Examination of the effects of using different crosslinkers in biodegradable coating formulation on printability properties of flexographic print system

Purpose In this study, the printability properties of different printing substrates coated with biodegradable formulation using different crosslinkers in the flexo printing system were examined and the data obtained regarding this was shared. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a coating formulation that can both provide barrier properties and be printable at the same time has been developed. The most basic feature that distinguishes this improved formulation from other products used in the packaging industry is that it is biodegradable. However, crosslinkers used in such formulations may affect the chemical structural properties of the formulations. In the study conducted to determine these effects and their effects on printing properties, two different coating formulations were prepared using glyoxal and N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide. The prepared formulation was coated on three different substrates and its printability properties were determined. Findings It has been determined that the use of N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide is better than glyoxal in improving both porosity and surface smoothness. Since coating both surfaces reduces the porosity value, the barrier property obtained will be better than single-sided coating. The two-sides coating did not significantly affect the surface roughness. However, higher optical density obtained kraft, kraft has a lower print contrast compared to other paper samples. The use of N-hydroxymethyl acrylamide resulted in an increase in the print contrast value compared to the use of glyoxal. Using glyoxal, the two-sides coating increased the print contrast. Kraft has a lower print chroma. The crosslinking agent change has not affected print chroma. Also, the two-sides coating did not significantly change the print chroma. Office paper and SBS have a higher print lightness compared to other paper samples. After print, gloss values of test sample decreased. The two-sides coating did not significantly change the printability properties. Originality/value It is a resource for packaging manufacturers and institutions providing training on this subject.