ABSTRACT
To develop a continuous process for film production, it is
necessary to determine the kinetics of film formation and
drying of the film solution. Solvent cast films are normally
prepared batchwise in Petri dishes or preferably, depending
on the film material, on a glass, high-density polyethylene or
other plastic surface. It is also necessary to determine suitable
belt material on which to spread the solution for drying. The
solution must wet the belt, spread out, dry uniformly, and be
readily removable when dry. A suitable solution feed system
must be developed to introduce the solution on to the belt and
into the dryer. With aqueous film solutions that are low in
viscosity, a simpleMeier rod is usually the preferred spreader
device. Feasible dryer process parameters, such as solution
feed rate, spreadingmechanism, belt speed, temperature, and
air flow must be determined.
