Influence of structural properties of nanoporous silica-polymer materials on ink absorption

摘要

Two porous SiO_2 products used as ink interactive coatings (ink holders) for ink-jet applications were synthesized and characterized. Their interaction with polyvinylalcohol (PVA) has been investigated. Thin films were prepared from SiO_2/PVA mixtures and tested for print quality. In order to estimate the effect of paper surface irregularities on printing, the mixtures were also coated on a paper support. The print on coated papers was compared to that on the films. According to the results presented in this work, some general concepts regarding the parameters involved in determining print quality can be identified. First, the print quality depends on the pore size/polymer size ratio. Second, it also depends on the SiO_2 surface-polymer interaction. These two parameters are basically responsible for how effectively the initial porous volume of SiO_2 is retained after interacting/filling with PVA. Finally, surface irregularities for example caused by base paper deteriorate the printing quality, mainly the spatial resolution.