|
What
are nonabrasive coatings?
Nonabrasive (or abrasion resistant) coatings are used
to protect the packaged article from scratching caused by rubbing
against the inside of the corrugated shipping container. And in
many cases today, the “packaged article” is not the product
itself but its highly-printed and varnished display pack.
Why
is abrasion resistance important?
The inside of a corrugated container can be an extremely rough
environment. While it may seem reasonably smooth to the touch, the
jarring and impacting which occurs during the shipping cycle can
cause significant, observable damage. Nonabrasive coatings primarily
are used on cornerposts (Resisto
Coat™) to protect appliances and on box interiors (Nomar™)
to protect graphics and/or prevent “pinholing” of gas-packed
products, thereby significantly reducing losses due to spoilage.
An emerging use of these coatings is a strictly-cosmetic one: to
just lay down the box fibers and prevent stray fibers from clinging
to the packaged product.
How
is abrasion resistance measured?
Abrasion resistance is not as easily measured as water or oil
resistance. We have found that the best test subjects the coated
sample to a defined number of strokes with a Sutherland
Rub Tester, which is often used for a similar (but less
severe) purpose in the ink industry. Using a 4-lb. (2Kg) weight
(TAPPI Useful Method #487) in the test apparatus, an excellent nonabrasive
coating will survive at least 5,000 strokes before any significant
damage is visible on the test specimen.
Michelman
Abrasion-Resistant Coatings
Listed below are those Michelman coatings which are commonly
used or recommended for abrasion-resistant applications.
|