Effect of base paper characteristics on coated paper quality

Abstract

The quality of coated paper is mainly governed by the characteristics of base paper. The three main base paper properties which contribute to the variations on coat weight and print non-uniformity in coated paper are roughness, absorbency and sheet matrix formation. Increase in roughness of base paper gives coated paper of lower smoothness and gloss at a particular coat weight. Along with roughness the compressibility of base paper also plays important role. Porosity and sizing degree which affect absorbency of base paper also affect the coated paper quality. Porosity of base paper has minor effect on coated paper roughness. The gloss of coated paper is improved with sizing and sheet densification. Sheet matrix non-uniform formation has little effect on coated paper gloss, however, it adversely affects the smoothness and print uniformity. Loading of base paper with PCC gives better effect on brightness, picking velocity and print saturation density than GCC and Talc.