Air Products has won the 2012 Ringier Coatings Technology Innovation Award for its new Airase 8070 deaerator, a high performance, siloxane polyether-based deaerator for controlling microfoam and pinholes in waterborne coatings, especially those applied with high-speed techniques such as airless or air-assisted spray. It’s the second consecutive year for Air Products to receive the awards.

Unlike most conventional defoamers which are active only at the coating of the surface, Airase 8070 deaerator is effective in eliminating microfoam, a major problem faced by low-VOC waterborne formulators, and reducing pinholes and craters in coating film to improve gloss, depth of image among other aesthetical properties said the company. With strong compatibility, the zero-VOC deaerator is ideal for coating formulators seeking minimum surface defects, durability and high performance and is recommended for water-based applications such as wood furniture coatings, joinery and industrial coatings applied onto metal, plastic.

Launched in 2006, the Ringier Technology Innovation Awards recognize those who have made the most significant contributions for the advancement of industry through technical innovation, increasing productivity, boosting economic efficiency and creating market opportunities. The awards for the coatings industry were set up in 2011. To qualify for the awards, products must be relevant to China and in the forefront of the international coatings industry, and be judged to have helped take China’s coatings industry to new levels.