BYK 354

PRODUCT IDENTITY

Product designation: BYK 354
Documented trade designation: BYK-354
Product type: Commercial polymer solution; formulated mixture
Chemical nature: Solution of a polyacrylate
Principal functions: Leveling, anti-cratering and deaeration
CAS Number: No single CAS Number is assigned here to the complete commercial formulation
EC Number: No single EC Number is assigned here to the complete commercial formulation
Molecular Formula: Not applicable to the commercial mixture
Molecular Weight: Not a single fixed value; the polymer has a molecular-weight distribution and the formulation also contains solvents
Typical non-volatile matter: Approximately 51% after 20 minutes at 150 °C
Documented solvent blend: Solvent naphtha/diisobutyl ketone, 9:1
The solvent identities do not define the whole additive. The reviewed safety documentation identifies light aromatic solvent naphtha, CAS Number 64742-95-6, and diisobutyl ketone, also called 2,6-dimethylheptan-4-one, CAS Number 108-83-8. These are component identifiers rather than a universal CAS identity for BYK 354.
The exact polyacrylate composition and molecular-weight distribution are proprietary. It would be incorrect to infer a homopolymer identity, repeating-unit formula, monomer ratio or fixed molecular weight from the term polyacrylate alone. Functional testing and the applicable commercial specification are more useful than an invented structural description.

SYNONYMS

BYK 354, BYK-354, BYK354, BYK 354 Surface Additive, BYK-354 Surface Additive, BYK 354 Polyacrylate Additive, BYK-354 Polyacrylate Additive, BYK 354 Acrylic Leveling Additive, BYK 354 Acrylic Levelling Additive, BYK 354 Leveling Agent, BYK 354 Levelling Agent, BYK-354 Leveling Agent, BYK-354 Levelling Agent, BYK 354 Flow Additive, BYK 354 Flow and Leveling Additive, BYK 354 Anti-cratering Additive

CHEMICAL NATURE AND DELIVERY FORM

BYK 354 combines a polymeric surface-active component with an organic carrier. The polyacrylate determines the principal leveling behavior, while the carrier supports handling and incorporation. Both portions can affect the finished formulation: the polymer influences film behavior and the solvent contributes to evaporation, compatibility and handling hazards.
Polyacrylates form a broad chemical family. Changes in monomer composition and molecular weight can alter polarity, compatibility, mobility and surface activity. Accordingly, the phrase acrylic leveling additive should not be treated as proof that two commercial products will behave alike at the same dose.
The high-molecular-weight, relatively nonpolar polymer character is associated with the documented deaerating function. 

This is a formulation effect rather than a claim that BYK 354 reacts chemically with air or generates a gas. Air release occurs within the liquid resin or coating environment and depends on viscosity, bubble size and available time.
The supplied material should be considered a solvent-containing polymer solution. It is not an acrylic monomer, a curing agent or a bulk binder replacement. No verified reactive equivalent weight or cure stoichiometry is assigned to it, and it should not be counted as an epoxy hardener or a source of isocyanate-reactive functionality without additional evidence.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The following information describes documented typical or indicative properties rather than a combined release specification. Technical-sheet values and safety-sheet values serve different purposes, and the supplied batch must meet the agreed commercial requirements. Values should be used with their temperature and test conditions.

Appearance: Liquid; the reviewed regional safety documentation describes a colorless material.
Density: Approximately 0.95 g/mL at 20 °C in the technical data.
Non-volatile matter: Approximately 51%, measured for 20 minutes at 150 °C.
Carrier solvents: Solvent naphtha/diisobutyl ketone, reported ratio 9:1.
Flash point: Approximately 45 °C, with the reviewed safety document identifying an Abel-Pensky method.
Water behavior: Immiscible in the reviewed safety documentation.
Initial boiling point: Indicative value approximately 160 °C in the reviewed safety documentation; this is mixture behavior rather than the boiling point of the polymer.
Vapor pressure: Indicative derived value approximately 4 hPa at 20 °C in the reviewed safety documentation.
Molecular formula: Not applicable to the complete formulation.
Molecular weight: Not a single fixed value for the complete formulation or its polymer fraction.

Density and volumetric dosing
Density supports conversion between volume and mass. At the typical value of 0.95 g/mL, one liter corresponds to approximately 0.95 kg. Temperature, lot variation and measurement uncertainty should be considered when using this conversion for accurate plant dosing.
Mass-based dosing is generally easier to relate to the recommended formulation percentage. A pump setting in liters per minute must be converted to the same basis before a trial result is scaled. The total mass used in the calculation must also be defined for two-component systems.

