Test inks are used to determine the wettability, the surface energy or surface tension, of a surface. If the surface has a surface energy of approx. 38 mN/m or higher, printing, varnishing or bonding is well possible. Therefore, the surface energy must often be determined with the aid of test inks prior to this process. Test inks make the result of plasma treatment visible. The test ink is applied to the substrate with a brush and the behavior is observed. If the ink contracts, the wettability of the substrate is lower than that of the ink. However, if the ink remains on the substrate, the surface energy of the material is equal to or greater than that of the ink.
Surface energy Determination of surface energy by means of test inks and contact angle measurement, enhancement through plasma treatment Wettability is of major importance for all kinds of surface treatments like printing, varnishing and gluing. It describes the behaviour of liquids on solid surfaces which is dependent on the surface tension of the liquid and […]
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