BYK 354

Byk 354 is used standard leveling additive with a deaerating effect.
Byk 354 is used in solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings and in printing inks, overprint varnishes.
Byk 354 is recommended for solvent-borne and solvent-free coating systems, UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes.

CAS Number: 919533-63-4 
EC Number / EC-List Number: Not publicly available / Not disclosed
Molecular Formula: Not disclosed (polyacrylate mixture)
Molecular Weight: Not disclosed (polymer — no fixed MW)

SYNONYMS:
BYK 354, BYK-354

Byk 354 is a specialized additive used in industrial coating/ink/varnish/plastic formulations to improve surface finish (smoothness, gloss), avoid defects (cratering, trapped air), and maintain good flow/levelling properties.
Byk 354 is not a single well-defined small molecule: it is described as a polyacrylate solution (i.e. a polymer-based additive).

Byk 354 is suitable if you are formulating solvent-borne or solvent-free coatings, inks, varnishes, or ambient-cure plastics/resins — and want good leveling, smooth surface, gloss, minimal surface defects (cratering, bubbles), and reliable processing (thermal stability, good adhesion, re-coatability).

Byk 354 is a solution of polyacrylate based anti-crater and leveling agent.
Byk 354 provides a long wave levelling performance and improves gloss.
Byk 354 avoids cratering and reduces surface tension slightly.

Byk 354 displays degassing properties.
Byk 354 shows a very wide compatibility with many coating systems.
Byk 354 exhibits thermal stability.

Byk 354 is a solution of a polyacrylate.
These additives improve leveling and gloss.
They produce a long wave effect and avoid cratering in the system.

These acrylate additives do not negatively influence recoatability or intercoat adhesion.
Surface tension is only slightly reduced.
These additives are thermally stable.

Due to its high molecular weight and its unpolar structure, Byk 354 has both leveling and air release properties.
Byk 354 is a polyacrylate-based, surface additive.
Byk 354 is used as an anti-cratering & leveling additive, increases gloss and also has a deaerating effect as a result of its high molecular weight and non-polar structure.

This thermally stable additive, Byk 354, only reduces surface tension slightly.
Byk 354 is recommended for all ambient curing resin systems such as unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy resins.
The recommended level of Byk 354 is 0.1-1.5% additive (as supplied) based upon total formulation.

Byk 354 is polyacrylate-based surface additive for solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, for UV-curing
printing inks and overprint varnishes and ambient curing plastic systems.
Byk 354 is a polyacrylate-based surfactant additive designed for solvent-based and solvent-free coatings, as well as UV-curable printing inks and varnishes.

Byk 354 is used as a standard leveling additive with an additional degassing effect.
Due to its high-molecular structure and non-polar nature, Byk 354 ensures high-quality surface leveling without disrupting interlayer adhesion or reducing recoatability.

Byk 354 is a universal polyacrylate additive for improving leveling, gloss, and degassing of surface coatings.
Byk 354 features high heat resistance, stability in various binders, and no effect on interlayer adhesion.

Thanks to its balanced action as a leveling and degassing agent, Byk 354 (BIK-354, BYK 354) ensures smoothness and gloss of coatings in paint, varnish, polymer, and printing systems.
Byk 354 acts as an anti-crater and leveling agent for solvent-free and solvent-borne systems.

USES and APPLICATIONS of BYK 354:
Byk 354 is used for such polymeric, proprietary mixtures, manufacturers often do not disclose a structural formula, a fixed molecular weight, or assign a public EC number — because the composition is trade-secret / variable / mixture-based.
Byk 354 is used as a surface additive in coatings, printing inks, varnishes, plastics.

Byk 354 functions as a leveling agent (promoting smooth, even coating), anti-cratering additive, and provides a deaerating (air-release) effect.
Byk 354 is suitable for solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, UV-curing printing inks, overprint varnishes, and ambient-curing plastic/resin systems (e.g. unsaturated polyester resins, epoxy resins).

