FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)1. Who is Ultra Additives, Inc.?2. What products does Ultra Additives sell?3. What markets are Ultra Additives products used in?4. Where is Ultra Additives, Inc., located?5. How do I contact Ultra Additives, Inc.?6. Is Ultra Additives, Inc. an ISO registered company?7. Who is Münzing Chemie GmbH?8. How do I contact Münzing Chemie GmbH?9. What does Münzing Chemie’s future hold?10. What is foam?11. What is the difference between a defoamer and an antifoam agent?12. Why and when do I need to use a defoamer?13. What types of defoamers does Ultra Additives have in its product line?14. What are the benefits of Ultra Additives’ defoamers?15. How do I know which type of defoamer to select?16. What problems can the wrong defoamer cause?17. When do I inoculate a defoamer into a formulation?18. How do I properly incorporate a defoamer?19. How do you test for defoamer stability in a formulation?20. How do you test for the propensity of a defoamer to rupture foam in a system?21. Are Ultra Additives' defoamers rinsable?22. What are the applicat ions for Ultra Additives’ powder defoamers?23. What is ZINPLEX 15®?24. What properties does ZINPLEX 15® enhance?25. What are the formulation guidelines for using ZINPLEX 15®?26. What is a polyurethane rheology modifier?27. Why should I use polyurethane rheology modifiers?28. How do I select the proper thickener for my formulation?29. How do I test for a thickener’s effectiveness?30. What are the benefits of Ultra Additives’ Polyurethane Rheology Modifiers (TAFIGEL® PUR)?31. What are the applications for Ultra Additives’ Polymeric Dispersants (EDAPLAN®)?32. What are the advantages of Ultra Additives’ EDAPLAN® Polymeric Dispersants?33. What are the applications for Ultra Additives’ Anti-Shrinkage Agents and Coalescents34. What are the benefits of Ultra Additives’ METOLAT® P Anti-shrinkage Agents and Coalescents?35. How do I find out about the FDA status of a particular Ultra Additivesproduct?36. Whom do I contact at Ultra Additives if I would like to have technical service work performed on my formulation?37. If I am using a particular polymer, can Ultra Additives, Inc., recommend applicable defoamers to help complete my formulation?Who is Ultra Additives, Inc.?Drawing on knowledge and experience developed over 50 years, Ultra Additives, Inc., has matured into one of today’s most progressive developers and manufacturers of antifoam/defoaming agents. Ultra Additives markets its products under the trade names DEE FO®, FOAM BAN™, FOAMTEX®, FOAMTROL, and JETBURST®.In May 2000, Ultra Additives, Inc., was acquired by the German-based company Münzing Chemie GmbH. This historic pairing of two leaders in the performance chemicals industry has created a new and unrivaled force inhigh-quality, specialty additives. In addition, the partnership brings the following benefits to our customers:• A stronger global presence to better serve your international needs• The power of our comb ined resources, product lines, knowledge, and expertise• Superior technology development, for ongoing innovations in products and applications• The ability to customize products for your process requirements• A continuing dedication to protecting and preserving the environmentBack to QuestionsWhat products does Ultra Additives sell?• Defoamers• Polyurethane Rheology Modifiers• Pigment Dispersants• Surface, Wetting, and Leveling Agents• Crosslinking AgentsBack to QuestionsWhat markets are Ultra Additives products used in?• Metalworking Lubricants• Printing Inks• Paints and Coatings• Adhesives• Spray Booths• Textiles• Cleaners• Water/Waste Treatment• Pulp and Paper• Building Products• Leather Production• Detergents• Food ProcessingBack to QuestionsWhere is Ultra Additives, Inc., located?Ultra Additives has two U.S. facilities, corporate headquarters, located in Bloomfield, NJ, and a primary manufacturing facility, located in Clover, SC. Ultra Additives’ corporate headquarters houses the R&D and Technical Service Departments, International and Domestic sales and marketing personnel, Customer Service, Accounting and various upper level administrative functions.Back to QuestionsHow do I contact Ultra Additives, Inc.?There are several ways to contact Ultra Additives.E-mailDomestic (United States and Canada): info@International (all other countries): export@TelephoneToll Free : (800) 524-0055Bloomfield, NJ: (973) 279-1306FaxBloomfield, NJ: (973) 338-0420Back to QuestionsIs Ultra Additives, Inc. an ISO registered company?Ultra Additives, Inc. currently has both ISO 9001 and 14001 registrations. Furthermore, the organization is currently in the process of transitioning to ISO 9001:2000. To learn more about Ultra Additives’ ISO programs, please feel free to contact Steve Mariconti, Environmental, Health, Safety and ISO Manager, at smariconti@Back to QuestionsWho is Münzing Chemie GmbH?Münzing Chemie GmbH was founded in 1830 as a manufacturer of sulfuric acid. Eventually, production was extended to soaps and candles, and later stearine acid was produced for use in leather processes. Nearly a century later, in the 1920s, production was completely reorganized and began to include sulfated oils for the leather industry and emulsifiers for the textile and paper