Non-volatile matter and active content
The reported 51% is a method-defined oven residue. It is useful for comparison, carrier calculations and preliminary formulation balances, but it should not automatically be treated as an independently measured exact active-polymer assay. The test method, sample size, time and temperature affect the result.
Changing the oven conditions can change the measured residue. Consequently, a result from a shorter drying cycle is not directly comparable with the stated 20-minute procedure. An incoming-material limit should identify the method rather than specifying a percentage alone.

Viscosity and temperature
The additive's handling viscosity depends on temperature, concentration and solvent retention. Use the current product data or batch information when sizing pumps or defining an incoming viscosity limit. A safety-sheet value should not become an assumed production specification without checking its test conditions.
Solvent loss can increase viscosity and alter both metering and compatibility. A container that has been left open may therefore behave differently from an unopened reference lot even when no obvious contamination is visible. Do not correct an unexplained change by adding an arbitrary solvent blend.

Solubility and compatibility
BYK 354 is not a water-soluble leveling additive. Mixing it into an aqueous coating is not justified solely because other acrylic additives are suitable for waterborne systems. Carrier compatibility and polymer compatibility must both be examined when evaluating a new formulation.
In an organic resin solution, apparent initial miscibility does not establish long-term compatibility. Solvent evaporation, cure and changes in resin composition can alter the balance. Evaluate the wet formulation and the cured film after realistic aging and temperature exposure.

Thermal behavior
The grade is described as thermally stable for its intended applications, but that statement does not define an unlimited processing temperature. Evaporation and fire hazards arise from the carrier before the polymer would be expected to boil. A high-temperature process therefore requires assessment of both portions of the additive.

LEVELING AND ANTI-CRATERING MECHANISM

Leveling is the reduction of surface irregularities while a film remains able to flow. Surface tension, viscosity, film thickness and the time before immobilization all influence the outcome. BYK 354 can modify surface-flow behavior, but it cannot supply unlimited flow time to a coating that gels or dries almost immediately.
Surface-tension gradients can drive liquid across a wet film. These gradients can develop as solvents evaporate, temperature varies or contaminants reach the surface. Uneven movement can contribute to texture and other visible defects. A suitable surface additive helps control the response without necessarily producing a large change in the measured bulk surface tension.
The documented modest surface-tension reduction is a useful distinction. BYK 354 can improve leveling while avoiding some effects associated with very strong surface activity. It should not, however, be assumed to wet every low-energy substrate or eliminate the need for a dedicated wetting strategy.
Cratering is a local withdrawal of liquid that leaves a depression in the film. Causes can include contamination, incompatible droplets or local surface-energy differences. 

BYK 354 is used to improve tolerance to relevant disturbances, but it does not remove contamination from a substrate or compensate for every cleaning failure.
The long-wave leveling description concerns relatively large-scale surface structure that influences appearance. It does not refer to a light-curing wavelength. Gloss and visual smoothness can improve together, although a gloss reading alone does not fully describe orange peel, waviness or distinctness of reflected images.
Compatibility must be balanced rather than simply maximized. A surface additive needs to reach an effective location while remaining sufficiently compatible to avoid haze, separation or its own defects. This general formulation principle explains why dose and resin composition should be optimized together rather than selected independently.

DEAERATION AND FILM FORMATION

BYK 354 has an air-release function in addition to leveling. Entrained air can arise during pigment dispersion, pumping, mixing or application. If bubbles remain until the film sets, they can leave pinholes, microvoids, craters or a loss of gloss and transparency.
Air release and foam destruction are related but not identical tasks. A thick resin may retain fine bubbles beneath a relatively quiet surface, while another formulation develops a stable surface foam layer. BYK 354 should be assessed against the actual defect rather than automatically substituted for a dedicated defoamer in every system.
Bubble escape depends on the formulation's rheology and the time available before drying or cure. Excessive mixing after application, rapid viscosity growth or a very thick film can limit the benefit of an air-release additive. Process adjustments may therefore be required alongside additive selection.
Evaluate deaeration in realistic equipment and film thickness. An open beaker test can reveal differences but may not reproduce high-shear dispersion, a spray process or a reactive casting. Useful observations include density immediately after mixing, bubble persistence, cured-film voids and surface defects.

APPLICATIONS

Solventborne industrial coatings

BYK 354 is a candidate for improving leveling and anti-cratering performance in suitable solventborne coatings. Its role is to improve surface development as the applied film loses solvent and forms a continuous layer. The resin and solvent blend determine whether its compatibility and surface activity are appropriate.
Development should compare smoothness, gloss, clarity and defect count after realistic application. An additive that improves a laboratory drawdown may behave differently under spray, roller or curtain coating. Include the actual drying schedule and minimum and maximum practical film thicknesses.

