Evonik's Coating Additives Business Line is expanding its ACEMATT product line with three efficient and universally applicable matting agents based on precipitated silica: The fine-particle products ACEMATT OK 390 and ACEMATT HK 390, and the particularly versatile silica ACEMATT HK 520. The three new silicas from the specialty chemicals group are characterized by a combination of efficient, ultra-deep matting, high transparency, and extremely fine surface haptics. All three matting agents can be used universally in water- and solvent-based systems as well as in pigmented and clear formulations.

Fine haptics and maximum transparency
With the surface-treated ACEMATT OK 390 and its untreated counterpart ACEMATT HK 390, Evonik developers have succeeded in producing matting silicas with a particularly small particle size. 

ACEMATT portfolio expanded
One advantage of untreated silicas such as ACEMATT HK 390 and ACEMATT HK 520 over waxed silica is their better orientation in water-based systems. This prevents uneven particle distribution in some plastic coatings, resulting in a smooth, deep matte surface. In turn, the post-treatment of precipitated silica, as in the new ACEMATT OK 390, means that the product does not settle during storage and is therefore more stable in the coating.

Good dispersibility
The three new silicas score not only in terms of appearance and feel, however, but also in terms of application by the paint manufacturer because they show little influence on the viscosity of the formulation and have excellent dispersion behavior.

With the three new members of the ACEMATT family, Evonik is responding to changing requirements in the paint and coatings industry, where demand is growing for ever deeper degrees of matting and high-quality waterborne coating systems, and customers are looking for a fine feel in surface coatings.

Technical, regulatory, and safety data sheets for ACEMATT OK 390, ACEMATT HK 390, and ACEMATT HK 520 can be found at www.coating-additives.com.