A theoretical approach to the drying process of thin film layers

In this study, the process of drying of thin films on a continuously moving flat plate which occurs in ink and coating solvents is examined theoretically. For simplicity, it is assumed that during the drying period the solvent has porous media and on the drying surface the vapour pressure of the evaporating liquid remains at a quasi-saturated value corresponding to the temperature of the liquid. Under these assumptions, two relationships which give the time rate of both the solvent temperature and the drying rate are obtained, depending on the drying air, surface, and solvent properties. The theoretical results are compared with some experimental data and found to be satisfactory particularly for the total drying time. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.