Home Physical Sciences Impact of non-uniform water absorption on water-interference print mottle in offset printing
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Impact of non-uniform water absorption on water-interference print mottle in offset printing

  • Sofia Thorman EMAIL logo , Göran Ström and Patrick A. C. Gane
Published/Copyright: May 23, 2018
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Submit Manuscript Author Information
Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal
From the journal Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal Volume 33 Issue 1

Abstract

Print mottle is a serious and yet common print defect in offset printing. An imbalance between the feed of fountain solution and the ability of the paper substrate to absorb and transport this water away from the surface can cause moisture/water interference problems. In the study presented here, we have investigated the uniformity of aqueous absorption and coating structure of pilot-coated papers with different types and dosages of dispersants and linked this to print mottle and uncovered areas (UCA). In earlier studies, the print quality of these papers indicated that a moderate addition of excess dispersant caused ink refusal, ink-lift-off (ink-surface adhesion failure) and water-interference mottle when printing at elevated fountain feed. In the present study, we have shown that a majority of the samples with uneven water/moisture absorption and an uneven burn-out reflectance tended to have more severe printing problems related to surface-moisture/water.An aqueous staining technique was used to characterise the absorption non-uniformities. This method has been developed previously with focus on absorption of flexographic water-based inks but can clearly give relevant information also for offset printing, when it comes to moisture/water interference mottle.

Keywords: absorption non-uniformity; coated paper; dispersant; offset printing; uncovered area; water-interference mottle

Funding statement: This study was performed within the Industrial Graduate School VIPP (Values Created in Fiber Based Processes and Products) with financial support from the Knowledge Foundation, Sweden (registration number 20100268). The study was partly funded with strategic competence funds from RISE, Sweden.

Acknowledgments

The samples included in this study were pilot-coated, calendered and printed in a project financed by Omya International AG and Innventia AB. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with these materials and would like thank Dr Hajer Kamal Alm for providing and sharing all print quality data.

  1. Conflict of interest: The authors do not have any conflicts of interest to declare.

References

Bosanquet, C.H. (1923) On the flow of liquids into capillary tubes. Philos. Mag. Ser. 6 45(267):525–531.10.1080/14786442308634144Search in Google Scholar

Bulo, R.E., Donadio, D., Laio, A., Molnar, F., Rieger, J., Parrinello, M. (2007) “Site binding” of Ca2+ ions to polyacrylates in water: A molecular dynamics study of coiling and aggregation. Macromolecules 40(9):3437–3442.10.1021/ma062467lSearch in Google Scholar

Chinga, G., Helle, T. (2003) Relationships between the coating surface structural variation and print quality. J. Pulp Pap. Sci. 29(6):179–184.Search in Google Scholar

Dobson, R.L. (1975) Burnout, a coat weight determination test re-examined. In: Proceedings of 1975 Coating Conference, Chicago, USA, 21–23 April 1975. TAPPI, Atlanta. pp. 123–131.Search in Google Scholar

Gambaryan-Roisman, T. (2014) Liquids on porous layers: Wetting, imbibition and transport processes. Curr. Opin. Colloid Interface Sci. 19(4):320–335.10.1016/j.cocis.2014.09.001Search in Google Scholar

Gane, P.A.C., Schoelkopf, J., Spielmann, D.C., Matthews, G.P., Ridgway, C.J. (1999) Observing fluid transport into porous coating structures: Some novel findings. Tappi J. 83(5):77.Search in Google Scholar

Geffroy, C., Persello, J., Foissy, A., Lixon, P., Tournilhac, F., Cabane, B. (2000) Molar mass selectivity in the adsorption of polyacrylates on calcite. Colloids Surf. A, Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 162(1–3):107–121.10.1016/S0927-7757(99)00189-2Search in Google Scholar

Hansson, P., Johansson, P.A. (1999) A new method for the simultaneous measurement of surface topography and ink distribution on prints. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 14(4):315–319.10.3183/npprj-1999-14-04-p315-319Search in Google Scholar

Järnström, L. (1993) The polyacrylate demand in suspensions containing ground calcium carbonate. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 8(1):27–33.10.3183/npprj-1993-08-01-p027-033Search in Google Scholar

