Inkjet ink formulations

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to inkjet ink formulations and their use in improving printing processes and / or the resulting printed products. The disclosure further relates to a printing method employing the inkjet ink formulation and a printing system comprising the inkjet ink formulation.

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to inkjet ink formulations and their use in improving printing processes and the resulting printed products. Background Art The present invention relates to ink formulations suitable for use in inkjet printing systems and more particularly in indirect printing systems, wherein an inkjet print head is used to print an image onto the surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM), which is then used to transfer the image to a substrate. While indirect printing technology overcomes many of the problems associated with inkjet printing directly on substrates, there remains a need for improvements in this technology, particularly improvements in ink formulations suitable for inkjet printing on intermediate transfer members of indirect printing systems. It is also desirable to achieve quality printed products. The following patent applications / publications by the applicant provide potentially relevant background material and are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0001] WO 2013 / 132439(PCT / IB2013 / 51755);

[0002] WO 2015 / 036865(PCT / IB2014 / 02395);

[0003] WO 2017 / 208152(PCT / IB2017 / 053177);

[0004] WO 2013 / 132418(PCT / IB2013 / 051716);

[0005] WO 2019 / 012456(PCT / IB2018 / 055126);

[0006] WO 2020 / 003088(PCT / IB2019 / 055288);

[0007] WO 2013 / 132420(PCT / IB2013 / 051718);

[0008] WO 2015 / 036906(PCT / IB2014 / 064277);

[0009] WO 2020 / 136517(PCT / IB2019 / 061081);

[0010] WO 2020 / 141465(PCT / IB2020 / 050001);

[0011] WO 2022 / 024106 (PCT / IL2021 / 050846); and

[0012] PCT / IL2023 / 050117. Acknowledgment of the above references herein should not be inferred as meaning that these references have any relevance to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter. Summary of the invention The inventors of the present invention have developed water-based inkjet ink formulations / compositions comprising at least one surfactant selected to provide the ink formulation with dynamic surface tension properties that beneficially affect the printing process and the quality of the resulting printed image. As will be demonstrated below, the inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly discovered that inkjet ink formulations having a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of 10 seconds) beneficially affect the printing process and printed image quality and resolution. The above-mentioned dynamic surface tension and static surface tension are both measured at room temperature (eg, about 22° C.) using a bubble pressure method using a Si ta bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15). The inkjet ink formulation / composition of the present invention is particularly useful in indirect printing processes. Such printing processes have been described in detail, for example, in the applicant's patent publications / applications [1] to

