Arcfibre MB 610 Moisture Barrier Coating
A water-based moisture barrier coating for cups, trays, wraps and food-service board, specified where a converter is removing extruded polyethylene with the objective of recovering the fibre in a standard repulping stream. It reduces liquid water penetration and water vapour transmission, but does not match extruded polyethylene on water vapour transmission and is not offered as an equivalent.
Grade Arcfibre MB 610 | Range Paper, Board and Corrugated Coatings | Technology Water-based polymer dispersion moisture barrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcfibre MB 610
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A water-based moisture barrier for cups, trays, wraps and food-service board, specified where a converter is working to remove extruded polyethylene with the objective of recovering the fibre in a standard repulping stream. It reduces liquid water penetration, measured as Cobb 60 to ISO 535, and water vapour transmission, measured to ASTM E96 or ISO 2528 with the test climate quoted alongside the value. It does not match extruded polyethylene on water vapour transmission and is not offered as an equivalent. It is the non-sealing grade of the subfamily, for structures that are formed, folded or glued rather than heat sealed.
2. Features
- Reduces liquid water penetration, measured as Cobb 60 to ISO 535
- Reduces water vapour transmission, always quoted with its test climate
- Non-sealing grade for structures that are formed, folded or glued
- Repulpability to be tested on the finished structure under a named scheme
3. Recommended uses
Moisture resistance on cup and tray board, food-service board, kraft and machine-glazed paper, and spray-coated moulded fibre parts that are formed, folded or glued rather than heat sealed.
Substrates. Cup and tray board, food-service board, kraft and machine-glazed paper, and moulded fibre parts where the coating is spray applied
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based polymer dispersion moisture barrier | Formulation |
| Appearance | White liquid drying to a transparent to translucent film | Visual assessment, supplier protocol |
| Carrier | Water | By formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 40 to 48 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Flow time, 4 mm flow cup at 20 degrees C | 30 to 50 seconds | ISO 2431 |
| pH at 20 degrees C | 7.5 to 9.0 | ISO 976 |
| Water absorption, Cobb 60 | 2 to 15 g per square metre on the coated face, falling as coat weight rises, measured on flat test pieces cut from the converted structure, including creased and scored areas | ISO 535 |
| Water vapour transmission rate, 23 degrees C and 50 per cent RH | 30 to 300 g per square metre per 24 hours, depending on coat weight and base board, and substantially higher at 38 degrees C and 90 per cent RH | ASTM E96 or ISO 2528, test climate quoted with the value |
| Film continuity | Continuous, pinhole-free coverage required, checked on the formed part after creasing and forming | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Flexo, gravure, curtain or blade coater, or spray on formed moulded fibre |
| Surface preparation | Record the base board Cobb value or sizing level; an absorbent board needs a higher coat weight or a second pass |
| Dilution | Supplied ready for flexo, gravure, curtain and blade application; water additions lower the dry coat weight laid per pass and increase penetration into the sheet, so hold film build by anilox volume or pass count. For spray application on moulded fibre, the dilution is set on trial against the target dry coat weight. |
| Applied dry coat weight | 6 to 14 g per square metre, by grammage difference to ISO 536, often in two passes, as a second pass closes pinholes more reliably than one heavier pass |
| Drying | Hot air and IR, each pass dried before the next |
| Next step | Forming, folding or gluing; Cobb 60 and water vapour transmission are confirmed on flat test pieces cut from the converted structure, including creased and scored areas, as both methods need a flat specimen |
| Handling and safety | Refer to the Safety Data Sheet, issued by Arctic on request. |
Process. Flexo, gravure, curtain or blade coater, or spray application on formed moulded fibre, single or double pass, hot air and IR drying
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed container at 5 to 30 degrees C, protected from frost and direct heat, and stir gently before use. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.