Polymer-Polymer and Polymer-Pigment Interactions - Implications on Ink Jet Universal Media, 1999 Coating Conference Proceedings

Khizyr Khoultchaev and Tom Graczyk

Arkwright, Inc.

The main properties and a design concept of modern wide format display graphic media are presented. It is stated that the development of ink jet media requires a detailed understanding of the basic interactions within the materials used in the development of ink jet receptive coating. Theoretical and practical aspects of the consequences of polymer-polymer and polymer-colloid interactions in ink jet receiver coating are discussed. It is shown that the charge density on the chain of the macromolecule or on the surface of the colloidal particle has an influence on the formation of soluble and insoluble associates in the coating mixtures. Several examples are presented how the type of modification and charges of polyvinyl alcohol will have an effect on print quality with dye and pigmented inks. It is illustrated that the introduction of a dye fixative to the coating improves the water fastness but has negative effect on print quality. It was found that the pH adjustments in the ink receiving layers increase the gloss of the media.