Dynamic Surface Tension Measurement in Liquid Curtain Coating Systems
Dynamic surface tension at millisecond surface ages dictates liquid curtain stability and dynamic wetting limits in paperboard coating operations.
Coat Weight Down-Gauging
Material Reduction
Reduction strategies for minimizing the amount of coating applied to a substrate focus on maintaining performance while lowering costs. Through coat weight down-gauging, a converter aims to achieve the same barrier or aesthetic properties with a thinner layer of polymer or pigment. This process often requires more sophisticated application technology and higher-quality base papers to compensate for the reduced volume of material.
Efficiency Strategy
Optimization of the coating formulation involves increasing the density of functional additives to ensure that every gram of material contributes to the final result. Improving the smoothness of the base board allows for a more even distribution, which prevents the need for excess coating to fill surface irregularities. This refinement reduces the energy required for drying and lowers the total weight of the finished package.
High-precision slot dies or curtain coaters provide the control needed to maintain a consistent profile at lower thicknesses.
Performance Threshold
The success of a thinning project is measured by the ability of the material to pass standard barrier tests. If the layer becomes too thin, the risk of pinholes and substrate exposure increases. Regular testing for water vapor transmission and grease resistance confirms that the structural integrity remains intact.
Lowering the weight provides a pathway to meeting sustainability targets without sacrificing the safety of the contents.