Optimizing the Surfactant/Polymeric Dispersant Combination in Pigment-Based Aqueous Inkjet Inks

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Printing Science and Technology, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 32465-654, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Printing Science and Technology, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 32465-654, Tehran, IranDepartment of Surface Coating and Corrosion, Institute for Color Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Surface Coating and Corrosion, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 32465-654, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Pigment-based inkjet printing offers numerous advantages over traditional contact printing techniques; however, these inks require stringent dispersion properties and a delicate balance between rheological behavior and surface tension. This study addresses these challenges by exploring and optimizing the combination of surfactants and dispersing agents. We aimed to achieve a stable nanosized dispersion of Disperse Blue 359 in aqueous pigment-based inkjet inks while adjusting its rheological properties using a polymeric dispersant and surfactants. Various formulations with different surfactants and polymeric dispersant concentrations were assessed for rheological behavior, surface tension, particle size distribution, and dispersion stability. Among the assessed surfactants, the surfactant with the lowest hydrophilic-lipophilic balance offered the lowest and most stable particle size. It also showed the best performance during milling and almost Newtonian rheological behavior. It was attributed to its higher tendency to absorb on the particle surface. The optimization of polymeric dispersant concentration also revealed that samples with too low dispersant, experience flocculation rapidly after milling due to insufficient dispersant to cover the fresh surface of ground particles. On the other hand, samples with too high dispersant concentration have stability issues and also non-Newtonian rheological behavior because of too thick absorbed layer of dispersant on the particle surface and high concentration of non-absorbed polymer chains in the media. The optimized combination resulted in a stable nanosized pigment dispersion with low viscosity and Newtonian behavior. These findings provide valuable insights into formulating high-performance pigment-based inkjet inks, highlighting the critical interplay between dispersants and surfactants in achieving optimal performance. 

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References

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