Johansson, P.A. (1999) Optical homogeneity of prints. PhD Thesis, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.Search in Google Scholar

Kamal Alm, H. (2016) Interfacial adhesion failure; Impact on print-coating surface defects. PhD Thesis, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. ISBN 978-91-7729-136-7.Search in Google Scholar

Kamal Alm, H., Ström, G., Karlström, K., Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C. (2010) Effect of excess dispersant on surface properties and liquid interactions on calcium carbonate containing coatings. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 25(1):82–92.10.3183/npprj-2010-25-01-p082-092Search in Google Scholar

Kamal Alm, H., Ström, G., Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C. (2012) Moisture sorption by thin layers of sodium and calcium neutralized polyacrylate. In: Proceedings of 8th International Paper and Coating Chemistry Syposium, Stockholm, Sweden, 10–14 June 2012. Innventia AB and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. pp. 71–73.Search in Google Scholar

Kamal Alm, H., Ström, G., Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C. (2015a): Ink-lift-off during offset printing: A novel mechanism behind ink–paper coating adhesion failure. J. Adhes. Sci. Technol. 29(5):370–391.10.1080/01694243.2014.989650Search in Google Scholar

Kamal Alm, H., Ström, G., Schoelkopf, J., Ridgway, C., Gane, P.A.C. (2015b) Ink adhesion failure during full scale offset printing: Causes and impact on print quality. J. of Print Media Tech. Res. 4(4):257–278.Search in Google Scholar

Kamal, H., Ström, G., Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C. (2010) Characterization of ink adhesion failure; Effect of pre-dampening of carbonate containing coatings. J. Adhes. Sci. Technol. 24(3):449–469.10.1163/016942409X12561252292341Search in Google Scholar

Kim-Habermehl, L., Pollock, M., Wittbrodt, E., Roper, J., McCoy, J., Stolarz, J., Langolf, B., Rolf, M. (1998) Characterization of coated paper surface morphology and its correlation to print mottle. In: Proceedings of Pan-Pacific and International Printing and Graphics Arts Conference, Quebec 6–8 Oct. 1998. PAPTAC, CANOPY, Toronto. pp. 71–76.10.1016/S1226-8615(08)60007-2Search in Google Scholar

Klein, R., Miletic, M., Meder, G., Eckert, D., Grossmann, H. (2011) Influence of paper properties on mottling in sheet offset. Part 1: Print test and evaluation. Wochenbl. Papierfabr. 139(5):324–328.Search in Google Scholar

Koivula, H., Kamal Alm, H., Toivakka, M. (2011) Temperature and moisture effects on wetting of clacite surfaces by offset ink constituents. Colloids Surf. A, Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 390(1):105–111.10.1016/j.colsurfa.2011.09.012Search in Google Scholar

Kolseth, P. (2004): Coating structure and print quality (slides only). In: Proceedings of New Concepts in Paper Surface Treatment, Stockholm, Sweden, 19–20 Oct. 2004. Institute of Surface Chemistry, Stockholm.Search in Google Scholar

Lamminmäki, T., Kettle, J., Puukko, P., Ketoja, J., Gane, P. (2010) The role of binder type in determining inkjet print quality. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 25(3):380–390.10.3183/npprj-2010-25-03-p380-390Search in Google Scholar

Lamminmäki, T.T., Kettle, J.P., Puukko, P.J.T., Ridgway, C.J., Gane, P.A.C. (2012) Short timescale inkjet ink component diffusion: An active part of the absorption mechanism into inkjet coatings. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 365(1):222–235.10.1016/j.jcis.2011.08.045Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Lie, C., Kolseth, P. (2007) Aspects on water-induced mottle when printing on coated paper in sheet-fed lithographic offset. In: Proceedings of International Research Conference, Grenoble, France, 9–12 Sept. 2007. Eds. Enlund, N., Lovreček, M. Advances in Printing and Media Technology, vol. 34. iarigai, Zagreb, Croatia. pp. 25–50.Search in Google Scholar

Loiseau, J., Ladavière, C., Suau, J.M. Claverie, J. (2005) Dispersion of calcite by poly(sodium acrylate) prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization Polymer 46(19):8565–8572.10.1016/j.polymer.2005.04.083Search in Google Scholar

