Silica based inkjet layer coatings made with the addition of special binders are widely used for inkjet coatings today. However, one limiting factor of the existing formulations is that they can only be used at low solids (<30%), which makes high speed coating very complicated. Another limiting factor is that most current formulations require the addition of special binders. However, the level of binder required is a compromise. Low levels of binders give good pigmented ink compatibility but poor physical properties. High volumes plasticize coating layer but reduce ink receptivity. This paper introduces a new nano structured silica coating formulation designed to overcome the limitations of existing inkjet technologies. The differentiating factors of this formulation are its high solids (up to 50%) and its self binding mechanism. Therefore, the ready-to-use formulation requires no organic binders. The rheology of the formulation gives very good runnability on various size presses and coaters. This new formulation has been proven in pilot and mill trials. Results showed high print density, dimensional stability, good water fastness and sharpness with most aqueous inkjet printers.
M. Patricia Wild, Ylva M. Wildlock, Kjell R. Andersson, Erik Lindgren, "A Novel Coating Formulation for Silica Inkjet Layer Coatings" in Proc. IS&T Int'l Conf. on Digital Printing Technologies and Digital Fabrication (NIP24), 2008, pp 383 - 386, https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2169-4451.2008.24.1.art00099_1