Packaging Coatings Dry Matter Matters

June 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Packaging coatings provide color and protection. Whether solvent or water based, an important criteria for constant product quality is the dry matter content. The coating experts from Schekolin in Lichtenstein have used the Halogen Moisture Analyzer from METTLER TOLEDO for many years to achieve the fast and efficient determination of dry matter in lacquers and paints.

Fast and efficient
Schekolin provides coating solutions for cans, tubes and lids produced from metal and plastic. Dependant on function and application technique, the formulation of coatings varies widely and is reflected in the solids content from approximately 30% to up to 80%. According to DIN, the norm solid content of paint is determined by oven drying. At Schekolin, the same results are obtained within a fraction of the time with Halogen Moisture Analyzers from METTLER TOLEDO. The HR83’s graphic user guidance makes it easy for Shekolin’s lab technician to select one of the pre-installed drying methods. If none of the currently accessible methods prove appropriate for a new coating, the built in test function assists in finding the optimal analysing parameters.

Typical drying temperatures for solvent based coatings are between 180-200 °C with drying times varying between only 3-6 minutes. For the moisture analysis, a sample of the pasty or viscous paint is distributed on an absorbent glass fiber filter in order to prevent any film building and to ensure homogenous sample distribution. The fast halogen heating technology, with its highly precise temperature control, ensures that the target temperature is quickly reached and that the sample is evenly heated ensuring accurate and repeatable dry matter data.

Thanks to the HR83 Moisture Analyzer, Schekolin can now develop and test new coatings far more efficiently in comparison to using a traditional drying oven.

For more details: http://us.mt.com/us/en/home/products/Laboratory_Weighing_...