Abstract: Disclosed is an intaglio ink comprising a varnish comprising an alkyd-modified soybean oil and method for producing same. Preferably, the alkyd-modified soybean oil is made by combining soybean oil, pentaerythritol and trimellitic anhydride at elevated temperature. The varnish may further comprise a thermoplastic phenolic resin. Methods of making the alkyd modified soybean oil, thermoplastic phenolic resin, the varnish and the ink are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method uses vacuum restraint, or other pressure differenl, to hold the ends of a sheet specimen to two opposing surfaces, thereby creating a fold in the specimen. As the opposing surfaces cycle along a parallel axis in opposite directions, the fold repeatedly rolls through a specific region of the specimen. The spacing between the opposing surfaces can be adjusted to increase or to decrease the radius of the fold. The velocity of the fold and the number cycles also can be controlled precisely. After repeated movement of the fold, the adhesion of surface treatments, coatings or printing on the specimen substrate begins to break down. Additionally, the integrity of the substrate itself may begin to deteriorate, if it is susceptible to deterioration and to varying degrees depending upon the susceptibility. The extent to which the specimen coating is degraded and substrate integrity reduced is a function of spacing, fold velocity and number of cycles.