[12] . In short, in such a process, an aqueous ink formulation is first sprayed onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image thereon. Subsequently, the formed ink image is transferred from the ITM to the final substrate. The ITM is hydrophobic in nature (e.g., made of silicone). In order to obtain good performance, effective wetting of the ITM by the ink formulation is essential. This is typically achieved by an ink formulation with a relatively low surface tension (e.g., less than 25 mN / m at room temperature). The inventors of the present invention have found that although the use of such ink formulations is optimal for ITM wetting, improvements are still needed to obtain better printing performance and print quality. For example, the inventors have found that there is a sweating effect on the nozzle plate of the print head (PH), that is, the ink spreads on the nozzle plate of the PH during printing, PH automatic cleaning and non-printing (standby) periods. When the ink formulation of the present invention is used in the printing process, this sweating effect is alleviated. The ink sweating over pH is mitigated by adjusting the dynamic surface tension of the ink formulation to have high surface tension in the high frequency region and standard low surface tension in the low frequency region. The adjustment of the dynamic surface tension is achieved by using a specific surfactant that provides an optimal dynamic surface tension profile. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that surfactants suitable for use in the present invention have low diffusion coefficients, i.e., they can move relatively slowly from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. Due to this effect, the dynamic surface tension is relatively high when the frequency of bubble formation is high. Furthermore, without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors of the present disclosure have developed inkjet ink formulations having relatively high dynamic surface tensions, taking advantage of the fact that the diffusion time scale of inks on a printed substrate (e.g., in a direct printing process) or on an ITM (in an indirect printing process) is much shorter than on a print head. Thus, these ink formulations achieve similar diffusion characteristics to low surface tension inks on a substrate or ITM, while preventing the disadvantages of the unwanted sweating phenomenon of the print head nozzle plate. The ink formulations of the present invention not only advantageously demonstrate substantial absence of a sweating effect on pH when used in a printing process, they also provide the printing process with one or more of the following: improved jetting stability over long periods of time; more available printing cycles / runs (particularly due to reduced ink accumulation in the ink nozzles); improved printhead life; ease of maintenance; improved process stability; and improved print quality (e.g., improvements in one or more of print uniformity, ink wettability on the ITM, dot size, ink spreading characteristics, missing nozzle compensation, and printhead compatibility). Thus, the present invention in one aspect thereof provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (RT, e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online model (Pro-line T15); and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension. The present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a method for preventing and / or minimizing and / or reducing inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system (e.g., a print head used in an inkjet printing process and forming a part of the printing system), wherein the method comprises (e.g., in a printing process) using a water-based inkjet ink formulation, the water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15); and Wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension, thereby preventing and / or minimizing and / or reducing inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system. The present invention, in another aspect thereof, provides a method for preventing and / or minimizing and / or reducing inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system (e.g., a print head used in an inkjet printing process and forming part of a printing system), wherein the method comprises employing an aqueous-based inkjet ink formulation of the present invention as disclosed herein. The present invention in yet another aspect of its aspects provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in a method of preventing and / or minimizing and / or alleviating inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system. Yet, the present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for preventing and / or minimizing and / or alleviating inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system. The present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of a resulting printed image, wherein the method comprises (e.g., in the printing process) employing a water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15); and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension, thereby improving one or more of the printing process and the quality of the resulting printed image. The present invention in another of its aspects provides a method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of a resulting printed image, wherein the method comprises employing a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein in the printing process. The present invention, in yet another of its aspects, provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in a method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of the resulting printed image. However, the present invention in yet another of its aspects provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in one or more of improving the printing process and improving the quality of the resulting printed image. The present invention in another aspect thereof provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in, for example, a printing process, as described herein. The present invention, in yet another of its aspects, provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein, for example forming part of a printing system, as described herein. The present invention, in yet another aspect thereof, provides a printing method using the water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein. However, the present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a method of printing on a substrate, the method comprising inkjetting an ink formulation onto a printing substrate using one or more printing bars each comprising one or more print heads, thereby forming an ink image on the substrate, wherein the ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. In another aspect of its aspects, the present invention provides a printing method, comprising: providing an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; forming an ink image on the release layer surface by jetting an ink formulation onto the release layer surface using one or more print bars each comprising one or more print heads; and transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate; The ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. However, the present invention in yet another of its aspects provides a printing system comprising the water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein. The present invention, in another aspect thereof, provides a printing system comprising an image forming station, the image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto a printing substrate to form an ink image on the substrate, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. In another aspect of its aspects, the present invention provides a printing system, comprising: an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; an image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto the release layer surface to form an ink image on the surface, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention; and A transfer station is provided for transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. The present invention in a further aspect thereof provides a printing system and printing process substantially as described herein. In yet another aspect of its aspects the present