![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
The basic phenomenon of ink adhesion and removal has been studied by looking at the surface of polyethylene films that have been subjected to a ceramic bead impact ink-removal process where printed polyethylene films, zirconium silicate beads, and water were agitated in a laboratory shaker. AFM images show that the polyethylene packaging film surfaces studied have a typical morphology of polyethylene films crystallized under mechanical stress which consists of rows, approximately 1 μm in width, of lamellar-like structures. Upon impact of the ceramic beads on the polyethylene films, the surface is roughened and the surface rows appear to be deformed. FTIR data show that the surface crystallinity of the PE film decreases with the impact ink removal process. A deinking mechanism is proposed where the beads tear the ink film, abrade the surface and deform the polyethylene substrate.