Coating and Finishing
The PDC routinely works with clients to improve product properties and lower costs by formulating and applying coatings to their products. Coating a thin layer of material on the surface of paper, film, foil, or composites is a very effective method of adding functionality and value to a product. Printing papers, paper cups, grease-resistant food packaging, and high-strength composites all benefit from quality coatings.
Resources available for the use of clients include:
Coating
The PDC has a Faustel Laboratory Coater available on-site. The coater can process webs up to 12 inches in width at speeds of up to 100 fpm. It supports a variety of coating configurations.
Calendering
Calendering improves the printing properties of paper and is controlled by base sheet moisture content, coating composition, line speed, pressure, and temperature. The PDC has an on-machine calender located before the reel of the paper machine, as well as an off-line, heated, soft-nip calender.
Capabilities
- Evaluation of base stock/coating interactions
- Development and evaluation of innovative barrier coatings
- Evaluation of coating additives, including bio-based polymers
- Determination of coating structure/property relationships
- Determination of physical-chemical interactions between paper surfaces and inks
- Evaluation of variables affecting gloss development following calendering
To begin working with us, visit our Working with the PDC page.