High-solids and nominally solvent-free coatings

BYK 354 can be evaluated in selected high-solids and solvent-free resin systems when its carrier is acceptable. The additive itself still introduces solvent. That distinction is important where a formulation has a numerical VOC target, solvent restriction or a requirement to contain no intentionally added volatile carrier.
The benefit must be balanced against the added volatile fraction and its escape from the curing film. Thick layers or rapid curing can make carrier release more difficult. A solvent-free base resin does not prevent pinholing or retained-solvent effects after a solvent-containing additive is introduced.

Clearcoats and high-gloss finishes

BYK 354 can support the development of smooth, glossy clear films in compatible coating systems. Long-wave appearance and fine surface defects can be particularly visible in clear or dark-colored finishes. The comparison should include a control film with identical application and cure conditions.
Check haze, reflected-image quality and intercoat behavior as well as gloss. Over-addition or unsuitable compatibility can reduce the clarity that the formulation is intended to preserve. Improving one optical measurement should not be accepted at the expense of visible defects elsewhere.

Pigmented coating systems

In pigmented coatings, BYK 354 can help address surface texture and entrained air generated during manufacture. Incorporation into the pigment-dispersion stage can be useful when bubbles are introduced at that stage. The pigment package and dispersant system still control pigment stabilization.
BYK 354 should not be treated as a replacement for a pigment dispersant. Floating, poor color development and flocculation require their own diagnosis. Surface appearance should be evaluated together with color consistency, gloss and storage stability to avoid mistaking a dispersion problem for a leveling problem.

Protective and heavy-duty resin coatings

In suitable protective coating formulations, BYK 354 can be screened for improved surface uniformity and fewer air-related defects. Film continuity matters because voids and pinholes can compromise the performance of a protective system. The additive contributes to appearance and processing rather than independently establishing corrosion resistance.
Test the complete coating on the intended substrate and at the specified film build. Adhesion, cure, chemical resistance and exposure performance remain separate requirements. A visually improved surface does not by itself demonstrate a better barrier or a longer service life.

Ambient-curing epoxy systems

BYK 354 is documented for ambient-curing epoxy resin applications. It can be evaluated for leveling, crater control and release of entrained air in suitable coatings and resin preparations. Resin viscosity, filler loading and cure rate determine how much time is available for the surface to develop.
In a two-component system, define whether the trial dose is based on one component or the final mixed formulation. The published range refers to total formulation. Check compatibility in the selected storage component and assess pot life, cure and cured-film properties after mixing.

Epoxy floor coatings and related surfaces

For compatible epoxy floor coatings, BYK 354 may help improve a smooth finish and reduce mixing-related surface defects. This is an application of its documented epoxy and coating functions, rather than a guarantee for every flooring system. Substrate porosity and outgassing can dominate the defect pattern.
Separate entrained air from gas emerging through the substrate. A surface additive cannot replace an appropriate primer, moisture assessment or substrate preparation. Test slip-related requirements, adhesion and appearance after the full cure schedule rather than judging the wet surface alone.

Unsaturated polyester resin systems

BYK 354 is documented for ambient-curing unsaturated polyester systems. It can help improve leveling and air release where the polymer and carrier are compatible with the resin formulation. The effects should be checked under the intended mixing and cure conditions.
BYK 354 is not a peroxide initiator, accelerator or reactive diluent. Its contribution must be included without assuming a role in cure stoichiometry. Evaluate gel time, surface condition, clarity and any voids after cure, especially when the resin formulation is already sensitive to minor additions.

Ambient-curing resin castings and filled compounds

Selected ambient-curing resin preparations can benefit from improved air release during mixing and placement. BYK 354 can be screened where the documented epoxy or polyester application basis is relevant. Filler loading, mixing energy and geometry influence whether bubbles can reach the surface before set.
The additive does not replace validated degassing when internal voids are critical. Carrier retention and dimensional requirements also need attention in thick sections. A good surface does not necessarily establish an acceptably void-free interior.

UV-curing printing inks

BYK 354 is intended for suitable UV-curing printing inks where surface leveling and defect control are needed. Its influence on wet-film appearance should be assessed alongside the ink's actual curing and printing process. Ink rheology, pigment loading and application thickness remain important.
The additive is not a photoinitiator and should not be counted as a verified reactive monomer. Its carrier must be compatible with the process, particularly where solvent escape before cure is limited. Check cure, adhesion, surface appearance and the required downstream properties on printed samples.

UV-curing overprint varnishes

BYK 354 can be evaluated in UV-curing overprint varnishes to improve smoothness and gloss. These thin clear layers can reveal small defects and local incompatibility particularly clearly. The underlying ink and substrate affect the result and should be included in the test.
Evaluate intercoat adhesion, clarity and the behavior of later printing, coating or bonding operations. If a varnish is intended for packaging, migration and residual-component requirements must be considered. A good optical finish does not establish regulatory suitability.

