Ink receptivity on paper — characterization of paper materials

The rheological behaviour of three black offset inks was tested using viscometer with the cone and plate geometry. The shear stress versus shear rate measurements confirmed that the investigated offset inks represent similar viscoelastic, pseudoplastic fluids, forming thixotropic structure. Mileage and ink transfer curves were measured onto the paper materials with different properties. The analysis of experimental results using Tollenaar–Ernst and modified Walker–Fetsko equations established the substantial role of the paper characteristics such as smoothness, brightness and penetration in the process of ink film formation on paper substrates during printing.