Glossing Properties of Engineered Kaolins, 1998 Coating Conference Proceedings

During the 1990’s the paper industry has seen the introduction of what have come to be called engineered pigments. These pigments typically have been modified physically and/or chemically to produce, for example, narrow particle size distributions. A desired result of these pigment modifications is a change to the structure of paper coatings. Reductions in fine particle content can lead to larger pores within the coating. These larger pores can enhance optical scatter as well as reduce capillary imbibition forces on fluids presented to the paper surface.

A second generation engineered kaolin paper coating pigment has been developed. This pigment has similar optical performance benefits to first generation engineered kaolins. However, glossing properties have been significantly enhanced. Some of the benefits are not readily discernible using industry standard measurements. Use of advanced measurement techniques, believed to correlate better with visual perception, show significant and unique improvements.