MacPhee, J. (1979) An engineer’s analysis of the lithographic printing process. In: Proceedings of 1979 TAGA Annual Meeting, Kansas City, USA, 7–10 May 1979. TAGA, Rochester, USA. pp. 237–277.Search in Google Scholar

McConkey, F., Preston, J., Parsons, C.G., Husband, J.C. (2004) Optimization of latex level to control water interference mottle of coated paperboard: A mill study. In: Proceedings of 2004 Coating and Graphic Arts Conference and Exhibit, Baltimore, USA, 16–19 May 2004. TAPPI Press, Atlanta. 16 pp.Search in Google Scholar

Modaressi, H., Garnier, G. (2002) Mechanism of wetting and absorption of water droplets on sized paper: Effects of chemical and physical heterogeneity. Langmuir 18(3):642–649.10.1021/la0104931Search in Google Scholar

Molnar, F., Rieger, J. (2005) “Like-charge attraction” between anionic polyelectrolytes: Molecular dynamics simulations. Langmuir 21(2):786–789.10.1021/la048057cSearch in Google Scholar PubMed

Omidian, H., Hashemi, S.A., Sammes, P.G. Meldrum, I. (1998) A model for the swelling of superabsorbent polymers. Polymer 39(26):6697–6704.10.1016/S0032-3861(98)00095-0Search in Google Scholar

Plowman Sandreuter, N. (1994) Predicting print mottle. A method of differentiating between three types of mottle. In: Proceedings of 1994 Coating Conference, San Diego, USA, 1–5 May 1994. TAPPI Press, Atlanta. pp. 211–228.Search in Google Scholar

Preston, J.S., Elton, N.J., Legrix, A., Nutbeem, C. (2001) The role of pore density in the setting of offset printing ink on coated paper. In: Proceedings of Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium, San Diego, USA, 4–5 May 2001. TAPPI Press, Atlanta. pp. 19–34.Search in Google Scholar

Preston, J., Hiorns, A.G., Elton, N., Strom, G. (2008) Application of imaging reflectometry to studies of print mottle on commercially printed coated papers. Tappi J. 7(1):11–18.10.32964/TJ7.1.11Search in Google Scholar

Purfeerst, R.D., van Gilder, R.L. (1991) Tail-edge picking, back-trap mottle and fountain solution interference of model latex coatings on a six-colour press. In: Proceedings of 1991 Coating Conference, Montreal, 19–22 May, 1991. TAPPI Press, Atlanta. pp.461–472.Search in Google Scholar

Ragnarsson, M., Engström, G., Järnström, L. (2013) Porosity variations in coating layers – Impact on back-trap mottle. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 28(2):257–263.10.3183/npprj-2013-28-02-p257-263Search in Google Scholar

Ridgway, C.J., Gane, P.A.C. (2006) Correlating pore size and surface chemistry during absorption into a dispersed calcium carbonate network structure. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 21(5):563–568.10.3183/npprj-2006-21-05-p563-568Search in Google Scholar

Ridgway, C.J., Kukkamo, V., Gane, P.A.C. (2011a) Effects of binders and additives on inkjet coating pigment pore structures. In: Proceedings of PaperCon ’11, Covington, USA, 1–4 May 2011. TAPPI, Norcross, USA. pp. 1305–1319.Search in Google Scholar

Ridgway, C.J., Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C. (2011b) Competitive absorption of polar and non-polar liquids into latex bound porous structures of fine ground calcium carbonate. Transp. Porous Media 86(3):945.10.1007/s11242-010-9666-9Search in Google Scholar

Ridgway, C.J., Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C. (2011c): Response to isopropanol or ionic/non-ionic surfactant in the competitive imbibition of water and alkane into calcium carbonate coating structures. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 26(1):151–159.10.3183/npprj-2011-26-01-p151-159Search in Google Scholar

Rogan, K.R., Bentham, A.C., George, I.A., Skuse, D.R. (1994) Colloidal stability of calcite dispersion treated with sodium polyacrylate. Colloid Polym. Sci. 272(10):1175–1189.10.1007/BF00657769Search in Google Scholar

