Surface Absorption of Printing Inks into ASA Sized Paper, 1996 International Printing & Graphic Arts Conference Proceedings

L. J. Barker, R. J. Proverb, E.A.Kamenetzky, C. C. Rivera, J. S. Brinen - Cytec Industries Inc

The absorption dynamics of printing ink at a paper surface are important in determining eventual distribution of pigment or dye in the surface structure and thus the appearance of the printed sheet to an observer. In this investigation, ink penetration into the paper surface of ASA sized paper has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and other surface analytical techniques. SEM and optical microscopy measurements of the depth of penetration of ink into the paper surface were related to print quality parameters (including optical density and line width) of printed test sheets. The use of polymeric additives at the size press was shown to control wetting and absorption behavior of inks, with effects dependent on the chemistry and surface tension of the ink. KEY WORDS Absorption, alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), ink-jet printing, offset printing, surface size, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, optical density, print quality.