Tailoring paper surface properties with starch derivatives

Chemical characteristics, in addition to the physical properties of paper, are significant in the printing process, but their effects are not known well enough. The aim of this study has been to change the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity ratio of the starch polymer and the paper surface, and thereby to adjust oil, solvent and water absorption. The results show that by changing the hydrophobicity/ hydrophilicity ratio of certain polymers the absorption properties and surface energy of polymer-treated papers can be tailored. It is possible to reduce significantly penetration and print through of many kinds of printing inks by spreading less than 0,5 g/m(2) of polymer on uncoated paper surface.