Rosenholm, J.B. (2015) Liquid spreading on solid surfaces and penetration into porous matrices: Coated and uncoated papers. Adv. Colloid Interface Sci. 220:8–53.10.1016/j.cis.2015.01.009Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Salminen, P. (1988) Studies of water transport in paper during short contact times. PhD Thesis, Åbo Akademi, Åbo, Finland. ISBN 951-649-459-9.Search in Google Scholar

Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C., Ridgway, C.J. (2003) Pigment coating permeability: Measurement and correlation with wetting front penetration. In: Proceedings of TAPPI 8th Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium, Chicago, USA, 8–10 May 2003. TAPPI Press, Atlanta. Session 7.Search in Google Scholar

Schoelkopf, J., Gane, P.A.C., Ridgway, C.J., Matthews, G.P. (2000) Influence of inertia on liquid absorption into paper coating structures. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 15(5):422–430.10.3183/npprj-2000-15-05-p422-430Search in Google Scholar

Shen, Y., Bousfield, D.W., Van Heiningen, A., Donigian, D. (2005) Linkage between coating absorption uniformity and print mottle. J. Pulp Pap. Sci. 31(3):105–108.Search in Google Scholar

Sinn, C.G., Dimova, R., Antonietti, M. (2004) Isothermal titration calorimetry of the polyelectrolyte/water interaction and binding of Ca2+: Effects determining the quality of polymeric scale inhibitors. Macromolecules 37(9):3444–3450.10.1021/ma030550sSearch in Google Scholar

Sohn, O., Kim, D. (2003) Theoretical and experimental investigation of the swelling behavior of sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent particles. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 87(2):252–257.10.1002/app.11360Search in Google Scholar

Ström, G., Madstedt, S. (2009) Water induced irregularity of halftone dots and its impact on print mottle. In: Proceedings of International Research Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, 13–16 Sept. 2009. Eds. Enlund, N., Lovreček, M. Advances in Printing and Media Technology, vol. 36. iarigai, Darmstadt, Germany. pp. 353–362.Search in Google Scholar

Ström, G., Preston, J. (2013) Impact of local variation in coating structure on uniformity in print gloss. Tappi J. 12(5):43–51.10.32964/TJ12.5.43Search in Google Scholar

Tåg, C.M., Toiviainen, M., Juuti, M., Gane, P.A.C. (2010) Dynamic analysis of temporal moisture profiles in heatset printing studied with near-infrared spectroscopy. Meas. Sci. Technol. 21(10):105602.10.1088/0957-0233/21/10/105602Search in Google Scholar

Tåg, C.M., Toiviainen, M., Juuti, M., Ridgway, C. Gane, P.A.C. (2011) Online detection of moisture in heatset printing: The role of substrate structure during liquid transfer. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 50(8):4446–4457.10.1021/ie1022157Search in Google Scholar

Thorman, S. (2015) Absorption non-uniformity characterisation and its impact on flexographic ink distribution of coated packaging boards. Licentiate Thesis, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden.Search in Google Scholar

Thorman, S., Ström, G., Hagberg, A., Johansson, P.A. (2012) Uniformity of liquid absorption by coatings-Technique and impact of coating composition. Nord. Pulp Pap. Res. J. 27(2):456–465.10.3183/npprj-2012-27-02-p459-465Search in Google Scholar

Thorman, S., Yang, L., Hagberg, A. (2013) Simultaneous determination of absorption mottle and white-top mottle in the same area on coated boards. In: Proceedings of International Research Conference, Chemnitz, Germany, 8–11 Sep. 2013. Eds. Enlund, N., Lovreček, M. Advances in Printing and Media Technology, vol. 40. iarigai, Darmstadt, Germany. pp. 225–232.Search in Google Scholar

Washburn, E.W. (1921) The dynamics of capillary flow. Phys. Rev. 17(3):273–283.10.1103/PhysRev.17.273Search in Google Scholar

Xiang, Y., Bousfield, D.W. (2003) Coating pore structure change after printing. In: Proceedings of 8th Advanced Coating Fundamentals Symposium, Chicago, USA, 8–10 May 2003. TAPPI Press, Atlanta. pp. 107–112.Search in Google Scholar

