DELAMINATED CELLS FOR NANO-ENABLED INKJET PRINTABILITY

Abstract

Nanometer scale cells delaminated from oil palm fruit bunch (EFB) microfiber cell walls were coated on commercial A4 and laboratory sheets prepared from virgin fibers. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed the cells as translucent laminae of fibrils (TRX) bound together in a 5 nm to 100 nm thick web with dendritic edges. Coating of TRX onto the commercial A4 paper improved inkjet printability by up to 80%. The nano-enabled printability occurred as a summed effect of TRX forming (1) a canopy on or “loose-masking” of the protruding inorganic fillers, (2) capillary bridging of micro-voids formed by TRX fibrillary ends, (3) partial bridging of micro-gaps, (4) masking of the fiber surface, and (5) nano-grip arising from dendritic ends slipping into the micro-voids. The TRX-coated virgin pulp network revealed improved nano-enabled coverage by significantly reducing the stray and by print uniformity. The results provided an insight into the possibility of interfacing TRX with the paper surface for an improved inkjet print and economy through high-precision printing, also providing a pleasurable reading experience.