invention provides an aqueous based inkjet ink formulation substantially as described herein. The present invention, in another aspect thereof, provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation having a dynamic surface tension and a static surface tension as illustrated and described herein, for example, in the Figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how said subject matter may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a printing system (eg, a digital printing system) according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The dynamic surface tension profiles (time scale) are shown for some ink formulations not according to the invention and for ink formulations according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 3 The dynamic surface tension profiles (logarithmic scale) are shown for some ink formulations not according to the invention and for ink formulations according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4DImages of nozzle plates (upper) and resulting printed substrates (lower) are shown when using some ink formulations not according to the present invention and ink formulations according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B Results of ink contact angle (CA) measurements at 80° C. on a hydrophobic ITM coated with a treatment formulation are shown. The results are for some ink formulations not according to the present invention and for ink formulations according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B The dynamic surface tension profiles (time scale) are shown for ink formulations not according to the invention and for ink formulations according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 7 The dynamic surface tension profiles (logarithmic scale) are shown for ink formulations not according to the invention and for ink formulations according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 8 The dynamic surface tension profiles (time scale) of ink formulations according to some embodiments of the present invention are shown. Fig. 9 Shown are dynamic surface tension profiles (logarithmic scale) for ink formulations according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention in one aspect thereof provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15); and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension. Various embodiments will be described in detail herein in conjunction with the above aspects of the invention. It should be noted that one or more embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the water-based inkjet ink formulation of the present invention may also be applicable mutatis mutandis to other aspects of the present invention, such as methods, processes, uses and systems. It is further noted that various methods of measuring dynamic surface tension and static surface tension are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered limited to a specific Si ta bubble pressure tensiometer, and other corresponding measurement methods are equivalent and within the scope of the present invention. It is noted that those skilled in the art are familiar with other measurement methods and conversions between the dynamic surface tension and static surface tension specified above and equivalent values ​​measured by other methods. Sometimes, the ink formulation of the present invention may be referred to as a "high dynamic surface tension ink formulation" having a dynamic surface tension of about 37 mN / m to about 50 mN / m, for example, measured by a Si ta online type (Pro-line T15) at room temperature. The dynamic surface tension of the ink formulation of the present invention is higher than its static surface tension measured at the same temperature. In some embodiments of the present invention, the dynamic surface tension of the ink formulation is between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m, inclusive (measured at RT at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds). Any value within the above range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 37.0 mN / m, 37.1 mN / m, 37.2 mN / m, 37.3 mN / m, 37.4 mN / m, 37.5 mN / m, 37.6 mN / m, 37.7 mN / m, 37.8 mN / m, 37.9 mN / m, 38.0 mN / m, 38.1 mN / m, 38.2 mN / m, 38.3 mN / m, 38.4 mN / m, 38.5 mN / m, 38.6 mN / m, 38.7 mN / m, 38.8 mN / m, 38.9 mN / m, 39.0 mN / m, 39.1 mN / m, 39.2 mN / m, 39. 3mN / m, 39.4mN / m, 39.5mN / m, 39.6mN / m, 39.7mN / m, 39.8mN / m, 39.9mN / m, 40.0mN / m, 40.1mN / m, 40.2mN / m, 40.3mN / m, 40.4mN / m, 40.5mN / m, 4 0.6mN / m, 40.7mN / m, 40.8mN / m, 40.9mN / m, 41.0mN / m, 41.1mN / m, 41.2m N / m, 41.3mN / m, 41.4mN / m, 41.5mN / m, 41.6mN / m, 41.7mN / m, 41.8mN / m, 41.9mN / m, 42.0mN / m, 42.1mN / m, 42.2mN / m, 42.3mN / m, 42.4mN / m, 42.5mN / m, 42.6mN / m, 42.7mN / m, 42.8mN / m, 42.9mN / m, 43.0mN / m, 43.1mN / m, 43.2mN / m, 43.3mN / m, 43.4mN / m, 43.5mN / m, 43.6mN / m, 43.7mN / m, 43.8mN / m, 43.9mN / m, 44.0mN / m, 44.1mN / m, 44.2mN / m, 44.3mN / m, 44.4mN / m, 44.5mN / m, 44.6mN / m, 44.7mN / m, 44.8mN / m, 44.9mN / m, 45.0mN / m, 45.1mN / m, 45.2mN / m, 45.3mN / m, 45.4mN / m, 45.5mN / m, 45.6mN / m, 45.7mN / m, 45.8mN / m, 45.9mN / m, 46.0mN / m, 46.1mN / m, 46.2mN / m, 46.3mN / m, 46.4mN / m, 46.5mN / m, 46.6mN / m, 46.7mN / m, 46.8mN / m, 46.9mN / m, 47.0mN / m, 47.1mN / m, 47.2mN / m, 47.3mN / m, 47.4mN / m, 47.5mN / m, 47.6mN / m, 47.7mN / m, 47.8mN / m, 47.9mN / m, 48.0mN / m, 48.1mN / m, 48.2mN / m, 48.3mN / m, 48.4mN / m, 48.5mN / m, 48.6mN / m, 48.7mN / m, 48.8mN / m, 48.9mN / m, 49.0mN / m, 49.1mN / m, 49.2mN / m, 49.3mN / m, 49.4mN / m, 49.5mN / m, 49.6mN / m, 49.7mN / m, 49.8mN / m, 49.9mN / m and 50.0mN / m. . In some embodiments of the present invention, the ink formulation has a static surface tension between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m, inclusive (measured at RT at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds). Any value within the above range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 23.0 mN / m, 23.1 mN / m, 23.2 mN / m, 23.3 mN / m, 23.4 mN / m, 23.5 mN / m, 23.6 mN / m, 23.7 mN / m, 23.8 mN / m, 23.9 mN / m, 24.0 mN / m, 24.1 mN / m, 24.2 mN / m, 24.3 mN / m, 24.4 mN / m, 24.5 mN / m, 24.6 mN / m, 24.7 mN / m, 24.8 mN / m, 24.9 mN / m, 25.0 mN / m, 25.1 mN / m, 25.2 mN / m, 25.3 mN / m, 25.4 mN / m and 25.5 mN / m. In some embodiments of the present invention, the static surface tension of the ink formulation is between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m, inclusive (measured at RT with a standard liquid tensiometer Kruss force tensiometer (model K20) at a frequency of 5 Hz). Any value within the above range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 23.0 mN / m, 23.1 mN / m, 23.2 mN / m, 23.3 mN / m, 23.4 mN / m, 23.5 mN / m, 23.6 mN / m, 23.7 mN / m, 23.8 mN / m, 23.9 mN / m, 24.0 mN / m, 24.1 mN / m, 24.2 mN / m, 24.3 mN / m, 24.4 mN / m, 24.5 mN / m, 24.6 mN / m, 24.7 mN / m, 24.8 mN / m, 24.9 mN / m, 25.0 mN / m, 25.1 mN / m, 25.2 mN / m, 25.3 mN / m, 25.4 mN / m and 25.5 mN / m. In some embodiments of the present invention, the ink formulation has a static surface tension of between about 23.6 and about 24.7 mN / m, inclusive (measured at RT at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds). In some embodiments of the present invention, the static surface tension of the ink formulation is further measured at RT using a standard liquid tensiometer, Kruss force tensiometer (model K20) at a frequency of 5 Hz. In some embodiments of the present invention, the static surface tension of the ink formulation is between about 23.8 mN / m and about 24.5 mN / m, inclusive (measured at RT at a frequency of 5 Hz using a standard liquid tensiometer, Kruss force tensiometer (model K20)). In some embodiments of the present invention, the dynamic surface tension of the ink formulation is as exemplified herein. In some embodiments of the present invention, the static surface tension of the ink formulation is as exemplified herein. In some embodiments, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant. In some embodiments, the surfactant is an anionic surfactant. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant and / or a second type of surfactant. In some embodiments of the present invention, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one surfactant of a first type and / or at least one surfactant of a second type. