krimpscheuren

Krimpscheuren is a term used in Dutch-language materials science and engineering to describe a defect pattern in which a surface develops a network of fine wrinkles and cracks as the material shrinks during drying, curing, or cooling. The name combines krimpen (to shrink) and scheuren (to crack), underscoring the link between shrinkage stresses and cracking.

Causes and mechanism

Krimpscheuren arise when different parts of a material contract at different rates or when a stiff surface layer forms while an underlying layer remains more compliant. This differential shrinkage generates tensile stresses that exceed the material’s strength, causing surface buckling manifested as wrinkles (crimping) followed by cracks along the wrinkle intersections. The effect is influenced by layer thickness, moisture or solvent gradients, temperature changes, and the mechanical properties of coatings, binders, or substrates.

Contexts and manifestations

The phenomenon is reported in a range of applications, including ceramic glazes, cementitious coatings, polymer films, and wood or composite finishes. In ceramics and coatings, visible wrinkling can precede or accompany crazing and cracking. In dried foods, krimpscheuren may describe surface wrinkling that progresses to cracks under continued dehydration. The specific appearance depends on material stiffness, curing or drying schedules, and environmental conditions.

Detection and mitigation

Early detection relies on visual inspection and process monitoring of humidity and temperature. Mitigation strategies include controlling drying or cooling rates for uniform shrinkage, adjusting formulation or film thickness, adding plasticizers or flexibilizers, and improving substrate moisture management to reduce differential shrinkage.

See also

Wrinkling, crazing, shrinkage cracks.