A simple method to measure the surface tension of various materials, such as plastic, glass, and recycled or composite materials, is the determination using test inks. Plasmatreat test inks are an excellent tool for surface determination, quality assurance during ongoing production, and determination of accurate parameters for plasma treatment.
All Plasmatreat test inks are manufactured according to DIN Draft 53364 or ISO 8296.
The test ink is applied quickly to the surface using the integrated brush of the bottle. Start with an ink with a high surface tension (such as 72 mN/m) directly after the pretreatment. If the brush stroke edges are stable for two seconds, the surface is easily wettable. Then, the surface tension of the substrate is at least equal to the value of the test ink. If the brush strokes of the test ink contract, the next lower test ink should be used. This way, you are gradually approaching the surface tension value of your material. The surface tension of the material is equal to the value of the test ink last used that showed good wetting for at least 2 seconds.
1.Ethanol test inks (C Series)
Suitable for all common surfaces. Non-toxic, non-harmful.
Available from 28 to 72 mN/m (in increments of 2 mN/m)
2. Formamide test inks (A Series)
Especially suited for warmer surfaces, but not for PVC. Longer reading time. Toxic. Teratogenic.
Available from 30 to 72 mN/m (in increments of 2 mN/m)
3.Methanol test inks (B Series)
Suitable for all common surfaces. Toxic.
Available from 28 to 72 mN/m (in increments of 2 mN/m)
Note:
The maximum measurement error is 2 mN/m. For test series with multiple measurements, the error tolerances are reduced accordingly. As with any measurement process, the determination of surface tension using test inks also requires a critical approach to the measurement results. The measurement values obtained with the test ink method for measuring surface tension are relative values and have limited comparability with other methods. The calculated surface tension can only be a measure of the current state of the substrate because, according to experience, surface tension decreases with storage time.
Determining surface tension with dyne inks now
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Plasmatreat constantly faces shifting demands as a result of new ideas, regulations, and standards. Customers are increasingly approaching the company with unique and innovative project requests. Consequently, the capacities of the technology and research center will now be expanded to include a class-6 cleanroom.
Plasmatreat supports digitized manufacturing with its Plasma Control Unit (PCU) and makes numerous controls, regulation, and monitoring functions available to ensure consistently high surface-treatment quality and reproducibility.
VOCs occur when solvents and solvent-containing products are used, and they are harmful to the environment. Nevertheless, manufacturing in many industries still involves pre-treating surfaces with primers, bonding agents or other chemicals that release VOCs. With its Openair-Plasma process, Plasmatreat offers an environmentally friendly alternative.
In addition to the Openair-Plasma Systems for surface treatment Plasmatreat GmbH also offers individual production cells with automated solutions to ensure seamless integration in the production lines. Plasma Treatment Units (PTU) are tailored to the customer's technical processes and are equipped with various operating options. Here Plasmatreat offers the solution of coordinated process automation combining efficient surface treatment and a perfectly coordinated handling of assemblies and components.
Plasmatreat plans to get more involved in the disinfection industry by providing solutions for disinfecting protective clothing during the current corona crisis.
