Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the applications of surface energy measurements in predicting the ink adhesion of four different Fasson plastic substrates using the flexographic printing process and water -based inks. These four plastic substrates are as follows: Clear P.E.T., Clear Acetate, Polystyrene, Vinyl. These films were identified by Fasson as substrates they believe to have poor adhesion. The aim was to develop a method to predict ink adhesion of these plastic surfaces by correlating a surface energy test on the substrate before printing begins to ink adhesion tests of the finished print. Water -based inks offer many advantages over traditional solventbased inks. They are as follows: 1. They are physiologically safer. 2. They don't burn. 3. They don't cause air pollution. 4. They are tasteless and odor less. 5. Water -based inks are less expensive to store, to transport, and to produce. 6. Water is available in large quantities. The use of water -based inks is becoming more popular not only because of increased government regulations and insurance problems IV for solvent ink users, but because water -based inks produce cleaner prints, more consistent colors and faster washups. Water -based inks unfortunately don't wet a surface as good as solvent-based inks. This was the basis for this type of research.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Printing ink--Testing; Plastic films--Testing; Printing on plastics--Testing; Flexography--Equipment and supplies

Publication Date

5-1-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Print Media (CIAS)

Advisor

Driscoll, Thomas

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: Z247 .M672 1993

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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