Gloss Ghosting - Chemical Studies.

A ghost is merely a printing image that appears where it is unplanned and unwanted. Most printers classify ghosts into two general classes: (a) mechanical or press ghosts and (b) chemical or ink ghosts. Our studies of the chemistry of the problem have been threefold 1) identification of the chemical by-products of the autoxidation reaction of certain inks, 2) study the polymer characteristics of these drying ink films, and 3) observe some of the chemical interactions of the paper. The major goals toward which we are striving include 1) the prevention and control of gloss ghosting, 2) obtaining valuable information to improve ink gloss, and 3) utilizing all information to synthesize new drying systems.