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first type of surfactant is a silicone surfactant. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant may be a siloxane or a siloxane copolymer, such as a polyether siloxane copolymer. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant can be a polyether-modified siloxane surfactant. For this reason, the term "modification" is envisioned as a siloxane in which the silicone infrastructure is chemically modified by adding one or more polyether side chains (e.g., polyethylene glycol, PEG). In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of ethylene oxide (EO) units, propylene oxide (PO) units, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of ethylene oxide units. In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of propylene oxide units. In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant can be a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane surfactant. For this reason, the term "modification" is envisioned as a siloxane in which the silicone infrastructure is chemically modified by adding one or more polyether side chains (e.g., polyethylene glycol, PEG). In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of ethylene oxide (EO) units, propylene oxide (PO) units, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of ethylene oxide units. In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of propylene oxide units. In some embodiments, the polyether can be composed of ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Tego 4100, Byk 349, BYK348, BYK-3456, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3455 and BYK-3456 and any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a siloxane-based gemini surfactant, such as Tego 4100 (CAS No. 134180-76-0, containing oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-disiloxanyl]propyl] ether). In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane selected from the group consisting of Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane selected from the group consisting of Byk 349, BYK 348, and BYK-3455. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, such as BYK-3456. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is Byk 349 (polyether-modified siloxane). In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is BYK 348 (polyether-modified siloxane). In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is BYK-3455 (polyether-modified siloxane). In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is BYK-3456 (polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane). In some embodiments, a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane (e.g., BYK-3456 silicone surfactant) can be simultaneously active at the interface of the substrate and the surface, i.e., it has a swimming depth, being able to either swim against air at various depths (thus affecting leveling) or swim deeper (thus affecting wetting). Without wishing to be bound by theory, the choice of surfactant of the present invention (i.e., at least one surfactant that provides the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic surface tension properties and static surface tension properties) can be determined by one or more of the chemical nature and molecular weight of the surfactant. Suitable surfactants are those that are able to slowly float to the surface of the ink droplets, thereby providing unique dynamic surface tension properties to the ink. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of at least one surfactant is sufficiently large to provide the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of a plurality of repeating units (e.g., monomeric units), wherein the number of repeating units is sufficiently high to provide the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of a plurality of repeating units (e.g., monomeric units) that may be modified (e.g., chemically modified) by one or more side chains, wherein the number of repeating units is sufficiently high to provide the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments, the at least one silicone surfactant is composed of a plurality of repeating units (eg, siloxane units), wherein the number of repeating units is sufficiently high to provide the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments, at least one silicone surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of a plurality of repeating units (e.g., siloxane units) that may be modified, for example, with one or more polyether side chains (e.g., polyethylene glycol, PEG), wherein the number of modified repeating units is sufficiently high to provide their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties to the ink compositions of the present invention. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of a plurality of repeating units that may be modified with one or more side chains (e.g., polyether side chains such as PEG), wherein the ratio of the number of unmodified repeating units to the number of modified repeating units is selected to provide the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments, at least one silicone surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of a plurality of repeating units that may be modified with one or more side chains (e.g., polyether side chains such as PEG), wherein the ratio of the number of unmodified repeating units to the number of modified repeating units is selected to provide the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments, at least one silicone surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of a plurality of repeating siloxane units that may be modified with, for example, one or more side chains of polyether side chains (such as polyethylene glycol, PEG), wherein the ratio of the number of unmodified repeating siloxane units to the number of modified repeating siloxane units is selected to provide their specific dynamic surface tension properties and static surface tension properties to the ink compositions of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having multiple repeating units, thereby providing the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having multiple modified repeating units, thereby providing the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having a plurality of modified repeating units (e.g., modified with polyether side chains such as polyethylene glycol PEG), wherein the ratio of the number of unmodified siloxane units to the number of modified repeating units (e.g., siloxane units modified with PEG) is selected to provide the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic surface tension properties and static surface tension characteristics. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having multiple repeating units, thereby providing the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having a plurality of modified repeating units, thereby providing the ink compositions of the present invention with their specific dynamic and static surface tension properties. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having a plurality of modified repeating units (e.g., modified with polyether side chains such as polyethylene glycol PEG), wherein the ratio of the number of unmodified siloxane units to the number of modified repeating units (e.g., siloxane units modified with PEG) is selected to provide their specific dynamic surface tension properties and static surface tension properties to the ink compositions of the present invention. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of at least about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or about 20 repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant has a chemical structure consisting of at least about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or about 20 chemically modified repeating units (e.g., modified with polyether side chains such as polyethylene glycol PEG). In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 4 repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 4 modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 4 polyether-modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having between about 4 and about 20 repeating units, inclusive. