Towards Expanding the Use of Paper Made from Recycled and Non-Woody Plants: Enhancing the Print Quality through the Application of Nano-Modified Offset Inks

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using paper made from eco-friendly recycled and non-woody plants in graphic technology, particularly in offset printing. Instead of changing the composition or modifying the surface properties of the paper, the focus was on enhancing the print quality by modifying the printing ink. By modifying the printing inks, the quality of the prints on recycled and non-woody paper can be optimized, which in turn reduces the need for paper made from primary fibers. This approach can expand the use of alternative materials in graphic technology and design. The objective was to optimize the print quality on these sustainable materials. Five types of uncoated paper were used, with high-quality uncoated offset paper based on virgin fibers serving as a reference. Laboratory tests of the basic and surface properties were carried out to measure the paper quality parameters that are important for offset printing. The influence of the paper composition on its optical and colorimetric properties was also investigated. The interaction between the selected papers and offset inks was examined through measurements of adhesion parameters and ink transfer, i.e., the paper’s ability to accept the ink. To enhance the applicability of the investigated papers as printing substrates in the graphic industry, SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles were added to the offset inks. The influence of the paper composition on the colorimetric properties of the prints was also investigated. The print uniformity, as an important quality characteristic, was determined by measuring the mottling index. The research findings indicate that incorporating SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles into offset inks can enhance the interaction between the paper and ink, leading to improved print quality. This study provides new perspectives on the possibilities of using recycled and non-woody plant paper in offset printing without significantly compromising the quality of the print.