industries.During World War II, production facilities were destroyed, but by 1947 new facilities were constructed in the industrial area of Heilbronn, Germany. It was at this time that the five business units of Münzing Chemie GmbH were created: additives for leather production, additives for the paper industry, additives for coatings, additives for wastewater treatment, and specialty products for the chemical industry.To meet the requirements of the global market and satisfy customer needs, a new center for research and development and technical assistance was constructed and opened in 1988. In May 2000, Münzing Chemie GmbH acquired a majority interest in Ultra Additives, Inc.Münzing Chemie GmbH is located at Salzstrasse 174, D-74076 Heilbronn, Germany.Back to QuestionsHow do I contact Münzing Chemie GmbH?Please go to their Web site: Back to QuestionsWhat does Münzing Chemie’s future hold?Münzing Chemie’s target is always to exceed its customers’ requirements. With state-of-the-art laboratories and production facilities, the company ensures successful research and the highest measures in productivity.Additionally, responsible care is the basis of Münzing Chemie’s business philosophy. For example, during the development of new products, careful attention to the environment is taken into consideration.Thanks to ongoing product innovations, Münzing Chemie GmbH consistently creates new chemical additives especially for the paint and ink industries, the leather industry, the paper industry, and wastewate r treatment plants. Münzing Chemie’s continuing dedication to quality, service, and reliability guarantees the most economical solutions for its customers.Back to QuestionsWhat is foam?Foam is simply a gas dispersed in a liquid.Back to QuestionsWhat is the difference between a defoamer and an antifoam agent? Defoamers are intended to control foam that already exists above the surface of a liquid, while antifoam agents are intended to prevent or minimize foam formation. Frequently, defoamers possess antifoaming properties, andvice-versa. Ultra Additives typically usesBack to QuestionsWhy and when do I need to use a defoamer?The presence of foam can cause problems in a vast array of products and processes. The use of a defoamer should be considered whenever such problems cannot be eliminated through engineering controls or process improvement.Back to QuestionsWhat types of defoamers does Ultra Additives have in its product line?• Mineral oil• Medical oil• Highly formulated polysiloxane glycol copolymers• Silicone compounds and emulsions• Oxalkylated compounds• Mineral oil/synthetic blends• Glycol/ester blendsBack to QuestionsWhat are the benefits of Ultra Additives’ defoamers?• Over 80 combined years experience• Market leading product range• Unsurpassed product compatibility• Excellent initial foam knock-down• Long-lasting defoaming persistence• Latest technology• Zero VOC grades, APEO free products• Products for any formulation type• Recommendations for hundreds of binder types available• Tested in real formulations• USDA, FDA, and Kosher approved productsBack to QuestionsHow do I know which type of defoamer to select?Proper defoamer selection for a formulation must strike the difficult-to-achieve balance between excellent product compatibility and both initial and long-term foam control. Since defoamers are system (formulation) specific, a thorough lab evaluation is always recommended prior to incorporation in a production environment. For a starting defoamer recommendation, please refer to the applicable defoamer matrix under the Products section of our Web site. Once you have identified several top defoamer candidates to evaluate, we suggest using Ultra Additives’ recomm ended industry-specific test methods.Back to QuestionsWhat problems can the wrong defoamer cause?The wrong defoamer can cause an array of problems, which vary depending primarily on the industry where the product is being used and the nature of the problem (i.e., compatibility or defoaming performance). For example, defoamer incompatibility in the printing ink market can cause “pinholes” or “fisheyes” while this same incompatibility in the metalw orking industry can cause “plating” or “painting” issues. Furthermore, many times defoamers offer great initial foam knockdown and little to no long-term defoaming persistence. In this case, the wrong defoamer will give you the problems typically associated with excess foam in your particular industry.Back to QuestionsWhen do I inoculate a defoamer into a formulation?Since defoamers are hydrophobic in nature, it is ideal to add them to the organic portion of your formulation prior to the addition of water. Although this is the optimum way to inoculate a defoamer, it should be noted that a defoamer does not necessarily need to be added in this manner to be used successfully.Back to QuestionsHow do I properly incorporate a defoamer?A defoamer should be added with adequate mixing directly to the vortex of the intended formulation. The vortex should not be excessive; however, it should be su fficient to “turn” the material over without incorporating excess air. In a lab environment, the defoamer should be mixed in for 5 minutes and then allowed to equilibrate for a minimum of 24 hours