Multilayer coatings and overprinting

The relatively modest surface-tension effect makes BYK 354 relevant when surface improvement must be balanced with subsequent coating or printing. The technical description supports a favorable recoatability profile, but actual intercoat performance still depends on the complete system and recoat window.
Test the intended next layer after both minimum and maximum practical aging of the first layer. Cleaning, cure state, contamination and surface changes during storage can influence adhesion. The additive should be selected on the measured performance of the multilayer assembly rather than on a single-coat result.

Post-addition correction of production batches

BYK 354 can be incorporated by post-addition, allowing controlled adjustment of an otherwise suitable formulation. This is useful when a production batch shows a reproducible leveling or air-release problem that matches the additive's function. The addition should be tested on a retained sample before changing the full batch.
Record the original amount, added amount and final total. Ensure adequate mixing without introducing excessive new air. Post-addition is not a way to bypass identification of contamination, incompatible raw materials or an out-of-specification binder.

DOSAGE AND FORMULATION BALANCE

The documented starting range is 0.1-1.5% BYK 354 as supplied, based on total formulation. This is an orientation range rather than a universal optimum or a guaranteed upper performance limit. The appropriate amount should be determined through a controlled series of trials.
For a 100 kg total formulation, the range corresponds to 0.10-1.50 kg of the supplied additive. At the typical 51% non-volatile value, those additions contribute approximately 0.051-0.765 kg of method-defined non-volatile residue. The corresponding volatile fraction is approximately 0.049-0.735 kg.
At a 0.50% addition to 100 kg of total formulation, 0.50 kg of BYK 354 contributes approximately 0.255 kg of non-volatile matter and 0.245 kg of volatile material. These calculations use typical composition information and are formulation balances, not independent measurements of exact active polymer or actual emissions.

For two-component coatings, include all components in the total mass when applying the published basis. If the full additive amount is placed in one component, its concentration in that component will differ from its concentration after mixing. The formulation record should state both values to prevent dosing errors.
Keep trial comparisons on the same basis. A percentage based on binder solids is different from a percentage based on total wet formulation. A like-for-like comparison with another additive must also account for its carrier and concentration rather than matching supplied weight alone.
Current composition-based information calculates approximately 49% VOC for BYK 354 under the stated European decorative-coatings method. This agrees with the broad volatile/non-volatile balance but does not determine every jurisdiction's VOC result. Final-product VOC must follow the applicable definition, calculation and test requirements.

INCORPORATION AND PROCESSING

BYK 354 can be added during manufacture or by post-addition. Where air release during dispersion is important, incorporation into the mill base is a documented option. Select the addition point according to when air enters the process and whether the additive remains compatible through later let-down.
Introduce the additive with sufficient mixing to distribute it throughout the formulation. Avoid creating a local high concentration that can temporarily disturb compatibility. If predilution is useful, use a verified compatible solvent and record the extra solvent in the formulation balance.
Mixing energy must be high enough for uniformity but should not introduce unnecessary air. The best impeller speed depends on vessel geometry, fill level and viscosity. A mixing time copied from a different batch size may not provide equivalent distribution.

For pigment dispersions, compare early addition with an otherwise identical post-addition trial. Early addition may improve air release during the process, while later addition can simplify evaluation of surface effects. The comparison should preserve the same final dose and solvent balance.
For two-component systems, evaluate the proposed storage component separately from the freshly mixed product. Long-term compatibility, viscosity and package stability can differ from short-term application behavior. Confirm that the chosen addition point does not compromise storage or cure.
Keep an accurate addition record. If a batch receives a correction, calculate the total additive rather than only the latest addition. Small repeated adjustments can otherwise move the final concentration outside the tested range and obscure the cause of a new defect.

COMPATIBILITY AND PERFORMANCE VALIDATION

Begin with a reference formulation that produces the relevant defect reproducibly. A trial cannot establish a useful benefit if the control panel varies widely from run to run. Keep resin, pigment, solvent, film thickness and application conditions constant while evaluating BYK 354.
A practical screening series can compare the untreated control with several additions within the documented range. The specific trial spacing should match formulation sensitivity and dosing accuracy. Do not assume that the response is linear or that the highest addition gives the best balance.
Measure more than one property. Surface smoothness, gloss, haze, cratering, bubble retention and intercoat adhesion can respond differently. A product that looks better immediately after application may show a problem after cure, storage or overcoating.

For air-release comparisons, use a consistent mixing history and evaluate after a defined interval. Changes in density or entrained-air volume can support visual observations. Inspect cured sections where internal voids matter, because a smooth surface can conceal bubbles below it.
For anti-cratering assessment, identify the actual contamination route when possible. Use only a controlled test appropriate to the laboratory and the coating system. A deliberately contaminated screening panel is a diagnostic tool, not permission to accept contaminated production equipment.
Include practical robustness checks. Reasonable variations in film thickness, drying time, ambient conditions and application speed help reveal whether the benefit is narrow or reliable. Production trials should remain within validated process and safety limits.

