Modelling of the Motion and Interaction of a Droplet of an Inkjet Printing Process with Physically Treated Polymers Substrates

Abstract

This study examines the effect of energetic surface treatment on the adhesion strength of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. The purpose of this work is to determine the surface wettability of polymers suitable for food contact. These plastics have been treated with various pre-treatment methods to improve surface tension and good adhesion for inkjet printing and avoid any visual changes. It is important to determine the adhesion of the ink to the polymer surface to improve post-consumer recycling. Digital inks have been tested on various treated plastics to analyse coating properties and adhesion forces in accordance with DIN ISO 2409 standards. The impact of the inkjet droplet on the treated and non-treated surface was also investigated using the COMSOL computer simulation software.

Keywords

• drop-on-demand inkjet
• surface energy
• droplet
• measurement of droplet contact angle