Photo-Quality Print Media

Abstract

This paper will describe a photo-quality print media comprising a specially developed image-receiving surface layer (IRL) that accepts the printing ink/colorant material from the appropriate printing process, and serves to embed it in the glossing step, providing for better image protection and better image properties without additional coatings or a lamination step. The IRL is extrusion coated as an extruded monolayer or coextruded along with other layers to both sides of the base. The backside of the media can be tailored for specific applications (writability before and after printing, fuser oil management in electrophotographic applications, etc.).A unique advantage of the IRL is the fact that its final surface finish can easily be altered for specific applications. This media can provide a matte surface for printing directed to specified applications. Alternatively, the same material can be glossed to an even gloss finish by passing the printed media through a glossing unit, such as a belt fuser, to yield a highly glossed printed surface without additional coatings. Such versatility, an unprecedented and unobvious technical advance in the world of printed media, is a unique economic advantage offered by the media described here.