Predicting Defoamer Performance in Graphic Arts Applications

Choosing the wrong resin may result in poor application and performance deficiencies of the applied ink. Surfactants used to lower the surface tension of the ink and wet out low energy substrates like films and foils can cause foam problems during ink manufacture and application. The defoamers used to remove the foam or prevent it from forming in the first place can often cause surface defects, such as craters or pinholes, in the final print, requiring the formulator to use additional surfactant...