Evaluate adhesion at the intended recoat intervals. A short laboratory interval may not predict behavior after days of storage or a different cure schedule. Check the completed multilayer system with the required adhesion and appearance methods.
Document any remaining uncertainty. If a result depends on a particular solvent blend or application condition, preserve that condition in the approved formulation. Treat a change in binder, dispersant or additive package as a reason to review compatibility rather than assuming that the original qualification remains complete.

QUALITY CONTROL

Incoming identity and documentation
Confirm the exact product designation and batch documentation before release. A similar grade number or generic acrylic additive description is insufficient. Packaging, certificate and technical data should correspond to BYK 354 in the supplied delivery form.

Appearance
Check for unexpected haze, sediment, separation or foreign matter. Compare the sample with an appropriate retained reference under consistent lighting and temperature. An appearance change can indicate contamination or solvent loss, but appearance alone cannot establish full conformity.

Non-volatile matter
The principal documented benchmark is approximately 51% after 20 minutes at 150 °C. Use the agreed method and acceptance limits rather than treating the typical value as an exact specification. Sample mass, dish geometry and drying conditions should be controlled for meaningful comparison.

Density
Density near the documented 0.95 g/mL at 20 °C is a useful corroborating check. Measure at the specified temperature and avoid air bubbles in the sample. Density alone is not selective enough to prove correct polymer chemistry or absence of all contamination.

Viscosity
Viscosity can help detect changes in solvent balance or material condition when a validated method is available. Record instrument, geometry or spindle, shear conditions and temperature. A result without those details is difficult to compare with a retained sample or commercial limit.

Solvent composition
Chromatographic solvent analysis may be appropriate when carrier identity or solvent loss is important. The method should distinguish the relevant hydrocarbon fraction and ketone. A polymer solution should not be released solely because its total volatile percentage appears correct if carrier 
composition is in doubt.

Water and contamination
Set a water or contamination limit only when justified by the process or agreed specification. No universal moisture limit is invented here. For a moisture-sensitive coating, even contamination that does not visibly separate can affect the finished system and may need a suitable analytical check.

Functional release testing
A controlled reference-coating test can supplement physical measurements when surface performance is critical. Compare leveling, clarity, cratering and air release with a qualified lot at the same dose. Use a stable test formulation so variation in the reference binder does not become an apparent additive 
problem.

Acceptance limits
The current specification and certificate govern release. Published typical density, residue and flash-point values are not automatically contractual upper or lower limits. An internal specification should separate identity, safety information, typical data and the actual release criteria.

COMMERCIAL FORMULATION AND GRADE CONTROL

The complete manufacturing recipe and polymer architecture are not publicly defined. BYK 354 should therefore be specified by commercial identity and verified functional requirements, supported by appropriate composition and safety documentation. Attempting to reconstruct the grade from a generic polyacrylate and solvent description does not establish equivalence.
For a substitution study, compare more than polymer solids. Carrier evaporation, polymer compatibility, molecular-weight distribution and surface activity can all change the result. Matching density and non-volatile matter is not sufficient to demonstrate equivalent anti-cratering, leveling or recoatability.
Preserve batch traceability through receipt, transfer and use. Containers or internal labels should retain the product and batch identity after material is decanted. If several lots are blended, record the relationship so a later quality investigation can reconstruct the formulation history.
Packaging integrity is part of grade control. Repeated opening, contaminated transfer tools or prolonged exposure to warm air can change solvent balance and introduce defects. Keep retained samples in suitable closed containers and define how long they remain representative.

CLASSIFICATION AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Review date for this profile: 15 October 2026. BYK 354 is a mixture, so it does not have a single harmonized substance classification or one Annex VI index number for the complete commercial product. Its supplied classification is determined under the applicable mixture rules and regional safety documentation.
The EU safety document available during this review is version 10.1, revised 26 March 2024. It classifies the mixture as Flam. Liq. 3, H226; STOT SE 3 for respiratory irritation, H335; STOT SE 3 for drowsiness or dizziness, H336; and Aquatic Chronic 2, H411. The signal word is Warning, and EUH066 addresses repeated exposure causing skin dryness or cracking.

This dated safety-document classification must not be confused with a claim that every regional SDS uses identical wording or that no later revision exists. Obtain the current document for the actual supply before preparing labels or workplace instructions. A hazard listed for a solvent component should not automatically be copied onto the complete mixture.
Chemical-inventory and REACH statements concern the relevant substances and supply chain. They are not blanket approvals for every coating, ink or consumer application. Polymer-related registration treatment also does not remove obligations associated with solvents, monomers or downstream use conditions.
Composition information dated 10 March 2026 supports a no-intentionally-added statement for certain groups, including PFAS and alkylphenol ethoxylates. The statement is composition-based and does not claim routine analytical testing that guarantees absolute absence. Use the defined scope rather than converting it into a universal zero-content certification.

