There is an increasing trend towards coatings containing nanoparticles being applied to webs to enhance their functionality, in particular their optical properties. These coatings are extremely thin and as such are very susceptible to defects caused by microscopic particles of contamination on the surface of the web. The only effective method of removing such small particles from the surface of sensitive webs in through the use of contact cleaning technology. However because this involves touching the surface of the web with the cleaning roller there is an interfacial reaction between the roller and the substrate which can have a detrimental effect on the quality of extremely thin coated layers This paper will outline some recent developments in contact cleaning technology which mitigate the interfacial reaction while providing particle removal down to the submicron level. This new process provides very substantial improvements in yield to applicators of nanocoatings. The growing markets for Plastic Electronics, Photovoltaics and Flat panel Displays are driving the web coating industry towards the limits of current coating technology by demanding thinner, more consistent, defect free coatings. This level of quality can impact process yields and therefore costs for the coating company.
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