Ink compositions and methods

Abstract

A radiation-curable gel ink with reduced syneresis. The inks include a curable monomer, an organic gellant, a gel-forming wax, an optional photoinitiator, and an optional colorant. Also disclosed are methods of making such inks, and methods of forming images with such inks.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to curable gel inks, such as radiation-curable gel inks, and their use in forming images, such as by inkjet printing. More specifically, the present invention relates to radiation-curable gel inks with reduced syneresis, methods of making the inks, and methods of forming images with the inks. Background technique [0002] Inkjet printing systems and radiation-curable gel inks are known in the art. However, while known gel ink compositions have been used successfully, there remains a need for improved gel ink compositions that can be used to form higher quality images. [0003] For porous substrates such as paper, reducing ink bleed is a challenge. A very undesirable phenomenon of excess ink bleeding is "show-through," where the ink is visible from the back of the page. To reduce penetration of the ink into the paper substrate prior to curing, some conventional ink formulations include a wax. [0004] However,...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] However, while strike through is reduced, conventional ink formulations suffer from syneresis

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