Food-contact information dated 22 January 2026 addresses specified coating and packaging frameworks, including 21 CFR 175.300 and relevant European and Swiss provisions. These statements are conditional on use, concentration, material and final-article requirements. A listed framework does not make BYK 354 a direct food additive or prove compliance of an arbitrary finished package.
For packaging inks, assess the intended surface of use, migration, residual components and any applicable exclusion or customer requirements. An additive statement does not replace the finished-ink or finished-article assessment. No cosmetic, pharmaceutical, medical-device or potable-water suitability is assigned to BYK 354 without separate documentation for that use.
Distinguish proposals and consultations from legally effective restrictions. This profile does not present a pending measure as current law or infer regulatory clearance from lack of a specific warning. Current market and end-use conditions should be checked when the formulation or destination changes.

SAFETY AND HANDLING

BYK 354 is a flammable solvent-containing liquid. Use closed transfer and suitable local ventilation wherever practical, and keep the material away from heat, flames and sparks. The approximate 45 °C flash point is relevant to handling but does not make every operation below that temperature free from ignition risk.
Vapor exposure can cause respiratory irritation, drowsiness or dizziness. Open mixing, spraying and warm processing can increase exposure. Ventilation should be assessed for the actual task, and an odor judgment is not a reliable substitute for exposure control.
Select gloves, eye protection and clothing using the current SDS and the workplace assessment. Solvent resistance depends on material, thickness, exposure duration and task. Contaminated gloves or clothing should be changed appropriately rather than allowed to become a continuing source of contact.

Bond and ground suitable conductive equipment where static discharge is a concern. Electrical installations, transfer arrangements and tools should match the area's flammability assessment. Mixing and pumping procedures need to account for both vapor generation and static charging.
Prevent repeated skin contact because the carrier can remove skin oils and cause dryness or cracking. Keep food and drink out of handling areas and wash after work. If symptoms occur, review exposure conditions and obtain appropriate medical advice.
Respiratory protection, when required, must be selected and managed within a suitable program. Routine vapor control and response to an unknown spill atmosphere are different situations. Untrained personnel should not enter confined or poorly ventilated spaces to investigate a solvent release.

FIRST AID

Eye contact
Rinse promptly with clean water while keeping the eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if easy to do and continue rinsing. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists or the exposure is significant, and provide the exact product information.

Skin contact
Remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. Do not use additional organic solvents to clean the skin. Seek medical advice for persistent irritation or other symptoms and clean contaminated clothing before reuse.

Inhalation
Move the affected person to fresh air without placing rescuers at risk. Seek medical attention for persistent respiratory symptoms, dizziness or unusual drowsiness. Emergency breathing support should be provided only by trained personnel using appropriate protection.

Ingestion
Rinse the mouth and obtain prompt medical or poison-service advice. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a medical professional. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person; provide the current SDS and exposure details to the treating professional.

STORAGE

Store BYK 354 in tightly closed suitable containers in a cool, dry and ventilated area. Protect it from direct heat and ignition sources and follow the temperature conditions in the product documentation. Segregate it from incompatible chemicals, particularly strong oxidizers and acids identified in the reviewed safety information.
The current product information gives a shelf life of 60 months for unopened original packaging under the specified storage conditions. This is not a new five-year period beginning whenever material is transferred or a container is reopened. Batch dating and the applicable commercial documentation should govern stock rotation.

Solvent evaporation can change concentration and viscosity. Reseal containers promptly after use and avoid leaving partly filled transfer vessels exposed. Do not add solvent to aged material merely to reproduce an earlier viscosity without assessing composition and suitability.
Inspect stored material for leakage, separation or unexpected changes before use. A questionable batch should be assessed against its specification and storage history. Homogenization may be appropriate only when permitted by the product instructions and should not be used to conceal contamination.
Keep transfer equipment clean and compatible. Residues of another surface additive, release agent or cleaning material can create defects at very low concentrations. Dedicated or verified-clean sampling tools help preserve both quality and traceability.

SPILL MANAGEMENT AND FIRE RESPONSE

Restrict access to spills and eliminate ignition sources when this can be done safely. Ventilate the area and keep vapors from accumulating in pits, drains or enclosed spaces. A large release or uncertain atmosphere requires trained emergency response.
Contain stable liquid using compatible materials and prevent entry into drains, soil and surface waters. Trained responders can collect the material with suitable inert absorbent under the site procedure. Place contaminated absorbent in approved labeled containers and manage it as solvent-containing waste.
Do not return recovered spill material to clean stock. Even a visually clear liquid can contain surface-active contamination that later creates coating defects. Keep cleanup tools and waste separate from production materials.