prior to performing any subsequent defoaming tests.Back to QuestionsHow do you test for defoamer stability in a formulation?In Metalworking:The complex mixture of chemicals found in our customers’ concentrates are given time to interact with an added defoamer over 7- and 14-day periods (at least) to indicate stability. A 5-point scale (1 best, 5 worst) is used to grade each of three compatibility areas: surface, bottom, and clarity. A perfect total score, usually given to the untreated concentrate, is “3” (a score of “1” for eachcompatibility area). This visual test of defoamer stability in a concentrate formulation is our test number UAI-137.In Coatings, Printing Ink, Adhesives, and Emulsion Polymers:The defoamer must be incompatible to some extent to impart initial and long-term defoaming without significantly altering the general appearance of the host product. The defoamer must remain dispersed well enough to maintain an acceptable appearance, which will translate to excellent transfer properti es when applied to a substrate. Our customers’ systems are allowed to age for at least a week at an elevated temperature following defoamer inoculation. Upon completion of the heat-aged storage, the surface of each sample is examined and assigned a compatibility rating — a numerical value in accordance with a 10-point scale (10 best, 1 worst).Back to QuestionsHow do you test for the propensity of a defoamer to rupture foam in a system?In Metalworking:We use many tests to evaluate the defoaming properties of defoamers in systems, but our first line of screening candidates is the Handshake Test (UAI-136). This is usually done after the 7- and 14-day UAI-137 test is performed. The appropriate dilution of treated concentrate is made and hand-shaken 40 times for 5 days. The data collected indicates initial defoaming and longer term persistence of each treated system.In Coatings, Printing Ink, Adhesives and Emulsion Polymers:Our primary goals are selecting the right test to better serve the customer by simulating field issues and predicting the long-term effectiveness of a defoamer by testing performance persistence first. Our core tests include the Osterizer High Shear (UAI-162), Lab Mixer High Shear (UAI-160), KAT (UAI-128A), Air Sparging (UAI-159), and Trade Sales (UAI-130). These procedures take into account all parameters of air incorporation from process shear through application.Back to QuestionsAre Ultra Additives’ defoamers rinsable?Yes, our FOAM BAN™ product line is rinsable from most metal substrates and machinery as long as it is utilized in compatible chemistries and at recommended treat rates. Prior testing shouldbe done to check specific application.Back to QuestionsWhat are the applications for Ultra Additives’ powder defoamers?• Putties• Leveling compounds• Screeds• Mortars• Joint fillers• Powder paints• Construction adhesives• Cement• GypsumBack to QuestionsWhat is ZINPLEX 15®?ZINPLEX 15® is a zero VOC, 15% zinc oxide solution that can be used to ionically crosslink aqueous carboxylated polymers. The crosslinking, or complexing, takes place as the coating dries at either room temperature or under forced dry or higher baking conditions.Back to QuestionsWhat properties does ZINPLEX 15® enhance?ZINPLEX 15® can be used to crosslink aqueous carboxylated polymers to impart and improve the following film properties:• Non-Blocking Characteristics• Heat and Chemical Resistance• Hardness• Water and Solvent Resistance• Detergent Resistance• Mar and Scuff Resistance• Adhesions• Corrosion Resis tance• Mildew ResistanceBack to QuestionsWhat are the formulation guidelines for using ZINPLEX 15®?ZINPLEX 15®can be added directly to the polymer system and will remain stable over long periods of time without any increase in viscosity or gelation. This coating solution should have a minimum pH of 8.5 to prevent any of the zinc from precipitating out of solution. Additionally, ZINPLEX 15® can be diluted to 50% with water prior to addition to the polymer system, for ease of incorporation. It should be added slowly to the vortex of the polymer system with good agitation.Back to QuestionsWhat is a polyurethane rheology modifier?Polyurethane rheology modifiers are Hydrophobically modified Ethoxylated URethane copolymers (HEURs). HEURs are associative thickeners for use in coatings, adhesives, inks and other waterborne systems, which thicken solely by associating with the hydrophobic portions of a system (pigment, binder/resin, etc.). These associations form a lattice network throughout the material, which increases the viscosity. In pseudoplastic and strongly pseudoplastic chemistries, as energy is introduced into the system through mixing, application, etc., this lattice structure is destroyed and viscosity is reduced. This thinning effect is directly proportional to the energy input, or shear, decreasing with increased shear and again increasing when shear is removed. Conversely, in Newtonian types, the viscosity remains constant as additional energy or shear is being added to the system. The intended end-use of a formulation will dictate which chemistry type to select.Back to QuestionsWhy should I use polyurethane rheology modifiers?Polyurethane rheology modifiers help formulators improve the overall performance