Surface Energy of Plastics
The dynamics of wetting are described below:
Spreading = A – ( B+ C )
Where:
- A = surface energy of solid (given below)
- B = surface tension of liquid
- C = surface energy of solid-liquid interface
If Spreading is:
- Negative. Then, liquid will bead up.
- Zero. Then, liquid will spread.
- Positive. Then, liquid will spread.
If the material surface energy is relatively low, then the coating will not flow well and fisheyes, pinholes, gaps, or air bubbles will form. If the material surface energy is too high, then the paint, ink, or coating may bleed or be difficult to control. Therefore, the surface tension of the liquid and the surface energy of the material must be matched for the application.
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Tags: contact angle, dynes, plastic, plastics, surface coating, surface energy
