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Example
Applications
Minimum
film forming temperature determination of:
·
PAINTS
· ADHESIVES
· Latexes and emulsions
· Polymers
Failure
temperature of grease-resistant paper:
·
Food PACKAGING
Melt
point of WAXES:
·
Thermal transfer ribbons
Temperature
optimisation:
·
Confectionary (e.g. CHOCOLATE) processing
· EPOXY RESIN cure
This
instrument was originally designed for the paint industry (hence name)
but now has many other applications outside the paint industry where
an accurate temperature gradient plate is required such as foods,
cosmetics, confectionery, wrapping papers, adhesives, etc.
Minimum
Film Forming Temperature (MFFT)
Definition
The
lowest temperature at which a water-borne latex, emulsion, or adhesive,
will uniformly coalesce when laid on a substrate as a thin film. The
MFFT is related to the glass transition temperature, Tg, but is not
identical.
Determination
The
standard test for determining minimum film forming temperature involves
using a MFFT Bar, as specified by such standards as ISO 2115 and ASTM
D 2354. The design of the Rhopoint™ instrument is based directly on
this standard. (Grooved platen for DIN 53787)
System
The
Rhopoint™ Temperature Gradient Bar is a complete system, and the purchase
of additional accessories is not required, provided that it is operated
within the specifications. Fully integrated components include:
·
Hinged perspex cover for thermal insulation and visual inspection
· Peltier cooling cells for sub-ambient temperatures
· Air drying system with re-usable desiccant
· Wet film cube applicator
Running
·
The desired temperature program is selected and the instrument allowed
to reach thermal equilibrium.
· Tracks of wet test material are applied to the platen using a cube
applicator, and the hinged perspex cover is closed.
· Once the test material has dried, the process boundary or minimum
film forming temperature is visually apparent, and can be pinpointed
against ten temperature sensors using a moveable cursor.
Failure
Temperature of Grease Resistant Paper
Definition
The
minimum temperature at which a grease-resistant paper is wetted by
fats or oils.
Determination
Failure
temperature can be determined by laying sample strips of paper on
the platen, using a small amount of adhesive, if necessary, and applying
along it a quantity of the material to be contained. Within minutes,
dark spots will appear in the paper where wetting has occurred. The
lowest temperature at which 'spotting' occurs gives the result.
Melt
Point of Waxes
Definition
The
minimum temperature at which a dried waterborne wax, such as that
used on thermal transfer printing ribbons, will start to exhibit liquid
properties.
Determination
The
wax suspension is applied in a track along the platen using a cube
applicator. Drying occurs very quickly, and the melt point is given
by the lowest temperature at which a clear fingerprint impression
is left under the weight of the hand.
Temperature
Optimisation
Definition
Conditions
defining optimum temperatures at which other processes occur, such
as extent of epoxy resin cure or separation of chocolate components,
may be decided by the user according to production requirements.
Determination
Tracks
of any type of liquid test material can easily and reproducibly be
applied to the instrument platen using the cube applicator supplied.
The visual or physical boundary temperature above or below which a
critical process will occur can be easily pinpointed and accurately
read.
Design
·
The temperature bar consists of a nickel plated copper platen with
an electronically imposed temperature gradient. Ten equispaced sensors
beneath the surface provide instantaneous temperature measurement
along the bar. A roving probe allows direct readings at any point,
if required.
· Purge gas is integrally dried, and flows over the platen via a sintered
distribution block. The hinged perspex cover provides thermal and
atmospheric insulation whilst allowing constant visual inspection
of an experiment.
· A cursor simplifies location of the exact temperature of result.
Standard
Features
Two
models of the MFFTB are available:
·
MFFT-60: The standard model, which can operate over SIX different
temperature ranges (1 - 6 in the table).
· MFFT-90: An extended range model, which can operate over NINE different
temperature ranges (1 - 9 in the table).
| Range |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
| Cool
end (°C) |
-5
|
0
|
5
|
15
|
23
|
33
|
43
|
53
|
63
|
| Warm
end (°C) |
13
|
18
|
23
|
33
|
50
|
60
|
70
|
80
|
90
|
Options
Copper
platen (without nickel plating)No air processor fittedGrooved platen
(for MFFT determination according to DIN 53787)
Specifications
| Dimensions
(l x w x h) : |
550
x 610 x 350 mm |
| Platen
dimensions (l x w) : |
483
x 235 mm |
| Weight
: |
38
kg |
| Mains
: |
110
- 120 or 220 - 240 V AC |
| Air
: |
4l
min-1 @ 100 psig |
| Water
: |
Mains
pressure; gravity drain; inlet temperature less than or equal
to 20 °C |
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