Inorganics and Printing Image Analysis by Micro X-ray Fluorescence Analysis in Base Paper and Printed Ink

Understanding the elemental composition and distribution of inorganics in both base paper and printed ink is crucial for various applications, including paper and ink manufacturing, printing process optimization, and cultural heritage conservation. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential of micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) analysis in examining inorganics and their impact on the image quality of printed materials. The research involved analyzing different base papers containing precipitated calcium carbonate and ground calcium carbonate as filler and printed ink (e.g., inkjet and offset) using µ-XRF. The elemental maps and spectra obtained from µ-XRF provided useful information about the inorganic elements present in the paper and ink layers. Image analysis techniques were employed to establish a correlation between the elemental distribution in the printed image and its visual characteristics. By focusing on key elements found in pigments, fillers, and other components, µ-XRF analysis provides valuable insights into the printing process, ink-paper interactions, and the resulting visual properties of the printed image. The study successfully differentiated between paper types based on their unique inorganic signatures, primarily by examining the magnesium content to distinguish heavy and light calcium carbonate fillers. The analysis of printed ink sections using µ-XRF revealed distinct elemental profiles for each ink type, making it possible to clearly identify inkjet and offset printing. Overall, this study suggested that µ-XRF analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the complex relationship between inorganic elements, printing methods, and image quality. Further investigation is required to examine how the quality of images is affected by the paper substrate. Additionally, investigating the combined effect of multiple elements and their interactions within the printing system can provide a more comprehensive understanding. Integrating µ-XRF with other analytical techniques can offer further insights into the complex interplay between paper, ink, and printing processes. KCI Citation Count: 0