Ink contains 4 basic elements. These elements include a:
• Coloring agent which is either a dye or a pigment.
• Carrier body (water).
• Solvent that keeps it liquid until it leaves the print-head.
• Various chemical stabilizers.
If the coloring agent is a dye, it is a chemical solution. Pigment is a
mineral oxide, ground exceptionally fine, and put into a chemical compound. The dye or
pigment is then added to a respective carrier body, water, or solvent. Ink may be composed of
seven to fourteen chemicals.
Facts about Paper
Paper is composed of cellulose fibers from trees and other like
materials. During the paper making process, the fibers form a mesh with 60% of the fibers
running in one direction and the other 40% lying at right angles. Paper is, on
average, about 5% water. This moisture prevents the paper from being brittle.
Paper is chemically treated and finished based upon the end use. For
example, newspaper is a very coarse paper. Bond paper, used for office correspondence, is
a high-grade paper with many finishing chemical additives.
How Ink and Paper Work with
Each Other
Dye-based inks soak into the cellulose fibers. These inks provide
vibrant hues and a wide
range of colors. If the paper becomes wet, the colors will wash off or
if exposed to sun
light it will fade.
Pigment-based ink behaves differently. The ink is projected onto the
paper, the carrier
body evaporates, and the pigment adheres to the paper fiber. This
results in a crisp and
sharp image. Documents printed with cartridges containing pigmented
inks are much
more light fast and water fast as compared to dye based inks.
Different grades (quality) of paper affect print results for the same
inks. Paper left in
humid areas absorb moisture. This increases water content of the paper
and can adversely
affect the way ink is absorbed by the paper. This may cause the ink to
“bleed”, “feather”
or smear.
Judging print quality of test prints from refilled cartridges is
subject to the inspecting
person. It is therefore important to always use the same brand and
grade of paper in order
to eliminate the paper as a variable.
