Latex-based barrier dispersion coating on linerboard: Flexographic multilayering versus single step conventional coating technology

摘要

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using the flexographic printing process for the deposition of multilayered latex-based barrier dispersion coatings on linerboard to improve its moisture barrier properties. A coating formulation developed for a conventional coater has been tested using a flexographic printing web press. The performance of multi-layering of up to six layers was compared with a single step conventional coating process in terms of runnability and barrier performance. A commercial linerboard was used as substrate for both processes. The coated linerboard samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy and surface profiling, and were characterized with respect to their coating grammage, WVTR and water absorption (Cobb(120)) properties. The impact of waxes on water absorption was also investigated for the two coating strategies. The results show that for a similar total coating grammage ( about 6 g m(-2)), samples coated using the flexographic press showed better barrier performance and less cracks on the coated surfaces than samples coated using a conventional coating process.