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Levelling Agent HL988 is a polyacrylate-based flow and surface conditioner additive on silica carrier, offered by Huangshan Huahui Technology to improve surface flow and leveling, especially in powder coating systems.
The product helps to reduce surface tension differences on the coating surface during curing, allowing the molten film to spread more smoothly and thus reducing defects such as craters, fisheyes, and uneven surfaces.
The main commercial use of Levelling Agent HL988 is in thermoset powder coatings. Manufacturer and technical product sources describe the product as a general-purpose leveling agent that can be used in pure epoxy, epoxy/polyester hybrid, pure polyester TGIC, pure polyester HAA, and polyurethane powder coating systems.
HL988 is not a classical reactive curing agent. Rather than forming stoichiometric cross-linking with resin or hardener, it physically regulates surface flow behavior when the coating is in the melt phase.
When the powder coating enters the oven, the resin and curing components begin to melt. The viscosity first drops markedly and the coating becomes fluid. The majority of surface defects occur or are removed within this low-viscosity window before the film is completely cross-linked.
The Levelling Agent HL988 helps to make the surface tension differences more balanced at this stage, promoting self-spreading of the coating.
This mechanism is particularly important in controlling surface defects such as orange peel appearance, microcrater, fisheye, poor substrate wetting, and insufficient gloss.
The general use level of Levelling Agent HL988 stated in manufacturer sources is approximately 0.8–1.2% of the total formulation weight.
This range does not mean a fixed dosage for all powder coating recipes. The presence of resin type, pigment/filler load, curing temperature, film thickness, extrusion conditions, and other surface additives can change the optimum level.
Because the product contains silica carrier, it can provide easier dry mix and extrusion dosing than direct dosing of liquid polyacrylate flow additive.
The silica carrier helps to use the flow additive in free-flowing solid form. So the additive can be dispersed with other powder coating raw materials at the premix stage and then taken into the resin phase during extrusion.
The performance of the Levelling Agent HL988 should not be considered solely as "improving flowability". A good leveling agent should promote controlled surface movement through the film while not creating new defects caused by excessive surface tension drop or mismatch.
For this reason, the HL988 level should be scanned at several points on a laboratory scale and not only gloss, but also crater, orange peel, intercoat adhesion, film appearance and mechanical properties should be evaluated together.
Levelling Agent HL988 can be especially evaluated in metal furniture, household appliances, electrical-electronic equipment, non-architectural industrial metal parts and general industrial powder coating applications where high decorative appearance is expected.
The product is not the main binder of the final powder coating. Polyester, epoxy or polyurethane resin system is selected separately; HL988 is a low-use surface control additive.
When purchasing the Levelling Agent HL988, the general definition of "acrylic flow agent" should not be consulted alone. The exact HL988 grade, manufacturer, carrier type, appearance, volatile matter, active polymer ratio and up-to-date technical documentation should be verified with the supplier.
WHAT IS LEVELLING AGENT HL988?
Levelling Agent HL988 is a silica carrier polyacrylate-based additive used in powder coating coatings to improve film flow, surface leveling, and gloss.
The manufacturer of the product is listed as Huangshan Huahui Technology Co., Ltd.
The HL988 product family is offered by the manufacturer in the leveling agent category.
From a chemical point of view, the product is not a single low molecular weight pure chemical.
The commercial product should be considered as a formulated additive in which the polyacrylate-based organic flow-regulator phase and the silica carrier coexist.
Some commercial databases and supplier pages associate the polyacrylate portion of HL988 with Poly(butyl acrylate) chemistry.
CAS No 9003-49-0 is used for poly(butyl acrylate). The general repeat unit of this polymer can be represented as (C₇H₁₂O₂)n.
However, this formula does not represent the whole commercial product HL988. It is not technically correct to give a single molecular formula and a single exact molecular weight for HL988 because the silica carrier is present and the polyacrylate phase has a high molecular weight distribution.
A value of 128.17 g/mol is related to the nominal molar mass of the butyl acrylate repeat unit/monomeric unit; it should not be used as the molecular weight of the commercial HL988 additive.
Poly(butyl acrylate) is a soft, low glass transition temperature grade of acrylic polymers. The effect of this type of acrylic polymer on surface runoff is related to controlled conformability and surface orientation behavior within the coating melt phase.
As the coating melts, the polyacrylate phase of HL988 can move through the resin matrix and help reduce surface tension differences.
When there is a surface tension difference between different regions on the film surface, Marangoni type flows and local surface shrinkage can occur.
These movements can contribute to the appearance of craters, fish-eyes, or uneven films.
Acrylic flow agents like HL988 allow these surface tension gradients to become more controlled, promoting more uniform film formation.
The silica carrier of the product mainly provides ease of process and dosage.
Silica helps the flow additive to be available in dry powder form and easier to mix with the resin/pigment premix.
During extrusion, the organic polyacrylate phase is dispersed in the resin.
Then, after grinding and screening, the additive is homogeneously present in the powder coating particles.
