Air Products Introduces New Defoamers for Coatings Applications

Environmentally Friendly Defoamers Are APE-free and suitable for low-VOC formulations

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Apr 13, 2010, 09:00 ET

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., April 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) today introduced three new defoamers for the coatings, graphic arts and adhesive markets. These new defoamers are engineered to be alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE)-free and offer long-lasting foam control and defect-free surfaces.

Surfynol® DF-178 is a formulated defoamer and de-aerator that provides strong defoaming and microfoam control and is particularly effective in spray applications. It was developed to provide the defoaming strength of a silicone-based defoamer but with the superior system compatibility needed in the demanding higher gloss and clear coat applications used in graphic arts and waterborne coatings.

Surfynol DF-220 is a mineral oil based defoamer that was engineered to provide exceptional defoaming in architectural and high PVC (Pigment Volume Concentration) paints and coatings. This 100% active product contains no silica, silicones or APEs.

Surfynol DF-110C defoamer is a defoaming/deairentraining agent useful for a wide variety of applications. Based on proprietary chemistry unique to Air Products, this nonionic, water-free, and silicone-free material can be utilized in areas where foam prevention or foam elimination is necessary without causing film problems. Some of the benefits include: microfoam elimination, long-lasting foam control, defect-free foam control, good dynamic wetting, excellent shelf life stability over a wide range of physical conditions, and elimination of incompatibilities associated with silicone-containing and mineral oil defoamers. Surfynol DF-110C has proven to be particularly effective at controlling microfoam in airless spray applications.

"Air Products offers a full line of defoamers to provide formulators with the correct balance between defoaming power and the compatibility and solubility of the defoamer in the system," said Solomon Lemma, global business manager, Specialty Additives and Personal Care for Air Products. "These new APE-free defoamers were designed to provide excellent compatibility in their class as well."

For more information on these new surfactants, please visit www.airproducts.com/surfactants.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

SOURCE Air Products