Evonik won the 2023 Ringier Technology Innovation Award – Coating Industry for its additive TEGO Airex 923. Designed specifically for UV-curable coatings, the new deaerator is a highly efficient and compatible, 100% active matter content organic polymer. The award was presented at the Ringier Coating Summit 2023 in Shanghai at the end of May.

“This award demonstrates our commitment to developing products with both outstanding performance and sustainability features. It’s our priority to meet current and future demands for a sustainable coatings industry with our expanded additive solutions,” said Benjamin Schaeffner, vice president of Evonik Coating Additives in Asia.”

TEGO Airex 923 breaks down foam quickly and efficiently, preventing air inclusions and pinholes to form. It can achieve an excellent balance between deaeration efficiency and compatibility, making TEGO Airex 923 ideal for use in various UV-curable coating systems and application methods. 

In addition to these excellent properties, TEGO Airex 923 provides a universal, high performance and environmentally friendly deaeration solution for a wide range of applications especially for wood and furniture coatings. The deaerator also exhibits good flow behavior, making it very easy to handle.

“The use of UV-curable coatings is growing rapidly due to their environmental benefits. They cure quickly, save energy and operational costs, and, most importantly, do not release harmful chemicals. But there are also challenges: foaming, for example, is one of the problems due to the fast curing speed and high solids content. TEGO Airex 923, a new addition to Evonik’s product portfolio, can overcome such technical challenges,” said Katina Kiep, head of global market segment Decorative Coatings at Evonik Coating Additives.