Based on extensive research conducted with numerous waterborne formulations, Air Products has developed EnviroGem® AE surfactants. These surfactants are readily biodegradable and are environmentally friendly. In a water-based acrylic white model formulation, these surfactants improved both the wetting and the flow and leveling, providing a smooth printed ink layer on the PE and OPP films tested. These nonfoaming wetting agents also enhanced the adhesion of the white ink due to the fact that improved wetting helps ensure the ink has sufficient contact with the film substrates and thus, improved adhesion. Data also showed EnviroGem AE surfactants lower the minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) of emulsions, with the surfactants acting as internal plasticizers and further improving the adhesion of the ink. EnviroGem AE surfactants are true multifunctional additives that can provide numerous benefits to ink formulations. |
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