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 20 repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having between about 4 and about 20, inclusive, modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 20 modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 4 repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 4 modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 4 polyether-modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having between about 4 and about 20 repeating units, inclusive. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 20 repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having between about 4 and about 20, inclusive, modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 20 modified repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or about 20 repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or about 20 chemically modified repeating units (e.g., modified with polyether side chains such as polyethylene glycol PEG). In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or about 20 repeating units. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or about 20 chemically modified repeating units (e.g., modified with polyether side chains such as polyethylene glycol PEG). In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is not one or more of Tego 240, Tego 280, and Tego 270. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that the number of siloxane repeating units (modified or unmodified) in these surfactants that affect the molecular weight of these surfactants is insufficient to provide these surfactants with the ability to provide their specific dynamic surface tension properties and static surface tension properties to the ink compositions of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is not Tego 240 [Evonik, polyether-modified trisiloxane, CAS No. 122-20-3 (2-propanol, 1,1`,1``-nitrile triol <0.05%) and CAS No. 614-100-2 (poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]disiloxanyl]propyl]-w-hydroxy, 75% to 85%)]. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is not Tego 280 (CAS No. 68938-54-5, Evonik, polyether modified siloxane, including: siloxane and silicone, dimethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ether with polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, 75% to 100%). In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is not Tego 270 (CAS No. 68938-54-5, Evonik, polyether modified siloxane, including: siloxane and silicone, dimethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ether with polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, 75% to 90%). In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is one or more of at least one polyether-modified siloxane surfactant and at least one polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is one or more of at least one polyether-modified siloxane surfactant, at least one polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, and at least one siloxane-based gemini surfactant. In some embodiments, the siloxane-based gemini surfactant contains oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-disiloxanyl]propyl] ether. In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, polyether-modified siloxanes, siloxane-based gemini surfactants, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one surfactant is a second type of surfactant. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second type of surfactant is a non-silicone surfactant. In some embodiments of the present invention, the non-silicone surfactant is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic glycol and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate in a solvent. In some embodiments of the present invention, the non-silicone surfactant is Surfynol PSA 336 [Evonic, CAS No. 577-11-7 (succinic acid, sulfo-1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, sodium salt, 20% to 50%) and CAS No. 9014-85-1 (ethoxylated 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol, 20% to 50%), which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenediol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent]. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant which is a silicone surfactant, wherein the formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type of surfactant which is a non-silicone surfactant. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant that is a silicone surfactant, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one second type of surfactant that is a non-silicone surfactant. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one surfactant is a second type surfactant that is a non-silicone surfactant, wherein the formulation optionally further comprises at least one first type surfactant that is a silicone surfactant. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one surfactant is a second type surfactant that is a non-silicone surfactant, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one first type surfactant that is a silicone surfactant. In some embodiments, the ink formulation of the present invention includes at least one first type surfactant which is a silicone surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, polyether-modified siloxanes, siloxane-based gemini surfactants, and any combination thereof, wherein the ink formulation optionally further includes at least one second type surfactant which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic diol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one second type surfactant which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenediol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent, wherein the ink formulation optionally further includes at least one first type surfactant which is a silicone surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, polyether-modified siloxanes, siloxane-based gemini surfactants, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one first type of surfactant, which is one or more of at least one polyether-modified siloxane surfactant and at least one polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, and at least one second type of surfactant, which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic glycol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one first type of surfactant, which is one or more of at least one polyether-modified siloxane surfactant, at least one polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, and at least one siloxane-based gemini surfactant, and at least one second type of surfactant, which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic glycol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one first type of surfactant, which is at least one polyether-modified silicone surfactant, and at least one second type of surfactant, which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic glycol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one first type of surfactant, which is at least one polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, and at least one second type of surfactant, which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic glycol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one first type of surfactant, which is at least one siloxane-based gemini surfactant, and at least one second type of surfactant, which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic glycol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. In some embodiments, the ink formulation of the present invention includes at least one surfactant that is a first type of surfactant (i.e., a silicone surfactant) selected from the group consisting of Tego 4100, Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3456, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof, wherein the ink formulation optionally further includes at least one second type of surfactant that is a non-silicone surfactant, the non-silicone surfactant being Surfynol PSA. In some embodiments, the ink formulation of the present invention includes at least one surfactant which is a first type of surfactant, i.e., a silicone surfactant, selected from the group consisting of Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3456, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof, wherein the ink formulation optionally further includes at least one second type of surfactant, i.e., a non-silicone surfactant, which is Surfynol PSA. