Standardized Laboratory Methods for Evaluating Matte Print Coating Burnishing
Standard laboratory burnish evaluation uses controlled sled friction and 60-degree delta gloss measurements to quantify matte coating asperity degradation.
Micronized Polyethylene Wax
Surface Additive
Finely powdered polymers in this class are added to printing inks and coatings to improve their resistance to scratching and scuffing during handling. The micronized polyethylene wax is dispersed in the liquid formulation to provide a protective layer on the cured surface. This additive ensures that the printed graphics remain intact on the filling line and during transport.
Friction Reduction
Formulations incorporate this wax to lower the coefficient of friction and provide slip to the finished ink film. During drying or curing, the small wax particles migrate to the surface of the film and form a thin protective boundary. This boundary reduces the contact area between adjacent sheets and prevents ink transfer or scratching.
The particle size is matched to the ink film thickness to ensure that the wax particles are exposed on the surface without causing haze.
Coating Boundary
Maintaining the correct dosage of wax is essential to prevent adhesion problems in subsequent laminating or foil stamping steps. If the concentration is too high, the surface becomes too slippery for gluing or overprint varnishing. This compound does not apply to uncoated paperboard grades where there is no ink or coating film to protect.
Temperature stability is essential because high temperatures can melt the wax and destroy its protective properties.