Research on the Influence of Drying Method on Ink Penetration of Coated Paper

The aim of this study was to obtain the effect of drying methods on surface properties and ink penetration. Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) was used in order to characterize the penetration depth through quantitative analysis. Fluorescent ink was used to observe and characterize ink penetration and distribution by LSCM. The results showed that the drying methods had an important role on the surface properties and ink penetration of coated paper. Infrared drying compared with vacuum drying and hot air drying was good to improve the paper properties, which resulted in low roughness, high gloss, low ink absorption and high paper surface efficiency. It could be concluded that infrared drying compared with vacuum drying and hot air drying resulted in the highest print density and better printability.