Addivion WET 96 is a monofunctional, deflocculating wetting and dispersing additive based on a solution of a hydroxy-functional alkylammonium salt of an acidic copolymer, formulated for amine-accelerated unsaturated polyester, epoxy, and polyurethane systems. It reduces viscosity in mineral-filled formulations while its OH functionality allows it to become embedded in the polymer matrix, making it especially suitable for fogging- and emission-sensitive applications such as automotive PUR systems. The product is widely used in polyester putty compounds, epoxy resin systems, and mineral-filled adhesives and sealants.
Addivion WET 96 Overview
Addivion WET 96 belongs to the family of monofunctional wetting and dispersing additives, in which a hydroxy-functional alkylammonium salt of an acidic copolymer improves the wetting and dispersing speed of fillers during dispersion. Because the additive carries OH functionality, it becomes chemically incorporated into the surrounding polymer matrix rather than remaining as a free, migratable species, which is the key property that makes it suitable for systems where fogging and volatile emissions must be tightly controlled.
The product is supplied ready for direct incorporation and should be added before the solids for optimum performance. Beyond reducing millbase and finished-formulation viscosity, the additive notably extends gelling time in cobalt-accelerated unsaturated polyester resins and improves sandability in cured polyester putty compounds by enabling higher filler loading at workable viscosity.
Key Features
- Hydroxy-functional alkylammonium chemistry: Addivion WET 96 is built on a solution of a hydroxy-functional alkylammonium salt of an acidic copolymer, a proven monofunctional wetting and dispersing additive class.
- Polymer matrix incorporation: Due to its OH functionality, the additive becomes embedded in the polymer matrix, making it particularly suitable for fogging- and emission-sensitive PUR systems such as automotive applications.
- Extended gelling time: The additive considerably increases gelling time in cobalt-accelerated unsaturated polyester resins.
- Higher filler loading and sandability: Reduced viscosity enables an increased filler content, which improves sandability in applied and cured polyester putty compounds.
- Broad resin compatibility: Addivion WET 96 performs well across unsaturated polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic resin systems.
Typical Applications
Addivion WET 96 is primarily used as a wetting and dispersing additive in amine-preaccelerated unsaturated polyester putty compounds, where it enables higher filler content and improved sandability in the cured part. It is also widely applied in epoxy, acrylic, and polyurethane resin systems, particularly filled PUR systems where fogging and emissions performance is critical.
Beyond standard thermoset systems, the product is valuable in mineral-filled adhesives and sealants, where its polymer-matrix incorporation supports low-emission performance without compromising filler dispersion. For complementary pigment wetting and dispersion in coating systems, formulators often evaluate Addivion DISP 00 alongside this grade. The additive is also a strong candidate for structural and semi-structural adhesive formulations that must meet strict interior air-quality standards, such as those used in vehicle assembly and furniture manufacturing.
Technical Specifications
- Composition: Solution of a hydroxy-functional alkylammonium salt of an acidic copolymer
- Amine value: 30 mg KOH/g
- Acid value: 30 mg KOH/g
- Density (20°C): approximately 1.09 g/ml
- Refractive index (20°C): 1.455
- Active substance: 40%
- Flash point: >100°C
- OH value: approximately 265 mg KOH/g
- Function: Monofunctional wetting and dispersing additive for mineral-filled thermoset and PUR systems
Monofunctional Wetting Additive Chemistry & Low-Emission Performance
Monofunctional wetting and dispersing additives such as Addivion WET 96 differ from conventional polymeric dispersants in an important way: rather than remaining as a free, mobile species in the cured matrix, the hydroxy-functional group reacts into the surrounding polymer network during cure. This polymer-matrix incorporation is what makes the additive particularly valuable in applications where post-cure fogging, VOC emissions, or migratable species are a concern, such as automotive interior PUR components.
As with all wetting and dispersing additives, incorporation method matters significantly for performance: the additive should be added before the solids to ensure optimal wetting and dispersing action during the filler incorporation stage. Formulators working with cobalt-accelerated unsaturated polyester resins should also account for the considerable extension in gelling time that this additive introduces, adjusting accelerator and initiator levels accordingly.
Because separation or turbidity can occur in the raw additive during storage and transportation, the product should be warmed to 40-60°C and mixed well before dispensing; this does not affect product efficiency, but ensures accurate, consistent dosing into the formulation.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in the original, tightly sealed container, protected from moisture, heat, and foreign material.
- Recommended storage temperature: 0-30°C.
- Separation or turbidity may occur during storage and transportation; warm to 40-60°C and mix well before use. Product efficiency is not affected.
- 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
Recommended addition levels, based on the weight of filler, vary by system: 0.5-1.5% for unsaturated polyester putty compounds, 0.5-2% for polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylate systems, and 0.5-1% for adhesives and sealants. These levels serve as a starting point, with the optimal dosage determined through a small series of laboratory trials for the target filler and resin system.
Because the additive is particularly well suited to fogging-sensitive PUR applications, formulators working in automotive or other low-emission markets should evaluate this grade first when filler dispersion and emissions compliance must both be satisfied. For a complementary defoaming additive in filled or air-entraining formulations, 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 WET 96: Safety & Handling
Addivion WET 96 should be handled in accordance with standard industrial hygiene practices for thermoset and adhesive 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 wetting and dispersing additives, small-scale compatibility and dosage trials are recommended before full-batch formulation to confirm performance in the target filler and resin 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 00.