of their systems. Rheology profiles from nearly Newtonian to highly pseudoplastic to shear thinning are easily achieved by the use of HEUR thickeners.In addition to the unique and specific rheology profiles achievable with urethane rheology modifiers, many properties can be improved by their use. Compared with other thickener chemistries, HEUR rheology modifiers impart superior flow and leveling, gloss, edge hiding, spatter resistance, atomization of spray, water resistance, and biological resistance. Also, through their associative nature, HEUR thickeners help “hold” the system together, reducing the potential for pigment settling and syneresis (the separation of water to the surface of the material).Back to QuestionsHow do I select the proper thickener for my formulation?Thickener selection is very formula-specific and dependent on many variables. These variables include (but are not limited to) the application, which will dictate the required rheology profile, desired performance characteristics, and price. Being purely associative in function, many factors can influence the performance of HEUR rheology modifiers — such as co-solvent and/or surfactant type and level, along with the binder/resin system with which the system is formulated. Even dispersants can play a role; HEUR products cannot be used with poly-acid-type dispersants.All of these components can affect the thickening efficiency of HEUR products, alter theachievable rheology profile, or in the most drastic case, render them inactive and incompatible. It is recommended that you contact Ultra Additives to determine the best rheology modifier for use in your system.Back to QuestionsHow do I test for a thickener’s effectiveness?Thickener testing can be deceptively complex. Modifying the thickener package in a system can affect many properties undetectable by the formulator. Because of this, the use of a rheometer is recommended. A quality rheometer can measure viscosity over an extended shear range and indicate performance characteristics, including product stability, flow and leveling, and application properties, to name a few.Testing on a rheometer can drastically reduce the overall time needed to determine the proper thickener package for a system, reduce the amount of application and physical testing needed, and predict potential product failures that are rheology-related. Since rheometers are quite costly and not justifiable in most laboratories, formulators should take full advantage of their thickener suppliers for technical service work.Back to QuestionsWhat are the benefits of Ultra Additives’ Polyurethane Rheology Modifiers (TAFIGEL® PUR)?• Broadest range of viscosity profiles• Ease of incorporation, easy handling• Solvent-free, zero VOC, tin free and APEO free grades available• Improves leveling, spatter resistance, atomization, edge hiding, and gloss• Enhances sag resistance, brush drag, aesthetics, and water resistanceBack to QuestionsWhat are the applications for Ultra Additives’ Polymeric Dispersants (EDAPLAN®)?• Preparation of pigment pastes• Unique wetting and dispersing agent for paint and lacquer production• Compatibility agent in tinting systemsBack to QuestionsWhat are the advantages of Ultra Additives’ EDAPLAN® Polymeric Dispersants?• Broad compatibility with binder types, especially in industrial paints and printing inks• Ex cellent with mixed pigments• Better water resistance properties• Lower dosage requirements• No foaming tendency• Higher gloss• List of recommendations based on pigment lab evaluationsBack to QuestionsWhat are the applications for Ultra Additives’ Anti-Shrinkage Agents and Coalescents (METOLAT® P)?• Self leveling mortars based on cement• Repair mortars• Powder paints based on redispersible powder polymers• Casein containing formulationsBack to QuestionsWhat are the benefits of Ultra Additives’ METOLAT® P Anti-shrinkage Agents and Coalescents?• Reduce shrinkage in self-leveling screeds, mortars, and paints• Act as a coalescent for redispersible powder polymers• Prevents cracking of drying mortars• No expansive effect• Ideal with Portland cementBack to QuestionsHow do I find out about the FDA status of a particular Ultra Additives product?FDA status may be found on the product Technical Data Sheet. If you don’t see the FDA application you are interested in, contact your Ultra Additives representative or our Environmental, Health, and Safety Department.Back to QuestionsWhom do I contact at Ultra Additives if I would like to have technical service work performed on my formulation?For Technical Service Work, please contact your local Regional Sales Manager, who can be identified through the interactive map in our Sales and Distributor Network area.Back to QuestionsIf I am using a particular polymer, can Ultra Additives, Inc., recommend applicable defoamers to help complete my formulation?Ultra Additives has an extensive database on defoamer effectiveness with the different types of polymer chemistries. Ultra Additives works very closely with the polymer manufacturers to define defoamer chemistries for the new polymer technologies being developed. Your Ultra Additives representative is ready to work closely with you to help you determine the best defoamer for your system.Back to Questions。