The actual performance of the additive during application and curing depends on its compatibility with the resin matrix.
In case of excessive compatibility, sufficient orientation to the surface may not occur.
In case of very low compatibility, surface segregation, haze, recoating problems or local defects may occur.
Therefore, the choice of leveling agent should be made based on the target resin system, not just the chemical family.
COMMON PRODUCT AND CHEMICAL NAMES
Levelling Agent HL988
Leveling Agent HL988
HL988
Huangshan Huahui HL988
HL988 Flow Agent
HL988 Powder Coating Levelling Agent
Polyacrylate Levelling Agent
Silica-Carried Polyacrylate Flow Agent
Poly(butyl acrylate) based flow additive
CAS 9003-49-0
CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Levelling Agent HL988
Manufacturer: Huangshan Huahui Technology Co., Ltd.
Product type: Powder coating leveling and flow additive
Chemical family: Polyacrylate
Carrier: Silica
Commercial form: Polyacrylate additive carried on silica
Chemical associated with the polyacrylate phase: Poly(butyl acrylate)
Poly(butyl acrylate) CAS No: 9003-49-0
Poly(butyl acrylate) general repeat unit: (C₇H₁₂O₂)n
Single molecular formula: Not defined for HL988 commercial mix
Single molecular weight: Not defined for HL988 commercial blend
Physical form: Powder
Appearance: White or light-colored powder
Main function: Leveling agent
Additional function: Flow editing
Additional function: Anti-crater performance
Additional function: Improving substrate wetting
Additional function: Helping to increase brightness
Main use: Powder coating systems
Recommended use level: Approximately 0.8–1.2% of the total formulation
Suitable systems: Pure epoxy
Suitable systems: Epoxy/polyester hybrid
Suitable systems: Polyester/TGIC
Suitable systems: Polyester/HAA
Suitable systems: Polyurethane powder coating
The CAS 9003-49-0 information for the Levelling Agent HL988 is used in some commercial sources to identify the polyacrylate phase of the product.
However, HL988 is a formulated commercial product containing a silica carrier.
For this reason, the CAS number should not be relied on alone, but the exact product name and TDS should be used together during purchasing and quality control.
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR PROPERTIES OF LEVELLING AGENT HL988
The active surface regulator phase of Levelling Agent HL988 is polyacrylate based.
Polyacrylate chains are high molecular weight polymers with a carbon-carbon main backbone and ester side groups.
Based on poly(butyl acrylate), the repeat unit is acrylate carrying the butyl ester side chain.
General repetition unit:
[-CH₂-CH(COOC₄H₉)-]n
can be shown as follows.
The ester carbonyl group imparts polarity to the molecule.
The butyl chain, on the other hand, provides more hydrophobic character, which promotes compatibility with organic resin phases.
This balance may contribute to polyacrylate exhibiting controlled solubility and mobility within many organic coating resins.
The leveling agent should not act as an inert oil that completely decomposes on the film surface.
It must show sufficient compatibility with the coating matrix.
At the same time, it must be mobile in the molten phase to regulate surface tension.
The effect of acrylic flow agents correlates with this controlled compliance window.
Silica carrier is an inorganic solid structure, unlike the organic acrylic phase.
The carrier allows the use of liquid or adhesive acrylic polymer in free-flowing powder form.
During extrusion, the polyacrylate phase is dispersed from the carrier into the resin medium.
Some of the silica remains as a thin solid phase in the final powder coating matrix.
Since the fully active polymer/carrier ratio of HL988 is not specified on the open access manufacturer's page, the exact value must be verified from the supplier's current TDS or COA document.
One of the important parameters in the molecular behavior of the product is the molecular weight distribution of the acrylic polymer.
High molecular weight acrylates may exhibit lower volatility than film than low molecular weight solvent-like additives.
This property helps the additive maintain its surface conditioning function during curing.
However, too high a molecular weight can affect flowability and dispersion rate.
Commercial flow agents are therefore optimized not only by the chemical composition, but also by the degree of polymerization and the carrier system.
The main characteristics of the Levelling Agent HL988 at the molecular and morphological level are:
Being polyacrylate based
Containing silica carrier
Carrying a high molecular weight organic surfactant phase
Dosing in powder form
Showing mobility in the coating melt phase
Helping to reduce surface tension differences
Editing the movie stream
Helping to reduce crater and fish-eye formation
Improve substrate wetting
Supporting the formation of a bright and smoother surface
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF LEVELLING AGENT HL988
Levelling Agent HL988 is a solid flow/leveling additive suitable for the powder coating process.
General technical specifications:
Physical form: Powder
Appearance: White or light-colored powder
Product Grade: Flow/levelling additive
Chemical family: Polyacrylate
Carrier: Silica
CAS for polyacrylate phase: 9003-49-0
Overall repeat unit: (C₇H₁₂O₂)n
Single molecular weight: Not defined
Volatility: Expected to be low due to its high molecular weight polymer structure
Main application: Powder coating
Recommended dosage: 0.8–1.2% total formulation weight
Epoxy Fit: Suitable
Epoxy/polyester hybrid fit: Suitable
Polyester/TGIC fit: Fit
Polyester/HAA fit: Suitable
Polyurethane powder coating compatibility: Suitable
For the Levelling Agent HL988, the active ingredient ratio, volatile content, bulk density or exact particle size values are not published in the same way everywhere in open sources.