Xiang, Y., Bousfield, D.W., Coleman, P., Osgood, A. (2000) The cause of backtrap mottle: Chemical or physical? In: Proceedings of 2000 Coating Conference, Washington, USA, 1–4 May 2000. TAPPI Press, Atlanta. pp. 45–58.Search in Google Scholar

Xiang, Y., Bousfield, D.W., Hassler, J., Coleman, P., Osgood, A. (1999) Measurement of local variation of ink tack dynamics. J. Pulp Pap. Sci. 25(9):326–330.Search in Google Scholar

Received: 2017-08-29
Accepted: 2017-12-20
Published Online: 2018-05-23
Published in Print: 2018-05-23

© 2018 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Publisher’s note
  3. Now at De Gruyter: Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal
  4. Editorial
  5. News from Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal
  6. Chemical pulping
  7. Optimum strategies for pulp fractions refining
  8. Deinking
  9. Deinkability of different secondary fibers by enzymes
  10. Mechanical pulping
  11. Investigation of low consistency reject refining of mechanical pulp for energy savings
  12. Control strategies for refiners Part I: Soft sensors for CD-refiner control
  13. Control strategies for refiners Part II: Consistency control in twin-disc refining zones using temperature profile information
  14. Indications of the onset of fiber cutting in low consistency refining using a refiner force sensor: The effect of pulp furnish
  15. TMP properties and refining conditions in a CD82 chip refiner. Part I: Step changes of process variables, description of the tests
  16. TMP properties and refiner conditions in a CD82 chip refiner at different operation points. Part II: Comparison of the five tests
  17. Paper chemistry
  18. Parameters influencing hydrophobization of paper by surface sizing
  19. Effect of pigment sizing on printability and coating structure of decorative base paper
  20. Strengthening effect of polyelectrolyte multilayers on highly filled paper
  21. Paper physics
  22. The effect of the through-thickness moisture content gradient on the moisture accelerated creep of paperboard: Hygro-viscoelastic modeling approach
  23. Paper technology
  24. Online quality evaluation of tissue paper structure on new generation tissue machines
  25. Strong paper from spruce CTMP – Part II: Effect of pressing at nip press temperatures above the lignin softening temperature
  26. Printing
  27. Impact of non-uniform water absorption on water-interference print mottle in offset printing
https://doi.org/10.1515/npprj-2018-3011
Keywords for this article
absorption non-uniformity; coated paper; dispersant; offset printing; uncovered area; water-interference mottle

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Publisher’s note
  3. Now at De Gruyter: Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal
  4. Editorial
  5. News from Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal
  6. Chemical pulping
  7. Optimum strategies for pulp fractions refining
  8. Deinking
  9. Deinkability of different secondary fibers by enzymes
  10. Mechanical pulping
  11. Investigation of low consistency reject refining of mechanical pulp for energy savings
  12. Control strategies for refiners Part I: Soft sensors for CD-refiner control
  13. Control strategies for refiners Part II: Consistency control in twin-disc refining zones using temperature profile information
  14. Indications of the onset of fiber cutting in low consistency refining using a refiner force sensor: The effect of pulp furnish
  15. TMP properties and refining conditions in a CD82 chip refiner. Part I: Step changes of process variables, description of the tests
  16. TMP properties and refiner conditions in a CD82 chip refiner at different operation points. Part II: Comparison of the five tests
  17. Paper chemistry
  18. Parameters influencing hydrophobization of paper by surface sizing
  19. Effect of pigment sizing on printability and coating structure of decorative base paper
  20. Strengthening effect of polyelectrolyte multilayers on highly filled paper
  21. Paper physics
  22. The effect of the through-thickness moisture content gradient on the moisture accelerated creep of paperboard: Hygro-viscoelastic modeling approach
  23. Paper technology
  24. Online quality evaluation of tissue paper structure on new generation tissue machines
  25. Strong paper from spruce CTMP – Part II: Effect of pressing at nip press temperatures above the lignin softening temperature
  26. Printing
  27. Impact of non-uniform water absorption on water-interference print mottle in offset printing
Sign up now to receive a 20% welcome discount
Institutional Access
How does access work?
Have an idea on how to improve our website?
Please write us.
© 2025 De Gruyter Brill
Downloaded on 7.12.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/npprj-2018-3011/html
Scroll to top button