In November 2003, all 3M fluorochemical surfactants, including those formerly sold under the 3M "Fluorad" brand, began to carry a new brand name, 3M™ Novec™Fluorosurfactants. 3M™ Novec™ Fluorosurfactant is a non-ionic polymeric fluorochemical surfactant belonging to a class of coating additives which provide low surface tensions in organic coating systems that are best obtainable with fluorochemicals. Novec fluorosurfactant FC-4430, 4432 are excellent wetting, leveling and flow control agents for a variety of waterborne, solvent-borne, high-solids and radiation curable organic polymer coating systems. Novec FC-4430, 4432 fluorosurfactants are soluble and compatible with most polymers and continues to be active throughout the drying or curing process. When used in waterborne polymer systems, Novec FC-4430, 4432 fluorosurfactants tend to reduce the aqueous/organic interfacial tension and remain surface active in the organic portion of the polymer system. These new fluorosurfactants… Dramatically lower surface tension Help paints and coatings overcome surface contamination Are effective in both aqueous- and solvent-based systems With Novec fluorosurfactants it's possible to control the surface tension of the coating during the entire coating process.   Novec fluorosurfactants aid in the wetting of a coating applied to a variety of materials, including hard-to-wet surfaces such as plastics and oily metals. They can even help overcome contamination from roller grease, condensation drip, dust, gel particles or silicones. Lowering surface tension during applications helps to prevent surface defects, including cratering, picture framing, fish eyes and de-wetting.   Novec fluorosurfactants improve leveling by reducing or even eliminating gradients during the coating dry down phase-resulting in a smoother, more uniform surface. Novec fluorosurfactants control surface tension throughout the entire drying or curing phase. Maintaining low surface tension throughout this process creates smoother, higher gloss coatings.