For this reason, these values should not be estimated, but should be taken from the current TDS and COA document of the purchased batch.
Levelling agent performance should be evaluated by the behavior in the actual powder coating formulation rather than the physical properties of the pure powder alone.
For example, the same level of Levelling Agent HL988 can give different gloss or orange-peel results in a hybrid epoxy/polyester system and an HAA-cured polyester system.
This difference can be due to resin viscosity, curing kinetics, and pigment volume concentration.
For this reason, physical quality control and application performance testing should be carried out together.
HOW DOES THE LEVELLING AGENT HL988 WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?
When the powder coating enters the oven, the powder particles first heat up.
The resin softens.
Then the particles begin to combine with each other.
The film viscosity decreases to a minimum level within a certain temperature range.
This period is the critical window for coating flow-out.
At this stage, local surface tension differences on the film surface can prevent the coating from spreading evenly.
Pigment, filler, substrate contamination or resin composition can cause local surface tension difference.
Fluid movement may develop between the region with high surface tension and the region with low surface tension.
This movement can magnify crater or fish-eye-like surface pulls.
The polyacrylate phase of HL988 is dispersed in the film and helps the surface tension become more homogeneous.
Thus, the coating melt can spread more controlled.
Micro-surface irregularities can flatten before the film hardens.
The appearance of orange peel can be reduced.
Substrate wetting may develop.
Gloss may increase.
Then, as the curing reaction progresses, the system viscosity rises rapidly.
The film stops moving.
Therefore, the time interval in which the leveling agent should be effective is the early period of the cure.
Powder coating systems that cure very quickly may not have enough time for flow-out.
In this case, simply increasing the amount of HL988 may not completely solve the problem.
Resin reactivity, curing temperature and catalyst level should also be evaluated.
Similarly, if extremely low melt viscosity occurs, other problems such as sagging or edge pullback may occur.
The dosage of HL988 must therefore be optimized in conjunction with the entire rheology/cure package.
The main functions of HL988 at the formulation and process level are:
Improving powder coating flow-out
Reducing surface tension differences
Helping to reduce crater formation
Reduce fish-eye defect
Reducing the appearance of orange peel
Improving substrate wetting
Helping to increase film gloss
Improving surface smoothness
Improving the thermoset powder coating process window
Supporting batch-to-batch consistency in coating appearance
IN WHICH SECTORS IS THE LEVELLING AGENT HL988 USED?
The primary application area of the Levelling Agent HL988 is in the industrial powder coating sector.
Main areas of use:
Epoxy powder coatings
Epoxy/polyester hybrid powder coatings
Polyester/TGIC powder coatings
Polyester/HAA powder coatings
Polyurethane powder coatings
Termoset powder coatings
Some thermoplastic powder coating systems
Metal furniture coverings
Household appliance metal parts
Electrical panel coatings
Lighting equipment coatings
General industrial metal coatings
Machinery and equipment parts
Shelving and storage systems
Decorative metal parts
Non-automotive metal components
White goods sub-industry parts
Electrostatic powder coating lines
Corona applied powder coatings
Tribo application systems, with formulation verification
Regardless of the industries in which the Levelling Agent HL988 is applied, its main function is surface leveling.
The product is not a pigment.
It is not a curing agent.
It is not a defoamer.
Degassing is not an agent.
It does not perform the same task as degassing additives such as benzoin.
In a powder coating formulation, HL988 and benzoin can be used together because the defects targeted by the two admixtures are different.
HL988 regulates defects associated with surface runoff and surface tension, while degassing additives like benzoin help facilitate gas exit through the coating during melting.
USE OF LEVELLING AGENT HL988 IN EPOXY AND HYBRID POWDER COATINGS
Epoxy and epoxy/polyester hybrid systems are among the typical usage areas of the HL988.
In the hybrid powder coating system, epoxy resin and carboxyl polyester react in certain proportions.
These systems can provide good mechanical property, chemical resistance, and decorative appearance.
However, if the film rheology is not balanced enough during the melting and curing phase, orange peel or crater may be seen.
Levelling Agent HL988 can be laboratory screened in the range of approximately 0.8–1.2%.
Low-level surface leveling may be insufficient.
If it is at a higher level than necessary, other surface properties or intercoat behavior should be checked separately.
In hybrid formulation, the pigment and filler level also affect the need for HL988.
Melt viscosity may increase in systems with high TiO₂ or BaSO₄.
In this case, flow agent performance may become more critical.
If the extrusion temperature is not high enough, HL988 may not disperse well into the resin phase.
Excessive extrusion temperature can pose a risk of premature reaction or resin degradation.
Therefore, additive dispersion and extrusion process should be optimized together.
