Influence of Base Paper Properties on Coating Penetration

The influence of sizing, fiber and pigment type on coating penetration, using commercial paper and two types of handsheets as the base paper which were prepared from thermomechanical pulp(TMP) and hardwood bleached kraft pulp(KP) sized internally with alkyl ketone dimmer(AKD), was studied in terms of characteristics of coating holdout. Laboratory rod draw down coater was used for surface sizing and coating application. Characterization of coating penetration was done by measuring the roughness of the backside of coating layer. The backside of the coating was exposed by dissolving the fibers in a solution of cupriethylenedimine(CED). Data show that internal sizing of base paper is effective and surface sizing is more effective to prevent coating penetration. Comparing between the two types of base papers, backside roughness of coating layer of TMP sheet is much larger and sizing is more effective to reduce coating penetration than those of KP sheet. With regard to pigment type, clay is more effective than calcium carbonate for better coating holdout.