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one first type of surfactant that is BYK-3456 and at least one second type of surfactant that is Surfynol PSA. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w% and about 3.0 w / w%, including the end values. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 0.1 w / w%, 0.2 w / w%, 0.3 w / w%, 0.4 w / w%, 0.5 w / w%, 0.6 w / w%, 0.7 w / w%, 0.8 w / w%, 0.9 w / w%, 1.0 w / w%, 1.1 w / w%, 1.2 w / w%, 1.3 w / w%, 1.4 w / w%, 1.5 w / w%, 1.6 w / w%, 1.7 w / w%, 1.8 w / w%, 1.9 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%, 2.5 w / w%, 2.6 w / w%, 2.7 w / w%, 2.8 w / w%, 2.9 w / w%, 3.1 w / w%, 3. / w%, 1.5w / w%, 1.6w / w%, 1.7w / w%, 1.8w / w%, 1.9w / w%, 2.0w / w%, 2.1w / w%, 2.2w / w%, 2.3w / w%, 2.4w / w%, 2.5w / w%, 2.6w / w%, 2.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 2.9w / w% and 3.0w / w%. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.5 w / w % and about 3.0 w / w %, inclusive. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.5 w / w % and about 2.5 w / w %, inclusive. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant, i.e., a silicone surfactant, which is present in a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w% and about 3.0 w / w%, including the end values. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example, 0.1 w / w%, 0.2 w / w%, 0.3 w / w%, 0.4 w / w%, 0.5 w / w%, 0.6 w / w%, 0.7 w / w%, 0.8 w / w%, 0.9 w / w%, 1.0 w / w%, 1.1 w / w%, 1.2 w / w%, 1.3 w / w%, 1.4 w / w%, 1.5 w / w%, 1.6 w / w%, 1.7 w / w%, 1.8 w / w%, 1.9 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%, 2.5 w / w%, 2.6 w / w%, 2.7 w / w%, 2.8 w / w%, 2.9 w / w%, 3.1 w / w%, 3. In some embodiments, the first type of surfactant (i.e., silicone surfactant) is present in a concentration of about 0.5 w / w% to about 3.0 w / w%, including the end values, and sometimes in a concentration of about 1.0 w / w% to about 3.0 w / w%, including the end values, and even sometimes in a concentration of about 0.5 w / w% to about 2.5 w / w%, including the end values. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is a second type surfactant, i.e., a non-silicone surfactant, which is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w% and about 0.5 w / w%, including the end values. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, such as 0.1 w / w%, 0.2 w / w%, 0.3 w / w%, 0.4 w / w% and 0.5 w / w%. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant is: a first type of surfactant, i.e., a silicone surfactant, which is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w% and about 3.0 w / w%, including the end values, sometimes at a concentration between about 1.0 w / w% and about 3.0 w / w%, including the end values, and even sometimes at a concentration between about 0.5 w / w% and about 2.5 w / w%, including the end values; and a second type of surfactant, i.e., a non-silicone surfactant, which is optionally present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.0 w / w% and about 0.5 w / w%, including the end values. In some embodiments, the ink formulation according to the present invention includes at least one first type of surfactant (i.e., silicone surfactant) and at least one second type of surfactant (i.e., non-silicone surfactant), wherein the first type of surfactant and the second type of surfactant are present in the ink formulation in a ratio between about 4:1 and about 200:1, inclusive. Any value within the above ratio is within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the total content of surfactants in the ink formulation of the present invention is about 4.0 w / w%, sometimes about 3.5%, sometimes about 3.0%, and even sometimes about 2.5%. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one surfactant is of a first type that is selected to obtain a dynamic surface tension and a static surface tension of the ink formulation, as disclosed herein. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one surfactant is of a second type that is selected to obtain a dynamic surface tension and a static surface tension of the ink formulation as disclosed herein. In some embodiments of the present invention, the ink formulations of the present invention include a first type of surfactant and a second type of surfactant, wherein the combination thereof is selected to obtain a dynamic surface tension and a static surface tension of the ink formulation as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the surfactants of the present invention are completely soluble in the aqueous ink formulations of the present invention. In some embodiments, at least one surfactant and the amount thereof in the ink formulation according to the present invention are as disclosed and exemplified herein. In some embodiments, ink formulations according to the present invention are as disclosed and exemplified herein. The water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention are aqueous inks. In some embodiments, water comprises at least about 30 w / w%, sometimes at least about 40 w / w%, and even sometimes at least about 50 w / w% or more of the formulation. In some embodiments according to the present invention, water occupies between about 30.0 w / w% and about 65.0 w / w% of the ink formulation (including 30.0 w / w% and 65.0 w / w%). Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 30.0 w / w%, 31.0 w / w%, 32.0 w / w%, 33.0 w / w%, 34.0 w / w%, 35.0 w / w%, 36.0 w / w%, 37.0 w / w%, 38.0 w / w%, 39.0 w / w%, 40.0 w / w%, 41.0 w / w%, 42.0 w / w%, 43.0 w / w%, 44.0 w / w%, 45.0 w / w%, 46.0 w / w%, w%, 47.0w / w%, 48.0w / w%, 49.0w / w%, 50.0w / w%, 51.0w / w%, 52.0w / w%, 53.0w / w%, 54.0w / w%, 55.0w / w%, 56. 0w / w%, 57.0w / w%, 58.0w / w%, 59.0w / w%, 60.0w / w%, 61.0w / w%, 62.0w / w%, 63.0w / w%, 64.0w / w% and 65.0w / w%. In some embodiments according to the present invention, water comprises between about 45.0 w / w % and about 65.0 w / w % (inclusive) of the ink formulation. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention may also include at least one co-solvent, such as a humectant. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention may also optionally include one or more water-soluble co-solvents. In some embodiments, the ink formulation according to the present invention may also include at least one co-solvent. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is miscible with water. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is miscible with water at at least one specific temperature in the range of 20°C to 60°C, whereby the solvent is a single-phase solvent. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is selected to provide a single-phase solvent with a reduced vapor pressure relative to water at at least one specific temperature in the range of 20°C to 60°C. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, PEG 400, N-methylpyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, DMSO, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the co-solvent occupies at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, or at least 40% w / w of the formulation. In some embodiments, the cosolvent comprises at most 40%, at most 35%, at most 30%, at most 25%, at most 20%, at most 15%, at most 10%, or at most 5% w / w of the formulation. In some embodiments, the ratio of cosolvent to water is in the range of 0.1:1 to 1:1 on a weight-to-weight basis. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the co-solvent is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 12.0 w / w% and about 25.0 w / w%, inclusive. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 12.0 w / w%, 12.5 w / w%, 13.0 w / w%, 13.5 w / w%, 14.0 w / w%, 14.5 w / w%, 15.0 w / w%, 15.5 w / w%, 16.0 w / w%, 16.5 w / w%, 17.0 w / w%, 17.5 w / w%, 18.0 w / w%, 18.5 w / w%, 19.0 w / w%, 20.0 w / w%, 21.0 w / w%, 22.0 w / w%, 23.0 w / w%, 24.0 w / w%, 25.0 w / w%, 26.0 w / w%, 27.0 w / w%, 28.0 w / w%, 29.0 w / w%, 30.0 w / w%, 31.0 w / w%, 32.0 w / w%, 33.0 w / w%, 34.0 w / w%, 35.0 w / w%, 36.0 w / w%, 37.0 w / w%, 38.0 w / w%, 39.0 w / w%, 40.0 w / w%, 41.0 w / w%, 42.0 w / w%, 43.0 w / w%, 44.0 w / w%, 45.0 w / w%, 46.0 w / w%, 47.0 w / w%, 48.0 w / w%, 49.0 w / w%, 50.0 w / w%, 51.0 w / w%, 52.0 w / w%, 53 .0w / w%, 18.5w / w%, 19.0w / w%, 19.5w / w%, 20.0w / w%, 20.5w / w%, 21.0w / w%, 21.5w / w%, 22.0w / w%, 22.5w / w%, 23.0w / w%, 23.5w / w%, 24.0w / w%, 24.5w / w% and 25.0w / w%. In some embodiments, the co-solvent is propylene glycol. As used herein, the terms "colorant" and "coloring agent" or any linguistic variations thereof are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises at least about 1.0% w / w of the ink formulation. In some embodiments, the colorant includes a pigment or a mixture of pigments. In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least one colorant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention in a concentration between about 0.1 w / w % and about 5.0 w / w %, inclusive. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 0.1 w / w%, 0.2 w / w%, 0.3 w / w%, 0.4 w / w%, 0.5 w / w%, 0.6 w / w%, 0.7 w / w%, 0.8 w / w%, 0.9 w / w%, 1.0 w / w%, 1.1 w / w%, 1.2 w / w%, 1.3 w / w%, 1.4 w / w%, 1.5 w / w%, 1.6 w / w%, 1.7 w / w%, 1.8 w / w%, 1.9 w / w%, 2.0 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%. / w%, 2.5w / w%, 2.6w / w%, 2.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 2.9w / w%, 3.0w / w%, 3.1w / w%, 3.2w / w%, 3.3w / w%, 3.4w / w%, 3.5w / w%, 3.6w / w%, 3.7w / w%, 3.8w / w%, 3.9w / w%, 4.0w / w%, 4.1w / w%, 4.2w / w%, 4.3w / w%, 4.4w / w%, 4.5w / w%, 4.6w / w%, 4.7w / w%, 4.8w / w%, 4.9w / w% and 5.0w / w%. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the total concentration of the colorant in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention is between about 0.1 w / w % and about 5.0 w / w %, inclusive. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 0.1 w / w%, 0.2 w / w%, 0.3 w / w%, 0.4 w / w%, 0.5 w / w%, 0.6 w / w%, 0.7 w / w%, 0.8 w / w%, 0.9 w / w%, 1.0 w / w%, 1.1 w / w%, 1.2 w / w%, 1.3 w / w%, 1.4 w / w%, 1.5 w / w%, 1.6 w / w%, 1.7 w / w%, 1.8 w / w%, 1.9 w / w%, 2.0 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%. / w%, 2.5w / w%, 2.6w / w%, 2.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 2.9w / w%, 3.0w / w%, 3.1w / w%, 3.2w / w%, 3.3w / w%, 3.4w / w%, 3.5w / w%, 3.6w / w%, 3.7w / w%, 3.8w / w%, 3.9w / w%, 4.0w / w%, 4.1w / w%, 4.2w / w%, 4.3w / w%, 4.4w / w%, 4.5w / w%, 4.6w / w%, 4.7w / w%, 4.8w / w%, 4.9w / w% and 5.0w / w%. In some embodiments, the colorant contains less than 5% pigment. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the coloring agent includes at least one white pigment. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the coloring agent includes at least one black pigment. In some embodiments, at least one coloring agent is dispersed or at least partially dissolved in water and optionally at least one co-solvent. In some embodiments, ink formulations according to the present invention may further include at least one plasticizer. Non-limiting examples of plasticizers include Pluronic 10R5 (BASF), Pluronic 10RP (BASF), GRB-3 (Lubrizol), Byketol PC (BYK), Carbowax 1450 (DOW), Carbowax 3250 (Dow), Tergil tol15-S-9 (Sigma-Aldrich), Tween 20, Tween 80, Ecosurf SA-9 (DOW), Ecosurf EH-9 (DOW), Synative RPE1050 (BASF), or any combination thereof. Any other plasticizers known in the art are within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one plasticizer in the form of polyethylene glycol, such as Carbowax 1450 (DOW) and Carbowax 3250 (Dow). In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one pluronic plasticizer that is a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol-polyethylene glycol copolymer (ie, a PPG-PEG-PPG copolymer). In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include at least one pluronic plasticizer having an Mw between about 1,000 g / mole and about 5,000 g / mole, inclusive. Any value within the above range is within the scope of the present invention, such as an Mw of about 1,000 g / mole, about 2,000 g / mole, about 3,000 g / mole, about 4,000 g / mole, and about 5,000 g / mole. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a Pluronic plasticizer, such as Pluronic 10R5 (BASF) and Pluronic 10RP (BASF). In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a plasticizer that is a secondary alcohol ethoxylate, such as Tergil tol 15-S-9 (Sigma-Aldrich) plasticizer. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a plasticizer of ethoxylated (20) sorbitan esters, such as Tween 20 and Tween 80. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a plasticizer that is a modified urea surfactant plasticizer, such as Byketol PC (BYK). In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a plasticizer that is an alcohol ethoxylate, such as Ecosurf EH-9 (DOW). In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a plasticizer that is a seed oil surfactant, such as Ecosurf SA-9 (DOW). In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a plasticizer comprised of a black copolymer of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, such as Synative RPE1050 (BASF) plasticizer. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a polyol plasticizer, such as GRB-3 (Lubrizol). In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention include a combination of plasticizers GRB-3 and Byketol PC. In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least one plasticizer is present in a concentration of about 2.0 w / w% to about 6.0 w / w% (including 2.0 w / w% and 6.0 w / w%) in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, such as 2.0 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%, 2.5 w / w%, 2.6 w / w%, 2.7 w / w%, 2.8 w / w%, 2.9 w / w%, 3.0 w / w%, 3.1 w / w%, 3.2 w / w%, 3.3 w / w%, 3.4 w / w%, 3.5 w / w%, 3.6 w / w%, 3.7 w / w%, 3.8 w / w%, 3.9w / w%, 4.0w / w%, 4.1w / w%, 4.2w / w%, 4.3w / w%, 4.4w / w%, 4.5w / w%, 4.6w / w%, 4.7w / w%, 4.8w / w%, 4.9w / w%, 5.0w / w%, 5.1w / w%, 5.2w / w%, 5.3w / w%, 5.4w / w%, 5.5w / w%, 5.6w / w%, 5.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 5.9w / w% and 6.0w / w%. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the total content of plasticizer present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention is between about 2.0 w / w% and about 6.0 w / w% (including 2.0 w / w% and 6.0 w / w%). Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 2.0 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%, 2.5 w / w%, 2.6 w / w%, 2.7 w / w%, 2.8 w / w%, 2.9 w / w%, 3.0 w / w%, 3.1 w / w%, 3.2 w / w%, 3.3 w / w%, 3.4 w / w%, 3.5 w / w%, 3.6 w / w%, 3.7 w / w%, 3.8 w / w%, 3.9 w / w%, 4.1 w / w%, 4.2 w / w%, 4.3 w / w%, 4.4 w / w%, 4.5 w / w%, 4.6 w / w%, 4.7 w / w%, 4.8 w / w%, 4.9 w / w%, 5.1 w / w%, 5.2 w / w%, 5.3 w / w%, 5.4 w / w%, 5.5 w / w%, 5.6 w / w%, 5.7 w / w%, 5.8 w / w%, 5.9 w / w%, 6.1 w / w%, 6.2 w / w%, 6.3 w / w%, 6.4 w / w%, 6.5 w / w%, 6.6 w / w%, 6.7 w / w%, 6.8 w / w%, 6.9 w / w%, 7.0 w / w%, 7.1 w / w%, 7.2 w / w%, 7.3 w / w%, 7.4 w / w%, 7.5 w 3.9w / w%, 4.0w / w%, 4.1w / w%, 4.2w / w%, 4.3w / w%, 4.4w / w%, 4.5w / w%, 4.6w / w%, 4.7w / w%, 4.8w / w%, 4.9w / w%, 5.0w / w%, 5.1w / w%, 5.2w / w%, 5.3w / w%, 5.4w / w%, 5.5w / w%, 5.6w / w%, 5.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 5.9w / w% and 6.0w / w%. In some embodiments, ink formulations according to the present invention may further include at least one dispersant. Non-limiting examples of suitable dispersants are polyanionic dispersants and polymeric dispersants. In some embodiments, the dispersant is Efka 4585 (Evonik). In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least one dispersant is present in a concentration between about 1.0 w / w% and about 4.0 w / w% (including 1.0 w / w% and 4.0 w / w%) in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 1.0 w / w%, 1.1 w / w%, 1.2 w / w%, 1.3 w / w%, 1.4 w / w%, 1.5 w / w%, 1.6 w / w%, 1.7 w / w%, 1.8 w / w%, 1.9 w / w%, 2.0 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%, / w%, 2.5w / w%, 2.6w / w%, 2.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 2.9w / w%, 3.0w / w%, 3.1w / w%, 3.1w / w%, 3.2w / w%, 3.3w / w%, 3.4w / w%, 3.5w / w%, 3.6w / w%, 3.7w / w%, 3.8w / w%, 3.9w / w% and 4.0w / w%. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention may also include at least one anti-corrosion agent. In some embodiments, the anti-corrosion agent is L-51 - Levas il CC151HS. In some embodiments, the anti-corrosion agent is an alkali metal organosiliconate. Such anti-corrosion agents have been previously disclosed in applicant's patent publication