Suitable firefighting media can include foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or appropriate water spray according to the incident and current SDS. Avoid spreading burning liquid with an unsuitable water jet. Firefighters require suitable protective equipment and breathing apparatus.
Cool exposed containers from a protected position where conditions permit and contain contaminated firefighting water where feasible. Empty containers can retain flammable residue and vapor. Do not weld, cut or burn them, and dispose of them through an appropriate route.

TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

The reviewed EU safety documentation identifies BYK 354 as UN 1993, FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S., Class 3, Packing Group III. The identified technical names are solvent naphtha and diisobutyl ketone. Environmental-hazard and marine-pollutant provisions apply as stated for the relevant transport mode.
Transport obligations depend on the actual material, package size, route and modal rules. Limited-quantity or other relief provisions should be assessed for the consignment rather than assumed from the product name. Use the current shipping information for the supplied grade.
BYK 354 must not enter waterways or drains. The reviewed mixture classification includes chronic aquatic toxicity, and immiscibility with water does not remove the environmental concern. Both bulk liquid and contaminated washwater require containment.
Do not infer biodegradability of the complete polymer solution from data on one carrier component. The polymer and solvent portions have different environmental behavior. Waste treatment and recovery should address the actual formulation and contamination history.
For a finished coating or ink, emissions and waste requirements depend on the full composition and application process. The additive's relatively small dose does not eliminate the need to include its carrier in the formulation balance. Cured-film performance and environmental compliance are separate assessments.

COMMON FORMULATION PROBLEMS

Leveling improves only slightly
Check whether surface flow is the limiting factor. Excessive viscosity, very rapid drying or early gelation can prevent leveling even with a suitable additive. Review application thickness and available flow time alongside dose.

Craters remain after addition
Investigate substrate contamination, incompatible droplets, equipment residues and other surface additives. BYK 354 can improve anti-cratering performance but cannot remove the defect source. Confirm the cause before increasing the dose.

New haze or separation appears
Check compatibility with the resin and solvent blend, including after evaporation and cure. Compare a small addition series and a retained reference. More additive can worsen an incompatibility rather than correct it.

Fine bubbles remain in a thick resin
Review mixing history, viscosity and cure speed. BYK 354 has an air-release function, but bubbles still need a route and time to escape. Internal-void requirements may justify a separate validated degassing step.

Pinholes develop after UV curing
Distinguish retained air from carrier release and cure-related effects. The additive contains volatile material even when used in a nominally solvent-free base. Assess film thickness, flash-off and cure conditions within the validated process.

Overcoat adhesion changes
Check the complete additive package, dose, cure state and recoat interval. A favorable recoatability profile does not establish every layer combination. Test both the first layer and the intended overcoat under representative aging conditions.

Pigment floating is mistaken for a leveling defect
Evaluate pigment stabilization and binder interactions separately. Surface-flow changes can affect appearance, but BYK 354 is not a substitute for an appropriate dispersant. Compare color and dispersion stability as well as surface texture.

Batch viscosity increases during storage
Check container closure, solvent loss, temperature and contamination. Compare non-volatile matter and an appropriately measured viscosity with the incoming reference. Do not restore the original reading with an unverified solvent addition.

The addition percentage was calculated on binder solids
Recalculate using total formulation to compare with the documented starting range. Include both components of a reactive system where applicable. Record the actual supplied-material dose and any conversion to residue basis.

Solvent-free claim is questioned
Include the additive's volatile carrier in the finished formulation assessment. Suitability for solvent-free resin systems describes application compatibility, not the composition of BYK 354 itself. Use a verified alternative if the actual specification excludes that carrier contribution.

A similarly numbered grade is proposed as a replacement
Confirm exact identity, carrier, non-volatile content and function. Similar numbering does not demonstrate equivalence. Qualify the replacement through appropriate physical, application and regulatory checks.

Food-contact suitability is assumed from a document heading
Read the conditions for the exact material, use level and article. A framework listing is not an unconditional approval of every coating or printing ink. 
Obtain current grade-specific documentation and assess the finished application.

Post-addition gives inconsistent results
Review the cumulative dose, mixing uniformity and air introduced during correction. Use a representative retained sample and a fixed evaluation method. A changing substrate or application process can obscure the additive's actual effect.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is BYK 354?
BYK 354 is a polyacrylate solution used as a surface additive for leveling, anti-cratering and air release in suitable formulations.

Is BYK 354 a pure chemical?
No. It is a commercial polymer solution containing an organic carrier.

Does BYK 354 have one CAS Number?
No single CAS Number is assigned here to the complete formulation; component identifiers do not define the whole grade.

What are its molecular formula and molecular weight?
A fixed formula and single molecular weight are not applicable to the commercial mixture or its polymer distribution.

