Factors Affecting the Performance of Inkjet Papers, 2003 Spring Technical Conference Proceedings

Factors affecting the performance of various inkjet papers are investigated in this study. Three broad categories of paper, (a) uncoated commodity grade, (b) uncoated surface treated, and (c) coated papers, are evaluated via several different test methods. Overall, it was found that sizing plays an important role in inkjet paper performance. Effective sizing levels are shown to minimize the cockle behavior of the printed sheets in most cases. Thus, a highly sized sheet may be a necessary condition in making papers for inkjet printing. In addition, the inks used in most inkjet printing and the paper substrates are anionic in nature. Application of a cationic additive on the top layer of the sheet, in the form of a surface treatment, makes the surface cationic. This creates a receptive layer, rendering the anionic dyebased ink to be fixed through charge neutralization, imparting a waterfastness property to the inkjet paper. The addition of pigments to the surface of the sheet may also enhance its optical density, or print quality, and make it suitable for business color printing. An anti-cockle chemical additive when used in combination with other surface treatment materials was found to minimize cockle. An EMCO Liquid Penetration Tester (LPT) was used to measure the ink penetration characteristics of the paper. A rapid absorption of the ink by the top layer of the sheet and its subsequent movement in the plane of paper prevents penetration into the fiber matrix. Such a phenomenon enhances the dimensional stability of the printed sheet through minimization of cockle.