An investigation into the effects of solvent content on the image quality and stability of ink jet digital prints under varied storage conditions

Increasing numbers of galleries, museums and archives are including ink jet printed materials into their collections, and therefore displays. There is evidence that the instability of these prints is such that images can suffer deterioration in print quality or in extreme cases, a loss of information over an extended period of time. This is shorter than the period typically required for perceptible deterioration to occur in many other paper-based artworks. The image stability of prints is affected by a number of factors some of which have already been studied. However the role played by the ink solvent in the loss of image quality has yet to be explored. This paper will outline research being undertaken to investigate the effects of solvent content which may increase/promote the loss in image quality of the hard copy prints when stored or displayed under a range of temperature and humidity conditions.

MATAR was founded in 2005 to build on a well-established base of scientific research at UAL. During its time, MATAR has undertaken research at the intersection of the sciences and the arts in order to apply science and technology in the fields of communication, conservation, fashion, art and design.
A considerable amount of research into the behaviour of prints and printing materials has been carried out at Camberwell College of Arts and the London College of Communication. This has resulted in a numerous research publications as well as the successful completion of doctoral research projects by eight PhD students. Their theses have been concerned with a wide range of topics related to the intersection of science with art, design and communication, including print recognition, stability of printed materials, ultrasonic deinking, conservation of 19th century watercolours and ink transfer mechanisms in flexographic printing
Prior to the establishment of MATAR, the University had established a high international standing and a solid body of research output in the core areas of materials science especially as they applied to conservation and printing.

From its foundation in 2005, MATAR was led by Dr Andrew Manning, who had an outstanding record of research and successful PhD supervision and completions. The Centre attracted researchers in other specialist subject fields and thus provided a framework for emerging as well as existing research strengths in science and technology subjects. The Research Centre was a centre of excellence for ink/substrate projects, as well as having a wider portfolio which included conservation science, colour imaging and document security.
In MATAR subjects, published papers are the primary vehicle for disseminating research outcomes. Research is also disseminated through symposia, conferences and seminars, and MATAR has made such events a priority. MATAR research has had a direct impact on undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, a number of MATAR members being also course directors and able to readily integrate research results with the curricula. Students are encouraged to produce publishable research as part of their course.

MATAR was not redesignated beyond 2010, but closed in July of that year. Despite the unit’s closure, in the specialist laboratories across the University, the Centre had an outstanding range of powerful and up-to-date measurement and test equipment which is still available for use.