Production of a Single Coated Glossy Inkjet Paper Using Conventional Coating and Calendering Methods, 2002 Coating Conference Proceedings

H. K. Lee, M. K. Joyce, P. D. Fleming and J. H. Cameron

The unique structure of precipitated and gelled silicas provides an internal and packing porosity that enables the rapid diffusion of liquid inks into the coating layer. The rapid uptake of the ink immobilizes the anionic dyes at the surface of the coating, allowing high optical print densities to be achieved. However, precipitated and gelled silicas are primarily used in matte grades since their particle size is typically 3-16 µm range.

This study focused on the use of non-porous fumed silicas and alumina in glossy inkjet media. The coating process was a single coat blade application on a cylindrical lab coater (CLC) at speeds up to 920 m/min. The use of fumed alumina enabled gloss values of almost 70% to be achieved after 3 passes through a sheet fed soft nip calender at 60 ºC and 123 kN/m. The work is significant because it demonstrates the ability to produce glossy inkjet coated papers by applying a single pigmented coating layer on a blade coater and finishing with a soft nip calender. The research described herein examines the contribution of coating structure influences on inkjet print quality. The pigments used are commercially available and are currently being employed in this application.