaming performance.
Because the product is suitable for food-contact applications including drinking water, formulators working in regulated end-use markets such as potable water coatings or food-processing equipment should evaluate this grade first when both defoaming performance and regulatory compliance must be satisfied. For a complementary silicone-free additive optimized for transparent 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 53A: Safety & Handling
Addivion SURF 53A 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 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, 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 SURF 50 and Addivion DISP 20.