Recommended dosage in formulations of Byk 354 approx. 0.1–1.5% (as supplied), based on total formulation.
Because of its high molecular weight and non-polar structure, Byk 354 gives thermal stability, ensures minimal impact on surface tension, and does not significantly impair re-coating or inter-coat adhesion.

Byk 354 is used Polyacrylate-based surface additive for solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, for UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes and ambient curing plastic systems.
Byk 354 is used standard leveling additive with a deaerating effect.

Byk 354 is used in solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings and in printing inks, overprint varnishes.
Recommended level of Byk 354 is 0.1-1.5% additive (as supplied) based upon total formulation.
Applications of Byk 354: Coatings and Printing Inks

Recommended Use: Byk 354 is recommended for solvent-borne and solvent-free coating systems, UV-curing printing inks and overprint varnishes.
Recommended Levels of Byk 354: 0.1-1.5% additive (as supplied) based upon total formulation.
The above recommended levels of Byk 354 can be used for orientation.

Optimal levels of Byk 354 are determined through a series of tests
End Uses of Byk 354: Solventborne Coating, Solventless & High Solids Coating, Varnishes
Byk 354 is a polyacrylate-based surface additive for solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, UV-curing printing inks, overprint varnishes, and ambient curing plastic systems.

Byk 354 functions as a standard leveling agent with a deaerating effect, improving deaeration and offering thermal stability.
Suitable for radiation-cure applications, Byk 354 is in liquid form and is ideal for solventborne and solventless high solids coatings.
Byk 354 acts as an anti-crater and leveling agent for solvent-free and solvent-borne systems.

Byk 354 is used For Coatings and Printing Inks.
Other Applications of Byk 354: Varnishes / Over print varnish and UV / Radiation-curable Inks

-Coatings and Printing Inks uses of Byk 354:
Special Features and Benefits：
Byk 354 is used as an anti-cratering and leveling additive, increases gloss and also has a deaerating effect as a result of its high molecular weight and non-polar structure.

Byk 354 only reduces surface tension slightly.
Byk 354 is thermally stable.

Surface additive on polyacrylate-basis for solvent-borne coating systems and printing inks.
Standard leveling additive with an air-releasing effect.

Acrylic leveling additive with air-releasing properties.
Polyacrylate solution.

-Paint and varnish industry uses of Byk 354:
Byk 354 is widely used in solvent-based and solvent-free coating systems for metal, plastic, and wood, where high-quality surface smoothing and crater-free performance are required.
In the production of UV-curable inks and printing varnishes, Byk 354 improves flow and enhances coating gloss without negatively impacting interlayer adhesion.

-Polymer and plastics industry uses of Byk 354:
In ambient-curing systems, such as unsaturated polyester and epoxy resins, Byk 354 is used as a leveling and degassing additive.
Byk 354 promotes smooth surface formation, prevents air entrapment, and ensures gloss stability during drying at room temperature.

-Printing and packaging industry uses of Byk 354:
Used in printing inks and topcoats, Byk 354 (BIK 354) ensures smooth prints, prevents craters and microdefects, and improves film brightness and optical clarity.
Byk 354 is compatible with most binders and does not affect the color or transparency of printed materials.

ADVANTAGES of BYK 354:
*Byk 354 improves leveling and gloss.
*Byk 354 provides a long wave levelling performance.
*Byk 354 avoids cratering.
*Byk 354 reduces surface tension slightly.
*Byk 354 displays degassing properties.
*Byk 354 shows a very wide compatibility with many coating systems.
*Byk 354 exhibits thermal stability.

FEATURES of BYK 354:
*Improved Deaeration, 
*Thermal Stability

ADVANTAGES of BYK 354:
Good air-release (deaeration), improved surface finish and gloss, minimal effect on inter-coat adhesion, stable in processing, compatible with many coating/ink/resin systems.

SPECIAL FEATURES AND BENEFITS of BYK 354:
Byk 354 is used as an anti-cratering and leveling additive, increases gloss and gives a long wave effect.
Byk 354 only provides a minor reduction of the surface tension and does not negatively influence the recoating/overprinting capabilities and intercoat adhesion.
As a result of its high molecular weight and its non-polar structure Byk 354 also has a deaerating effect.
Byk 354 is thermally stable.