What is its typical non-volatile matter content?
The documented typical value is approximately 51% after 20 minutes at 150 °C.

Does 51% non-volatile matter mean exactly 51% independently measured active polymer?
Not necessarily. It is a method-defined residue value and should not replace a separately defined active-content specification.

What is the typical density?
The technical data give approximately 0.95 g/mL at 20 °C.

Which solvents are documented?
The carrier is described as solvent naphtha/diisobutyl ketone in a 9:1 ratio.

Is the supplied additive solvent-free?
No. BYK 354 is solvent-containing even though it can be used in selected solvent-free resin systems.

What is the typical flash point?
The documented value is approximately 45 °C; use the current SDS for the applicable method and handling information.

Is BYK 354 water-soluble?
The reviewed safety information describes it as immiscible with water.

What is the recommended starting range?
The documented orientation range is 0.1-1.5% as supplied, based on total formulation.

How much is needed for a 100 kg formulation at 0.5%?
A 0.5% addition corresponds to 0.50 kg of supplied BYK 354 in 100 kg total formulation.

Can it be added after production?
Yes. Post-addition is documented, provided the material is adequately incorporated and the final formulation is tested.

Why add it to the mill base?
Earlier incorporation can improve air release during pigment dispersion and related processing.

Does BYK 354 strongly reduce surface tension?
Its documented surface-tension reduction is modest; it is not a universal solution for difficult substrate wetting.

What does long-wave leveling mean?
It concerns relatively large-scale surface smoothness and appearance, not a UV-curing wavelength.

Does it replace a dedicated defoamer in every system?
No. Its deaerating effect should be assessed against the actual foam and entrained-air problem.

Does it replace a pigment dispersant?
No. Pigment stabilization and surface leveling are different formulation tasks.

Can BYK 354 be used in epoxy systems?
Ambient-curing epoxy systems are a documented application, subject to compatibility and performance testing.

Can it be used in unsaturated polyester systems?
Yes. Ambient-curing unsaturated polyester applications are documented, with the final formulation requiring qualification.

Is it a curing agent or photoinitiator?
No such function is assigned to BYK 354; its principal role is surface and air-release control.

Is it intended for UV-curing inks and overprint varnishes?
Yes. These are documented applications, with carrier compatibility and final cure performance requiring evaluation.

Does it guarantee intercoat adhesion?
No. The grade has a favorable documented recoatability profile, but the actual multilayer system must be tested.

Can it be used in every waterborne coating?
No. The documented grade is not a general waterborne additive, and aqueous use requires separate qualification.

What is its declared VOC content?
Current composition information calculates approximately 49% under the stated European method; other regulatory definitions can differ.

What shelf life is listed?
Product information lists 60 months for unopened original packaging stored under the specified conditions.

What transport identity is documented?
The reviewed EU SDS identifies UN 1993, flammable liquid, n.o.s., Class 3, Packing Group III.

Is BYK 354 automatically approved for food contact?
No. Grade-specific statements have conditions, and the finished material and use require their own compliance assessment.

Where can commercial and technical information be obtained?
Contact Ataman Chemicals for the applicable specification, TDS, SDS, COA and supply information.

FINAL TECHNICAL SUMMARY

BYK 354 is a commercial polyacrylate solution designed to improve surface development in suitable coatings, UV-curing inks, overprint varnishes and ambient-curing resin systems. Leveling, anti-cratering and deaeration are the central functions. Its relatively modest surface-tension effect is relevant when improved appearance needs to be balanced with recoatability and downstream processing.

The grade must be treated as a formulated polymer solution rather than a defined pure substance. No fixed molecular formula, single molecular weight or universal CAS Number should be assigned to the complete product. Typical data include density near 0.95 g/mL at 20 °C, non-volatile matter near 51% under the specified oven method, an organic solvent carrier and a flash point near 45 °C.
The documented starting range of 0.1-1.5% refers to supplied additive on total formulation. Appropriate trials should compare surface appearance, retained air, clarity, cure and adhesion while controlling application conditions. Early addition can support air release, and post-addition is possible when adequate mixing and validation are provided.

Carrier contribution is a central formulation consideration. BYK 354 is not itself solvent-free, and its volatile content must be included in the finished-product assessment. Compatibility with a solvent-free base resin does not remove the need to evaluate evaporation, emissions and residual-solvent effects.
Quality control should combine identity and batch documentation with appropriate checks for appearance, non-volatile matter, density, viscosity and functional performance. Handling and storage must reflect flammability, vapor effects and environmental hazards. Food-contact and other regulated uses require current grade-specific conditions and assessment of the finished application.

For BYK 354 technical specifications, TDS, SDS, COA and commercial supply, contact Ataman Chemicals. The supplied grade should be selected against the actual resin system, processing method, performance target and destination-market requirements.

Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com