USE OF LEVELLING AGENT HL988 IN POLYESTER TGIC, HAA AND POLYURETHANE POWDER COATINGS
Pure polyester powder coatings are used in many systems that require outdoor resistance.
TGIC and HAA are two common crosslinking approaches used in curing polyester resins.
The HL988 is defined as a general-purpose leveling agent that can be used in both TGIC and HAA systems.
This is an important advantage because it allows the same flow agent family to be evaluated in different curing chemistries.
In a polyester/TGIC system, the balance between film flow, curing onset and pigment loading determines the surface appearance.
The HL988 supports leveling during the melt stage.
A similar principle applies to the polyester/HAA system.
Since HAA systems may have different reaction characteristics such as water formation during curing, pinhole and degassing behavior should be evaluated separately.
The Levelling Agent HL988 is not designed to solve the pinhole problem as a degassing additive on its own.
If necessary, benzoin or other degassing approach should be used separately.
Polyurethane powder coatings are also among the systems where HL988 is recommended.
The curing temperature, blocked isocyanate chemistry and flow window of PU systems can be different.
Therefore, even if the HL988 level is the same, the optimum furnace condition must be determined on a system-by-system basis.
IS THE LEVELLING AGENT HL988 USED IN FOOD, COSMETICS AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS?
Levelling Agent HL988 is an industrial powder coating additive.
It is not a direct food additive.
Cosmetics are not positioned as raw materials.
It is not a pharmaceutical active ingredient or standard pharmaceutical excipient.
Poly(butyl acrylate) chemistry can be used in some different products and regulatory systems.
However, this does not mean that the HL988 commercial powder coating grade is suitable for food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical application.
If food-contact coating is targeted, only the generic polymer CAS number is not sufficient.
The exact composition, carrier, impurities and regulatory declaration information of HL988 should be obtained from the manufacturer.
All resins, curing agents, pigments and additives in the final coating system must comply with the target legislation.
For this reason, up-to-date regulatory documentation should be requested before using HL988 in any sensitive contact application.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF LEVELLING AGENT HL988
The industrial function of the Levelling Agent HL988 is to control the surface flow during powder coating film formation.
In industrial applications, the following functions may come to the fore:
General-purpose powder coating levelling
Anti-crater performance
Fish-eye control
Orange peel reduction
Substrate wetting development
Gloss enhancement
Surface smoothness enhancement
Epoxy powder coating production
Hybrid powder coating production
Polyester/TGIC powder coating production
Polyester/HAA powder coating production
Polyurethane powder coating production
Pigmented powder coatings
Decorative smooth finish systems
High-gloss powder coating systems
HL988 is usually added to the formulation at a level of approximately 0.8–1.2% of the total batch weight.
This range of use should not be confused directly with phr.
Manufacturer recommendation is given based on total formulation weight.
For example, the use of 1% HL988 in a 100 kg total powder coating formulation means approximately 1 kg of HL988.
It can be dry mixed with other raw materials in the additive premix stage.
It is then dispersed into the resin phase in a twin-screw or suitable powder coating extruder.
The extrudate is cooled.
It is turned into a chip.
It is ground.
The appropriate mesh or particle size is sifted into distribution.
The final powder coating is applied electrostatically.
The performance of the Levelling Agent HL988 is not only related to the amount of addition, but also to the quality of the extruder dispersion.
Poor dispersion can cause local additive concentration differences and surface inconsistency.
The following parameters should be evaluated when using HL988 in industrial systems:
Exact grade
Manufacturer
Dosage
Resin chemistry
Curing agent type
Pigment loading
Filler loading
Benzoin level
Other surface additives
Extrusion temperature
Extruder torque
Extrusion residence time
Particle size
Powder storage stability
Come time
Melt viscosity
Curing temperature
Curing time
Film thickness
Gloss
Orange peel
Crater count
Fish-eye
Pinhole
Adhesion
Intercoat adhesion
Impact resistance
Flexibility
Outdoor durability if weathering is required
TDS
SDS
COA
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN THE LEVELLING AGENT HL988 SOLVE?
Orange peel appearance on powder coating surface
Levelling Agent HL988 can help the melt film flow more smoothly, promoting the reduction of surface texture.
Crater formation in the coating
Controlling surface tension differences can help reduce the risk of craters.
Fish-eye defects
The Levelling Agent HL988 can improve surface wetting and flow behavior, reducing the appearance of fish-eye.
Low gloss
A more uniform film surface can contribute to increased gloss by allowing light to reflect more regularly.
Poor wetting of the substrate
Improving surface flow can enhance film-substrate contact.
Poor flow due to high pigment or fillers
The Levelling Agent HL988 can support flow in these systems, but if resin or filler package is the main cause of very high melt viscosity, simply increasing the flow agent may not be enough.
Too fast start of the cure
Levelling Agent HL988 supports leveling, but if the curing window is too short, resin reactivity or catalyst level should be optimized separately.
