leveling2a

Home Flow and Leveling

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Film thickness, χ

Flow and leveling of a coating is important for the appearance of a coating system. Every application process of a liquid coating results in uneven surface which has to flow and smoothen before drying or curing.

Striations, λ per

Surface tension, γ

dynes/cm

Viscosity, η_L

Poise

The Orchard equation t_1/2=C₁η_L.λ⁴/γ.χ³ permits the calculation of flow and leveling of coating surfaces as a function of film thickness, viscosity, surface tension and striation of the coating surface. Half Time, t_1/2is A/2.

Constant (C₁)

t_1/2 equation

0.0133

Results

Half Time, sec, t_1/2 t_1/2=C₁η_L.λ⁴/γ.χ³

Film thickness, χ

Viscosity, η_L

Half Time, sec, t_1/2 t_1/2=C₁η_L.λ⁴/γ.χ³

Film thickness, χ

Surface tension, γ

Half Time, sec, t_1/2t_1/2=C₁η_L.λ⁴/γ.χ³

Surface tension, γ

Viscosity, η_L

Coatings Technology Handbook by Arthur A. Tracton (Editor), S. Orchard Appl. Sci. Res. A11, 451, (1962)