The problem of color fading in an ink jet print is a weak point that limits the use of the ink jet prints in outdoor applications. This study investigated the effectiveness of one hindered amine light stabilizer and two UV absorbers on the light induced fading of ink jet ink. The stabilizers (HALS) and UV absorbers were coated on the surface of an ink-receiving layer to form a top layer, which prevents the fading of the ink jet ink. The UV absorber coating on the ink jet substrate can improve the light fastness of dye-based ink jet ink. The type of UV absorber does not strongly affect the light fastness of the dye-based ink jet ink but it affects the background color of ink jet printing substrate. The hydroxybenzophenone type UV absorber causes yellowing of the coated sheets while the benzotriazole type UV absorber does not exhibit this problem. Moreover, the extent of the light fastness of dye-based ink jet is in a direct proportion to the amount of UV absorber in the coated layer. In case of HALS coated sheets, the amine light stabilizer did not improve the light fastness of dye-based ink jet ink across the spectrum, it could only improve light fastness of blue and black colors. Additionally, an ink jet ink receiving layer containing HALS and PVA did not improved fastness ozone-gas induced fading, compared with one containing only a PVA barrier film.
Suda Kiatkamjornwong, Kitirochna Rattanakasamsuk, Hiromichi Noguchi, "Evaluation of Some Strategies to Control Fading of Prints from Dye-Based Ink Jet" in Journal of Imaging Science and Technology, 2003, pp 149 - 154, https://doi.org/10.2352/J.ImagingSci.Technol.2003.47.2.art00009