Pinhole formation
Levelling Agent HL988 can reduce some surface defects, but in the actual outgassing induced pinhole problem, benzoin or the appropriate degassing strategy may be required.
Intercoat adhesion problem
In this case, increasing the level of Levelling Agent HL988 is not the right solution.
Excessive surface additive level should be re-evaluated as it can affect the adhesion between different coating coats.
Not every surface problem can be solved with the HL988.
Substrate contamination, oil, silicone, compressed-air contamination, poor pretreatment, moisture and oven profile should be checked separately.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING THE LEVELLING AGENT HL988
Exact HL988 grade must be verified.
Manufacturer information should be checked.
The chemical family must be verified.
Silica carrier information should be checked.
The recommended range of 0.8–1.2% should be used as a starting point.
Laboratory screening should be performed on every new resin system.
Dosage should be calculated over the total formulation weight.
Premix homogeneity should be ensured.
Extrusion dispersion should be checked.
Very low extrusion temperature should be avoided.
Excessive extrusion temperature that will cause premature curing should be avoided.
Compatibility should be tested when used with other flow agents.
The combination with silicone-based surface additives should be evaluated separately.
It should be noted that it does not have the same function as benzoin.
Gloss should be measured.
Orange peel should be evaluated visually or device-based.
The number of craters and fish-eyes should be followed.
Film adhesion should be tested.
If intercoat adhesion is required, it should be measured separately.
The cure condition should be kept constant.
Film thickness should be kept constant.
TDS should be examined.
SDS should be examined.
The COA should be checked.
When switching to a new supplier, not only the product name should be compared.
Since the active polymer content and carrier ratio may be different, it should not be assumed that the same result will be obtained with the same usage percentage.
INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR LEVELLING AGENT HL988
The following examples are laboratory initial approaches to show how HL988 can be evaluated in different thermosetting powder coating systems.
These are not validated commercial recipes or final formulations to be transferred directly to mass production.
All percentages are a percentage by weight of the final mixture, and the sum of each sample is 100%.
HL988 is based on a usage range of approximately 0.8–1.2% specified in manufacturer sources.
EXAMPLE 1: HL988 EPOXY / POLYESTER HYBRID POWDER COATING SCAN
Objective: To evaluate the effect of HL988 on gloss, orange peel and crater performance in hybrid powder coating system.
Starting components:
Carboxyl polyester resin: 29.0%
Epoxy resin: 29.0%
Titanium dioxide: 24.0%
Barium sulfate: 16.4%
Levelling Agent HL988: 1.0%
Benzoin: 0.3%
Pigment/tint: 0.3%
Total: 100%
Application approach:
All raw materials are mixed with the same premix time.
The extrusion temperature is kept in accordance with the resin system.
The extrudate is cooled and ground into the same particle size distribution.
In the control sample, the HL988 level can be prepared as 0.8%, for example.
1.0% can be used in the second sample.
In the third sample, 1.2% can be used.
The ratio of other components in each sample is maintained at a total of 100% with minor resin correction.
A panel is prepared with the same film thickness.
The same curing condition is applied.
60° gloss is measured.
Orange peel is compared.
Crater and fish-eye count.
Cross-cut adhesion is checked.
The most balanced level is taken to advanced stability and mechanical tests.
EXAMPLE 2: HL988 POLYESTER/TGIC OUTDOOR POWDER COATING SCREENING
Objective: To evaluate the effect of using Levelling Agent HL988 on surface flow, gloss and film smoothness in polyester/TGIC system.
Starting components:
Carboxyl polyester resin: 61.0%
TGIC: 4.5%
Titanium dioxide: 22.0%
Barium sulfate: 11.0%
Levelling Agent HL988: 1.0%
Benzoin: 0.3%
Pigment/tint: 0.2%
Total: 100%
Application approach:
Polyester/TGIC stoichiometry is also verified in actual production according to the resin acid value used.
Levelling Agent HL988 is homogeneously distributed with all solid raw materials in the premix stage.
Extrusion is applied.
The Extrudate is standardized.
The powder is prepared with the same sieve and particle size condition.
The coating is applied to the steel or aluminum test panel.
The film thickness is kept constant.
The cure schedule recommended by the manufacturer for the resin system is applied.
Gloss is measured.
Surface smoothness is evaluated.
Crater and pinhole are controlled.
Impact and flexibility are tested.
Outdoor system accelerated weathering is also planned.
EXAMPLE 3: HL988 POLYESTER/HAA POWDER COATING SCAN
Objective: To evaluate the leveling performance of HL988 in HAA-cured polyester system and its behavior in combination with degassing package.
Starting components:
HAA-curable polyester resin: 62.0%
HAA curing agent: 3.5%
Titanium dioxide: 21.5%
Barium sulfate: 11.5%
Levelling Agent HL988: 1.0%
Benzoin: 0.3%
Pigment/tint: 0.2%
Total: 100%
Application approach:
The ratio of polyester and HAA is verified in production according to the actual resin equivalent information.
Levelling Agent HL988 is distributed homogeneously to the whole batch.
