BYK portfolio extended by a more environmentally friendly, alkali-resistant wetting and dispersing additive for aqueous systems

Wesel, July 14, 2026 – With DISPERBYK-2180, BYK has introduced a new wetting and dispersing additive for inorganic pigments and fillers in aqueous systems. The polycarboxylate-ether-based additive is designed for applications requiring a high degree of stability across a wide pH range.

The polycarboxylate-ether-based structure of DISPERBYK-2180 opens up further formulation opportunities and meets the growing importance of ecological demands. Due to its tolerance of extreme pH values, the additive is ideal for use in biocide and VOC-free architectural coatings - such as (dispersion) silicate paints.

Its molecular structure with a high concentration of ionic adhesive groups allows DISPERBYK-2180 to be particularly effective in deflocculating and stabilizing of all kinds of inorganic particles such as titanium dioxide, transparent iron oxides and fillers.

The additive also ensures a distinct reduction in mill base viscosity, thereby permitting high pigment dosages and, at the same time, good processability. Fine particle sizes and a uniform distribution of particles are achieved resulting in a extremely positive effect on color and transparency.

DISPERBYK-2180 is suitable for a wide range of applications, including architectural coatings, wood and furniture coatings, industrial coatings, and automotive OEM and refinish coatings. Besides these, the additive is also deployed in marine coatings, in corrosion protection, and in printing inks and inkjet inks.

The underlying polycarboxylate-ether structure thus extends the available spectrum of potential solutions for the dispersion of inorganic pigments and fillers.