KEY BENEFITS of BYK 354:
*Wide range of product groups
*Wide range of applications

FEATURES AND BENEFITS of BYK 354:
The key feature of Byk 354 (BIK-354, Bike 354) is its combination of leveling and degassing properties.
Byk 354 effectively eliminates craters and micropores, increases gloss, and creates a smooth surface with a characteristic long-wavelength optical effect.
Due to its high molecular weight, Byk 354 does not interfere with subsequent layer application or impair interlayer adhesion.

Another advantage of Byk 354 is its versatility: it is suitable for both solvent-based and solvent-free systems, including UV-curable coatings and printing inks.
Its thermal stability allows Byk 354 to be used in processes with elevated temperatures, and its ease of introduction allows for use at any stage of the process cycle, including post-addition.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE of BYK 354:
Byk 354 is recommended at a dosage of 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of the total formula.
The optimal level of Byk 354 is determined experimentally for each specific system.
Byk 354 can be added at any stage—from basecoat preparation to final mixing.
To enhance the degassing effect, Byk 354 is preferable to add it to the base of the system containing pigments or fillers.

PROPERTIES & BENEFITS (PERFORMANCE IN APPLICATIONS) of BYK 354:
*Leveling / Surface Finish: 
Byk 354 helps to smooth the applied coating surface, avoid defects such as cratering or surface irregularities.

*Deaerating / Air Release: 
Byk 354's non-polar, high-molecular-weight nature facilitates release of entrapped air bubbles from coatings, improving film quality and preventing blisters or voids.

*Gloss & Long-wave effect: 
Byk 354 enhances gloss and provides a “long wave effect” (i.e. improves visual smoothness / appearance) in coatings/varnishes.

*Thermal Stability:
Byk 354 remains stable under typical processing and curing conditions (e.g. ambient cure, UV cure, typical industrial thermal loads).

*Minimal Impact on Surface Tension & Adhesion: 
Byk 354 only slightly reduces surface tension — enough to aid leveling — but not so much as to harm re-coating, inter-coat adhesion, or overprintability.

*Versatile Compatibility: 
Byk 354 is suitable for a wide variety of systems: solvent-borne, solvent-free, UV-curing inks/varnishes, ambient-cure plastics (epoxy, polyester), high-solids coatings, etc.
Thus, Byk 354 is widely used in industrial coatings/inks/plastics formulations when a smooth, defect-free surface finish, good film appearance (gloss), and reliable performance (air-release, stability) are required.

THE COMPOSITION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES of BYK 354:
The composition and physicochemical properties
of Byk 354 are a polyacrylate solution in a 9:1 mixture of organic solvents—Solvent Naphtha and diisobutyl ketone.
Byk 354's density at 20°C is 0.95 g/ml.

The nonvolatile content of Byk 354 is approximately 51%.
Byk 354's flash point is 45°C.
Byk 354 is thermally stable, making it suitable for systems exposed to heat during processing or curing.
The low polarity of the polyacrylate matrix ensures minimal reduction in surface tension and stable distribution within film-forming systems.

FINDING BYK 354 REPLACEMENTS of BYK 354:
In the ever-evolving field of industrial chemicals, finding alternatives to specific products like BYK 354 can be both challenging and rewarding.
As industries strive for innovation and regulatory compliance, finding effective alternatives becomes critical.

When looking for alternatives to BYK 354, a systematic approach is essential to ensure a smooth transition without compromising product performance.
Below is a comprehensive guide to help you find the right replacement:

Understanding the role of BYK 354
Before delving into alternatives, it is first necessary to understand the role of BYK 354 in various applications.

We know that BYK 354 is a polyacrylate surface additive used in solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings, UV-curable printing inks and overprint varnishes, as well as ambient-curing plastic systems.
Standard levelling additive with defoaming effect.