Extrusion parameters are kept constant.
Powder particle size is standardized.
The control sample can be prepared without HL988 or at a low level.
0.8% / 1.0% / 1.2% can be scanned.
The same cure schedule is applied.
Orange peel is evaluated.
Gloss is measured.
Pinhole and crater are recorded separately.
Degassing-induced defects need to be distinguished from leveling defects.
If necessary, the benzoin level is optimized in the separate DOE study.
ALTERNATIVES AND COMPARISON OF THE LEVELLING AGENT HL988
When choosing a Levelling Agent HL988 alternative, the definition of "polyacrylate leveling agent" alone is not sufficient.
Carrier system, active polymer ratio, usage level, surface tension effect, clarity, outdoor durability and intercoat adhesion should be evaluated together.
LEVELLING AGENT HL988 AND HL788
HL788 is another grade in the powder coating leveling agent family from the same manufacturer.
Commercial sources indicate a usage level of approximately 1.2–1.6% for the HL788.
It is stated that HL788 is positioned as a silicone-free structure and aims for minimal impact on coating adhesion.
The HL988 is positioned with a lower usage range of approximately 0.8–1.2%.
For this reason, the two products should not be substituted one-to-one on a gram basis.
In the same resin system, gloss, orange peel, intercoat adhesion and crater performance should be compared.
LEVELLING AGENT HL988 AND HL505
HL505 is also one of Huangshan Huahui Technology's silica carrier polyacrylate leveling agent products.
Open commercial technical resources for the HL505 indicate a usage level of approximately 2–3%.
HL505 can be considered as a cost-oriented and higher dosage flow agent option.
The HL988 targets similar surface control function with a lower utilization rate.
Since the active polymer/carrier ratio may be different, comparisons should not be made only on the kg price.
Asset cost per formula and actual film performance should be considered together.
LEVELLING AGENT HL988 AND RESIFLOW PV88
Resiflow PV88 is a white free-flowing flow and leveling agent developed by Worlée for powder coatings.
In the white paper, it is recommended to use it at the level of approximately 0.5–1.5% of the total formulation.
It helps reduce craters, pinholes, and fisheyes defects.
It can be used in acrylic, epoxy, polyester, hybrid and polyurethane powder coating systems.
This application profile intersects significantly with the HL988.
The Resiflow PV88 white paper specifies a minimum of 95% non-volatile content.
Exact active/non-volatile information for HL988 must be verified in the supplier document.
The two products can be considered as similar functions, but it should not be assumed that they are exactly equivalent.
LEVELLING AGENT HL988 AND BYK-361 N
BYK-361 N is a polyacrylate-based surface additive.
It improves leveling and helps prevent crater formation.
It can also be used in powder coating applications.
However, BYK-361 N does not have to be in the same form as HL988 in terms of physical presentation and usage approach.
BYK-361 N can be evaluated as solvent-free liquid polyacrylate in different systems or as a resin masterbatch approach for powder coating.
The Levelling Agent HL988 is more suitable for the direct dry blend process as a silica-carried powder additive.
Therefore, the two products can be alternative in terms of technical function, but the process form and dosage are not the same.
QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA FOR LEVELLING AGENT HL988
The exact commercial product ID must be verified when purchasing the HL988.
Recommended information to review before purchasing:
Full product name
Manufacturer
HL988 exact grade
Chemical family
Polyacrylate information
Silica carrier information
CAS information
Active polymer ratio
Non-volatile content
Volatile content
Outlook
Color
Bulk density
Particle size
Fluidity
Humidity
Storage stability
Recommended usage rate
Epoxy compatibility
Hybrid compatibility
TGIC polyester compatibility
HAA polyester compatibility
Polyurethane compatibility
Gloss performance
Crater performance
Fish-eye performance
Orange peel performance
Intercoat adhesion
Weathering information if outdoor suitability is required
Packaging
Net weight
Shelf life
Production date
Batch number
Origin
TDS
SDS
COA
Basic chemistry alone is not enough to validate the commercial performance of the Levelling Agent HL988.
When a new lot or new supplier arrives, it is useful to perform application testing on the standard reference powder coating formulation.
60° gloss and surface appearance can be used for quick lot comparison.
In addition, gel time and cure response should be checked.
A change in the carrier or active polymer ratio can have an impact on powder flow and surface appearance.
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF LEVELLING AGENT HL988
Levelling Agent HL988 is a dry powder product.
It should be stored protected from moisture.
Once the packaging is opened, it must be tightly closed again.
Direct water contact should be avoided.
Extremely hot storage conditions should be avoided.
It should not be left in direct sunlight for a long time.
Preference should be given to a clean and dry area where powder coating raw materials are stored.
Cross-contamination with other pigments, resins or additives should be avoided.
The FIFO system can be used.
Party follow-up should be done.
Commercial shelf life should be verified from the manufacturer's current TDS/SDS document.
The packaging type and net weight should be confirmed with the supplier.
The transport classification and any special transport requirements must be checked on the current SDS.
