In the coatings and inks industry, achieving optimal substrate wetting and defect-free film formation is critical, especially when dealing with difficult-to-wet surfaces like synthetic leather, plastics, or treated metals. The IOTA-4100 non-foaming defoaming wetting agent stands out as a high-performance additive designed to address these challenges. This specially modified polysiloxane copolymer combines substrate wetting, anti-cratering, flow promotion, and defoaming properties, making it an indispensable tool for water-based formulations.

Product Overview

IOTA-4100 is a chemically advanced surfactant based on acetylenic alcohol-modified organic silicone, featuring a dual-structure design. Its 100% active content ensures high efficiency, while its low surface tension (<23 mN/m at 0.1% concentration) enables rapid wetting of hydrophobic substrates. The product’s non-foaming characteristic is particularly valuable for high-speed rolling or spraying processes, where foam can lead to surface defects.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Superior Wetting & Anti-Cratering

   • Effectively reduces surface tension, ensuring uniform wetting even on low-energy substrates (e.g., PP, PE, or silicone-treated surfaces).

   • Prevents cratering and pinholes, enhancing coating aesthetics and adhesion.

2. Defoaming & Flow Promotion

   • Unlike traditional silicone additives that may cause foam, IOTA-4100 suppresses foam formation while improving leveling.

   • Compatible with high-shear applications like roll coating or automated spraying.

3. Broad Compatibility

   • Suitable for water-based polyurethane, acrylic, and epoxy systems, as well as printing inks.

   • Ideal for synthetic leather release paper coatings, where wettability and release properties are crucial.

4. Ease of Use

   • Recommended dosage is only 0.1–1.0%, making it cost-effective.

   • Light yellow transparent liquid with low viscosity (20–60 cP), ensuring easy incorporation into formulations.

Applications

• Coatings: Improves coverage on hard-to-wet substrates in automotive, industrial, and wood coatings.

• Inks: Enhances printability and adhesion for water-based flexographic or gravure inks.

• Synthetic Leather: Facilitates uniform coating on release papers and PU/PVC leather.

Why Choose IOTA-4100?

This additive offers a rare balance of wetting, defoaming, and leveling in a single product, eliminating the need for multiple additives. Its non-foaming nature avoids the trade-offs between wetting efficiency and foam stability, streamlining production processes.

For formulators seeking to optimize water-based systems for challenging substrates, IOTA-4100 provides a reliable, high-performance solution that enhances both quality and efficiency.