Measuring Specular Gloss Changes during Standard Paperboard Rub Tests
Measuring specular gloss changes before and after standard rub tests quantifies surface coating durability using exact optical angle decay metrics.
Paperboard Abrasion
Mechanical Wear
Substrate degradation processes involving the physical wear and fiber loss of packaging materials describe the damage caused by friction during shipping and filling operations. The occurrence of paperboard abrasion is driven by the contact of the board surface with machinery guides, conveyor belts, or other shipping cartons. This wear strips the clay coating or ink film from the surface, exposing the raw fibers underneath.
In severe cases, the structural integrity of the carton is compromised by the localized weakening of the board, which can lead to package failure on the retail shelf.
Friction Control
Packaging designers select specific pulp blends and surface sizings to increase the resistance of the board to surface rub. Applying a layer of polymer-based varnish provides a tough barrier that minimizes the tearing of surface fibers under friction. Evaluating paperboard abrasion involves subjecting samples to standard abrasive wheels or reciprocating heads under a fixed load.
Packaging Integrity
High-speed packaging lines require paperboards that do not shed fibers or dust when subjected to friction. Excessive wear leads to the accumulation of paper dust on the filling nozzles and heat-sealing bars, causing line stoppages and defective seals. Reducing paperboard abrasion ensures that the packaging remains intact from the filling line to the retail shelf.