LEVELLING AGENT HL988 SAFETY INFORMATION
Levelling Agent HL988 is an industrial coating additive used in powder form.
Unnecessary dust generation should be avoided in normal handling.
Local aeration can be useful during the bag emptying and premix phase.
Intense dust contact with the eyes should be avoided.
Appropriate work gloves and eye protection should be used.
Dust inhalation should be reduced as much as possible.
Safety during the extrusion phase should not be assessed solely on the HL988.
Polyester, epoxy, TGIC/HAA, pigment and other additives have their own SDS requirements.
The risk of combustible dust in powder coating production should be evaluated separately in terms of facility design.
The exact GHS/CLP classification and personal protective equipment requirements must be obtained from the current HL988 SDS document.
Poly(butyl acrylate) SDSs from other manufacturers for CAS 9003-49-0 should not be used in place of the current SDS document of HL988.
The exact composition and hazard classification of the commercial formulation containing Silica carrier may be different.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A LEVELLING AGENT HL988?
In the supply of Levelling Agent HL988, the target powder coating system should be determined first.
The needs of pure epoxy, hybrid, TGIC polyester, HAA polyester, or polyurethane systems may not be the same.
The exact grade name "Levelling Agent HL988" must be specified in the order.
The following information should be clarified before purchasing:
Use sector
The ultimate powder coating system
Resin type
Curing agent type
Target gloss
Target surface smoothness
Crater problem
Fish-eye problem
Orange peel problem
Pigment loading
Filler loading
Current flow agent
Current usage rate
HL988 target utilization rate
Active content
Carrier type
Color
Powder form
Packaging
Estimated order quantity
Manufacturer
Origin
The need for TDS
The need for SDS
The need for COA
Relevant documents if regulatory documentation is required
The price of Levelling Agent HL988 should not be evaluated only on the kilogram price.
Since the recommended usage rate is approximately 0.8–1.2%, the actual formula cost should be calculated in comparison with higher dosage alternatives.
Likewise, if the lower-priced product requires more dosages, the economic advantage may decrease.
Even if the alternative flow agent is in the same chemical family, the gloss, crater and intercoat adhesion behavior may be different.
Therefore, pilot extrusion and panel testing should be done when changing suppliers.
LEVELLING AGENT HL988 SUPPLY FROM ATAMAN KIMYA
Levelling Agent HL988; It is a silica-carried polyacrylate leveling agent used to improve film flow and surface leveling in epoxy, epoxy/polyester hybrid, polyester/TGIC, polyester/HAA, polyurethane and other powder coating systems.
Companies that want to get information about the supply of Levelling Agent HL988 from Ataman Kimya can request information about product suitability, current supply conditions, packaging options and price offer by sharing their usage areas and target technical specifications.
The current stock status, manufacturer, origin, exact grade name, active ingredient/carrier information, packaging and technical specifications of the product should be confirmed from Ataman Kimya before ordering.
Sharing the following information in the request for quotation makes it easier to evaluate the right HL988 product:
Powder coating system
Resin type
Curing agent type
Target gloss
Target surface smoothness
Crater / fish-eye problem
Orange peel level
Pigment and filler level
Current leveling agent
Available dosage
Target HL988 dosage
Estimated order quantity
Type of packaging requested
Requested TDS, SDS and COA documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LEVELLING AGENT HL988
What is Levelling Agent HL988?
Levelling Agent HL988 is a silica carrier polyacrylate-based powder coating leveling agent offered by Huangshan Huahui Technology.
What does Levelling Agent HL988 do?
Powder coating helps regulate film flow, improve surface leveling, and reduce crater and fish-eye defects.
What chemical family does Levelling Agent HL988 belong to?
It is a polyacrylate-based surface additive.
Does Levelling Agent HL988 contain silica?
It is defined as polyacrylate with silica carrier in product sources.
What is the CAS number of the Levelling Agent HL988?
Some commercial sources associate the polyacrylate phase with Poly(butyl acrylate), CAS 9003-49-0. Since HL988 is all silica carrier commercial formulation, exact SDS should be taken as a basis.
What is the molecular formula of Levelling Agent HL988?
The poly(butyl acrylate) repeat unit can be represented as (C₇H₁₂O₂)n; however, the HL988 commercial mixture does not have a single molecular formula.
What is the molecular weight of the Levelling Agent HL988?
It is not defined by a single molecular weight because it is a polymer and contains a silica carrier.
What form is the Levelling Agent HL988 in?
It is offered in powder form suitable for the powder coating process.
Who is the manufacturer of Levelling Agent HL988?
It is a product of Huangshan Huahui Technology Co., Ltd.
How much is Levelling Agent HL988 used?
Manufacturer sources recommend about 0.8–1.2% of the total formulation weight.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 used in epoxy powder coating?
It can be used in pure epoxy powder coating systems.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 used in hybrid powder coating?
Epoxy/polyester hybrid systems are one of the main areas of use.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 used in TGIC polyester system?
Recommended for polyester/TGIC powder coatings.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 HAA used in polyester system?
