Addivion SURF 55 is a silicone-free, polyolefin-based air release additive for unsaturated polyester resins. Supplied as a solution at a density of approximately 0.88 g/ml, it delivers highly efficient deaeration across virtually all unsaturated polyester resin types and processing methods. The product is widely used in ambient-curing systems and pultrusion applications for acrylic, unsaturated polyester, and vinyl ester resins where reliable air release is critical to part quality.
Addivion SURF 55 Overview
Addivion SURF 55 belongs to the family of polyolefin-based air release additives, engineered to remove entrapped air from unsaturated polyester resin systems during mixing, casting, and curing. Because the product is silicone-free, it avoids the surface tension disruptions and potential recoat or secondary bonding issues that silicone-based deaerators can introduce, making it a practical choice for composite and casting applications where downstream bonding or coating is required.
Supplied as a solution, the product is stirred into the resin before other components are added, allowing it to begin working from the earliest stage of mixing. Its high deaeration efficiency across virtually all unsaturated polyester resin types makes it a versatile, general-purpose choice rather than a system-specific specialty additive, simplifying formulation across a manufacturer’s broader resin portfolio.
Key Features
- Silicone-free, polyolefin-based chemistry: Addivion SURF 55 avoids silicone entirely, reducing the risk of secondary bonding and recoat issues in finished composite parts.
- High deaeration efficiency: The product displays the highest efficiency in deaerating virtually all unsaturated polyester resins across all processing methods.
- Broad resin compatibility: Addivion SURF 55 is suitable for acrylic, unsaturated polyester, and vinyl ester resin systems, supporting formulation flexibility.
- Suitable for pultrusion processing: The product performs well in pultrusion applications, where consistent air release is critical to maintaining part quality at production speed.
- Simple incorporation: The product is added by stirring directly into the resin before other components, requiring no specialized incorporation equipment.
Typical Applications
Addivion SURF 55 is primarily used as an air release additive in ambient-curing unsaturated polyester resin systems, where its high deaeration efficiency helps eliminate the microbubbles that can weaken mechanical properties or create surface defects in finished parts. It is also widely applied in pultrusion processing of acrylic, unsaturated polyester, and vinyl ester resin systems, where reliable, consistent air release supports continuous production quality.
Beyond general resin casting and pultrusion, the product is valuable in composite and casting applications where entrapped air must be minimized to achieve target mechanical strength and surface finish. For general foam control alongside air release in coatings and inks, formulators often evaluate Addivion RHEO 18 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 polyolefin
- Density (20°C): Approximately 0.88 g/ml
- Refractive index (20°C): To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Flash point: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Color (Hazen): To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Recommended dosage: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Function: Air release / de-aerating additive for unsaturated polyester resin systems
Polyolefin Air Release Additive Chemistry
Polyolefin-based air release additives such as Addivion SURF 55 work by reducing the surface tension of the resin locally around entrapped air bubbles, allowing microbubbles to coalesce into larger bubbles that rise to the surface and escape more readily during mixing and degassing. Because the active phase is polyolefin rather than silicone, the additive does not leave a low-surface-energy residue on the cured part surface, which helps preserve secondary bonding and recoating performance in downstream composite manufacturing steps.
As with all air release additives, formulators should be aware that deaerating additives can occasionally cause haze in the finished part with some resin systems, so a small-scale trial in the target resin is recommended before full-batch use. In pultrusion applications specifically, the product is typically used in combination with a complementary air release additive to achieve optimal performance across the continuous production process.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture, heat, and foreign material.
- Recommended storage and transport temperature: below 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 air release additive, dosage should be optimized through a small laboratory test series for the target resin system rather than assumed from general guidance. As a general starting point, dosage levels around 0.1-0.5% of additive as supplied, based on the total formulation, are typical for ambient-curing systems, with the exact optimum determined by trial. For pultrusion applications, the product is generally recommended in combination with a complementary air release additive to achieve optimal deaeration performance across the continuous process.
Because the product is added by stirring directly into the resin before other components, incorporation is straightforward and does not require specialized high-shear equipment. For formulations that also require foam control during production and filling, formulators may wish to evaluate Addivion DEF 06 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 SURF 55: Safety & Handling
Addivion SURF 55 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for resin processing 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 trials in the target resin are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm performance and to check for any effect on part clarity or haze.
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 RHEO 18.