Research & Development

Saturation Point

Van der Waals forces are in effect when the filmcoating is applied, and the coating can no longer stay on the seeds without creating tiny droplets on the seeds’ skin. If this happens, it means that you surpassed the saturation point because the surface can no longer hold a higher amount of filmcoat liquids).

“To reach a stage were no more can be added, contained, or accepted.”

Why Is Coating until Saturation Point So Important in the Filmcoating Process?

Studies have shown that after the saturation point is reached, the “surplus” of filmcoat liquid stays behind in the machine or the container/bag. The seeds’ surface will show big spots of uncoated areas, making them unprotected, caused by exceeding the saturation point of the seed. When reaching optimal saturation, the seeds will be completely covered by the Filmcoat liquid and is, therefore, better protected.

Undersaturated

Here you can see the window has many “bubbles and holes” that are not filled with moisture. As a result, the window is not completely saturated.

Optimal saturation

This is a window with optimal saturation. The surface is smooth, and it doesn’t show any “holes or bubbles”. This means it reached its Optimal saturation.