*Conduct thorough market research
The first step is to conduct extensive market research.
We are looking for products that are specifically designed to be used as surface additives and levelling agents for coatings.

FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES of BYK 354:
Byk 354 enhances leveling and gloss, generates a long-wave effect, and prevents pinholes.
The acrylic ester additive slightly reduces surface tension without affecting recoatability and interlayer adhesion.
Byk 354 is thermally stable.

APPLICATION SECTORS of BYK 354:
Byk 354 is recommended for solvent-based and solvent-free coating systems, UV-curable printing inks, and gloss varnishes.

RECOMMENDED LEVELS of BYK 354:
Add 0.2-1% of the additive (based on total formulation).
Note: The above data represents empirical levels; optimal levels should be determined through a series of experiments.

PROCESSING INSTRUCTIONS of BYK 354:
The additive can be added at any production stage, including post-addition.
For better defoaming performance, it is recommended to add during the grinding phase.
Byk 354 is a solution of a polyacrylate.

These additives improve leveling and gloss.
They produce a long wave effect and avoid cratering in the system.
These acrylate additives do not negatively influence recoatability or intercoat adhesion.

Surface tension is only slightly reduced.
These additives are thermally stable.
Due to its high molecular weight and its unpolar structure, BYK 354 has both leveling and air release properties.

PRODUCT FAMILY of BYK 354:
BYK is BYK's long-standing number-one brand for a wide range of additives.
This brand combines a broad portfolio of defoamers and air release agents, surface additives, adhesion promoter and coupling agents as well as some wetting and dispersing additives to provide the best properties for coatings, printing inks, plastic materials and various other applications.
BYK additives can be used in a broad range of applications and systems.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of BYK 354:
EC Number / EC-List Number: Not publicly available / Not disclosed
Molecular Formula: Not disclosed (polyacrylate mixture)
Molecular Weight: Not disclosed (polymer — no fixed MW)
Appearance: Liquid
Colour: Colourless
pH (1% solution, 20 °C): ~ 5
Density (20 °C): ~ 0.948 – 0.95 g/mL

Non-volatile matter (150 °C, 20 min): ~ 51%
Flash Point: ~ 45 °C
Initial Boiling Point: ~ 160 °C (≈ 320 °F)
Vapour Pressure (20 °C): ~ 4 hPa
Viscosity (kinematic): ~ 398 mm²/s at 20 °C; ~ 262 mm²/s at 40 °C
Solubility in Water: Immiscible / Not soluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Solvent-borne (e.g. solvent naphtha / diisobutyl ketone)
Appearance: Colorless To Light Yellow Liquid
Application: Used In Water-based Coatings, Inks, And Adhesives

Compatibility: Compatible With Most Anionic And Nonionic Surfactants
Density: 0.90-0.99g/cm3
Emulsifying Ability: Good
Flash Point: 45°C
Odor: Slight Characteristic Odor
Stability: Stable Under Normal Storage Conditions
Usage: 0.1-1.0% Of The Total Formulation
Viscosity: 25-200mPa.s

Appearance: Liquid
Colour: Colourless
Odour: Not significant / not pronounced
pH (1% solution, 20°C): ~5
Density (20°C): ~0.948 g/cm³
Non-volatile matter (150°C, 20 min): ~51%
Flash Point: ~45°C (Abel-Pensky method)
Initial Boiling Point: ~160°C
Vapour Pressure (20°C): ~4 hPa

Viscosity:
~398 mm²/s at 20°C
~262 mm²/s at 40°C
Water Solubility: Immiscible (not soluble in water)
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Solvent-borne (compatible with organic solvents such as solvent naphtha, ketones, etc.)
Physical State Stability: 
Chemically stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity Notes: No hazardous polymerization expected; avoid heat, open flames, and strong oxidizers
Explosive/Fire Behaviour: Vapours may form explosive mixtures with air

FIRST AID MEASURES of BYK 354:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Call in ophthalmologist. 
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of BYK 354:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up dry. 
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of BYK 354:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 
Foam 
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of BYK 354:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection. 
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of BYK 354:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of BYK 354:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available