It can be used in polyester/HAA systems.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 used in polyurethane powder coating?
It can be used in polyurethane thermosetting powder coating systems.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 used in thermoplastic powder coating?
Some commercial sources indicate use for thermoplastic and thermosetting powder coatings; application testing should be performed on the exact system.
Does Levelling Agent HL988 reduce crater problem?
One of its main functions is to help reduce crater formation.
Does Levelling Agent HL988 reduce fish-eye problem?
Through surface tension and wetting control, it can help reduce fish-eye defect.
Does Levelling Agent HL988 reduce orange peel?
It can reduce the appearance of orange peel by improving film flow-out.
Does Levelling Agent HL988 increase gloss?
It can support the increase of gloss through smoother surface formation.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 a wetting agent?
The main product grade is leveling agent; it can also improve the substrate wettability. It is not quite the same function as special wetting agent.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 a substitute for benzoin?
Benzoin is mostly used for degassing; HL988 is a flow and leveling additive.
Can Levelling Agent HL988 be used with benzoin?
In powder coating formulations, the two additives can be used with different functions.
Does the Levelling Agent HL988 contain silicone?
The open source product designation specifies it as polyacrylate with silica carrier. If an exact silicone-free declaration is required, the manufacturer's current technical/regulatory document should be verified.
What is the active content value of the Levelling Agent HL988?
Reliable exact value is not visible in open sources; it should be taken from the current TDS or COA.
How to add Levelling Agent HL988 to the formulation?
It is usually mixed with other powder coating raw materials in the premix stage and dispersed into the resin phase during extrusion.
Can the Levelling Agent HL988 be added directly to the final paint?
The most appropriate approach in powder coating production is generally homogeneous distribution with premix and extrusion.
What happens if Levelling Agent HL988 is used in high doses?
Excessive surface additive film appearance may adversely affect adhesion or recoat behavior; the optimum level should be tested.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 food grade?
Food is not additive. The specific regulatory compliance for the food-contact application must also be verified.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 used in cosmetics?
Cosmetics are not positioned as raw materials.
Is the Levelling Agent HL988 used in the pharmaceutical industry?
It is not a pharmaceutical active or standard excipient.
What documents should be required for the Levelling Agent HL988?
TDS, SDS and COA of the party are the basic documents.
What is the Levelling Agent HL988 alternative?
HL788, HL505, Resiflow PV88 and different polyacrylate leveling agents can be considered as technical alternatives.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 the same as HL505?
They belong to the similarly functional leveling agent family from the same manufacturer, but their recommended usage rates and formulations are different.
Is Levelling Agent HL988 the same as Resiflow PV88?
They have similar functions and applications, but commercial products should not be considered exactly the same.
How should the Levelling Agent HL988 be stored?
It should be stored in dry, clean, closed packaging, protected from moisture and extreme temperature. Exact conditions should be verified from SDS/TDS.
LEVELLING AGENT HL988 – TECHNICAL BRIEF
Levelling Agent HL988 is a silica-carried polyacrylate-based flow and leveling additive offered by Huangshan Huahui Technology for powder coating systems.
The product can be used in epoxy, epoxy/polyester hybrid, polyester/TGIC, polyester/HAA, polyurethane and other thermosetting powder coating systems.
The main function of HL988 is to improve film flow-out and create a more uniform coating surface by reducing surface tension differences in the early melt stage of the cure.
This effect can help reduce crater, fish-eye and orange peel imperfections, improve substrate wetting and increase gloss.
The recommended general use level in manufacturer and technical product sources is approximately 0.8–1.2% of the total formulation weight.
Levelling Agent HL988 is not a single pure chemical. It is presented on a polyacrylate-based organic active phase silica carrier.
Some commercial sources associate the polyacrylate moiety with Poly(butyl acrylate), CAS 9003-49-0.
Poly(butyl acrylate) can be represented as the general repeat unit (C₇H₁₂O₂)n; however, the commercial product HL988 does not have a single molecular formula or molecular weight.
Levelling Agent HL988 can be mixed with other powder coating raw materials in the premix stage and dispersed into the resin matrix during extrusion.
The optimal dosage depends on resin chemistry, curing agent, pigment/filler loading, extrusion conditions, cure schedule and other surface additives.
For this reason, it is recommended to perform laboratory screening in the range of 0.8-1.2% and to evaluate gloss, orange peel, crater, fish-eye, adhesion and mechanical properties together.
Alternatively, HL788, HL505, Resiflow PV88 and different polyacrylate surface additives can be evaluated; however, one-to-one weight substitution should not be made as the usage rates and active/carrier systems are different.
When purchasing Levelling Agent HL988, exact grade, manufacturer, active content, silica carrier, TDS, SDS, COA, recommended dosage and actual powder coating application performance should be verified together.
Companies planning to supply Levelling Agent HL988 from Ataman Kimya are recommended to confirm the current product and offer conditions by sharing the resin system, curing chemistry, target gloss, surface defect type, current flow agent and requested technical documents.
