Grease Resistance
This laboratory protocol functions as a standardized evaluation for the liquid holdout capacity of paper and paperboard substrates when exposed to oils of varying surface tensions. The tappi t 559 kit test provides a repeatable metric for classifying oil resistance by applying a set of twelve liquid mixtures onto a specimen surface to observe the time until a color change occurs. This procedure defines a numerical value ranging from one to twelve, where higher numbers represent superior performance against penetration by fluids with lower surface energies.
It restricts its scope to non-aqueous substances, excluding water or highly polar solvents from the testing criteria. The primary function rests upon the chemical composition of the fluids, which possess descending surface tensions to challenge the sizing efficiency of the substrate. Laboratory technicians perform the method under controlled ambient conditions to ensure consistency in the outcome.
Fluid Interaction
Hydrophobic agents or fluorochemical coatings added during the papermaking process define the performance level achieved during these specific observations. Each liquid mixture consists of a precise ratio of castor oil, n-heptane, and toluene to achieve a target dyne level that simulates contact with fatty food products. The measurement relies on the failure of the sample to repel the test drop within fifteen seconds.
A darkening of the paper or a visible change in transparency signals an immediate failure at that specific level. Substrates meeting high ratings demonstrate effective barrier properties necessary for fast food packaging or greasy components where leakage threatens external integrity. Manufacturers adjust the level of internal sizing or surface treatment based on the outcome of these repeated trials.
High performance requires the maintenance of low energy surface chemistry across the entire sheet profile during the conversion phase.
Application Threshold
Commercial converting operations demand specific kit numbers to verify whether a material satisfies the shelf life or transit requirements for a particular package design. Printers utilize these results to prevent oil migration that might otherwise degrade inks or decorative coatings during storage. A failure to reach the target value necessitates a change in the chemical treatment or the addition of a secondary physical barrier.
This standard confirms that the substrate maintains the required barrier characteristics under standard gravitational contact with non-polar liquids.