COLUMBIA, Md., June 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA), a global leader in specialty silicas, today announced the introduction of two new premium matting agents especially designed for eco-friendly systems in water-based wood coatings: SYLOID® AQ 800 silica and SYLOID® AQ 880 silica. Specifically developed to ensure an extremely low-gloss finish, these new patent-pending specialty silicas put an end to the typical water spots and stains that have plagued wood coatings manufacturers.
SYLOID® AQ 800 and SYLOID® AQ 880 silicas have been designed to offer superior matting properties with outstanding chemical resistance and clarity. Uniquely, the two silicas can be used alone or blended to achieve desired appearance and performance attributes. SYLOID® AQ silica series’ proof-of-concept and extensive in-market beta tests have demonstrated vast performance improvements and formulation advantages over alternative matting agents.
In addition to its performance and blending advantages, the SYLOID® AQ silica series is simple to use, thanks to its low dusting properties and easier dispersibility, which translates to shorter cycle times and potential cost savings.
As consumer preferences and stricter environmental regulations continue to encourage the coatings industry to move away from solvent-based systems, Grace has pioneered silica technologies that provide exceptional performance in both UV and water-based coatings. In wood furniture, cabinetry, and flooring specifically, where clarity and chemical-, scratch-, and burnishing-resistance are critical to the finish, the SYLOID® AQ silica series optimizes both aesthetics and performance.
Commenting on the new technology, Sandra Wisniewski, President, Grace Materials Technologies said, “This is another example of Grace anticipating customer needs in a rapidly-evolving market where product performance is critical. With demand for water-based wood coatings expected to grow more than 6 percent per year through 2025i—our insights, technical expertise, and proactive approach position Grace ideally to support our customers in their innovation efforts. Together, we are developing robust premium coatings that meet stricter regulations, excite formulators, and stand up to even the toughest scrutiny by customers.”
About Grace
Built on talent, technology, and trust, Grace is a leading global specialty chemical company. The company’s two industry-leading business segments—Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies—provide innovative products, technologies, and services that enhance the products and processes of our customers around the world. With approximately 4,000 employees, Grace operates and/or sells to customers in over 60 countries. More information about Grace is available at grace.com.
i Wood Coatings Market by Resin Type (Polyurethane, Nitrocellulose, Acrylic, Unsaturated Polyester, and Others), Technology (Waterborne, Conventional Solid Solvent Borne, High Solid Solvent Borne, Powder Coating, Radiation Cured, and Others) and End Use (Furniture, Joinery, Flooring, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2025, Allied Market Research, May 2019.
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