Nanobyk Alumina Additives Improve Scratch and Wear Resistance of UV Coatings

On the occasion of the Asia Pacific Coatings Show held in Bangkok from June 3 - 4, 2004 BYK-Chemie introduced the first two products based on Nanotechnology to the market.

The products named NANOBYK-3600 and NANOBYK-3601 have been developed to improve the scratch and wear resistance of (UV) coatings. NANOBYK-3600 is a water-based dispersion of nano-Alumina particles. At levels of 0.5% to 5% being applied to water-based (UV) coatings NANOBYK-3600 improves significantly the scratch resistance of those coatings. NANOBYK-3601 is a dispersion of nano-Alumina in Tripropylene Glycol Diacrylate (TPGDA) developed for 100% UV curable coatings. Again by adding 0.5% to 5% to the coating formulation mechanical properties of the coatings are improved significantly.

These products have been developed jointly by BYK-Chemie and Nanophase Technology Corporation (NTC). Following the equity investment of ALTANA Chemie end of March 2004 this is the first product launch based on the worldwide strategic alliance of the two companies. "We are pleased to announce the availability of the first nanotechnology products based on the knowledge and the capabilities of BYK-Chemie and NTC. Since there is more and more interest being shown in these products by different customers all over the world we see this very early product launch as a proof for the value of the partnership for both our customers and the two companies involved." stated Dr. Roland Peter, Managing Director of BYK-Chemie, Wesel.

BYK-Chemie and Nanophase Technology Corporation expect further products to be introduced throughout 2004 covering other application properties that can be achieved using nanotechnology.

Posted June 28^th, 2004