[11] , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the at least one alkali metal organosiliconate is sodium methylsilanol, which may sometimes be referred to as methyl-silanetriol sodium salt or sodium methylsilanetriolate. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the at least one alkali metal organosiliconate is sodium methylsiliconate having CAS number 16589-43-8. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the at least one alkali metal organosiliconate is potassium methylsiliconate, which may sometimes be referred to as potassium methylsilanetriol salt or potassium methylsilanetriolate. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the at least one alkali metal organosiliconate is potassium methylsiliconate having CAS number 31795-24-1. In some embodiments, at least one alkali metal organosiliconate is present in a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration of at least about 0.01 w / w %, sometimes at least about 0.05 w / w %, and even sometimes at least about 0.1 w / w %. In some embodiments, at least one alkali metal organosiliconate is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 0.01 w / w % and about 4.00 w / w %, inclusive. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 0.01 w / w%, 0.02 w / w%, 0.03 w / w%, 0.04 w / w%, 0.05 w / w%, 0.06 w / w%, 0.07 w / w%, 0.08 w / w%, 0.09 w / w%, 0.10 w / w%, 0.11 w / w%, 0.12 w / w%, 0.13 w / w%, 0.14 w / w%, 0.15 w / w%, 0.16 w / w%, 0.17 w / w%, 0.18 w / w%, 0.19 w / w%, 0.20 w / w%, 0.21 w / w%, 0.22 w / w%, 0.23 w / w%. / w%、0.24w / w%、0.25w / w%、0.26w / w%、0.27w / w%、0.28w / w%、0.29w / w%、0.30w / w%、0.31w / w%、0.32w / w%、0.33w / w%、0.34w / w%、0.35w / w%、0.36w / w%、0.37w / w%、0.38w / w%、0.39w / w%、0.40w / w%、0.41w / w%、0.42w / w%、0.43w / w%、0.44w / w%、0.45w / w%、0.46w / w%、0.47w / w%、0.48w / w %, 0.49w / w%, 0.50w / w%, 0.51w / w%, 0.52w / w%, 0.53w / w%, 0.54w / w%, 0.55w / w%, 0.56w / w%, 0.57w / w%, 0.58w / w%, 0.59w / w%, 0.60w / w%, 0.6 1w / w%, 0.62w / w%, 0.63w / w%, 0.64w / w%, 0.65w / w%, 0.66w / w%, 0.67w / w%, 0.68w / w%, 0.69w / w%, 0.70w / w%, 0.71w / w%, 0.72w / w%, 0.73w / w%, 0.74w / w%, 0.75w / w%, 0.76w / w%, 0.77w / w%, 0.78w / w%, 0.79w / w%, 0.80w / w%, 0.81w / w%, 0.82w / w%, 0.83w / w%, 0.84w / w%, 0.85w / w%, 0.86w / w%, 0.87w / w%, 0.88w / w%, 0.89w / w%, 0.90w / w%, 0.91w / w%, 0.92w / w%, 0.93w / w%, 0.94w / w%, 0.95w / w%, 0.96w / w%, 0.97w / w%, 0.98w / w%, 0.99w / w%, 1.00w / w%, 1.10w / w%, 1.20w / w%, 1.30w / w%, 1.40w / w%, 1.50w / w%, 1.60w / w%, 1 .70w / w%, 1.80w / w%, 1.90w / w%, 2.00w / w%, 2.10w / w%, 2.20w / w%, 2.30w / w%, 2.40w / w%, 2 .50w / w%, 2.60w / w%, 2.70w / w%, 2.80w / w%, 2.90w / w%, 3.00w / w%, 3.10w / w%, 3.20w / w%, 3.30w / w%, 3.40w / w%, 3.50w / w%, 3.60w / w%, 3.70w / w%, 3.80w / w%, 3.90w / w% and 4.00w / w%. . In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention may also include at least one antimicrobial agent (biocide) (e.g., Merga K12N or any other antimicrobial agent known in the art), wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises up to about 1% by weight of the inkjet ink formulation. Any value between 0% and 1% is within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the antimicrobial agent comprises about 0.03% by weight of the inkjet ink formulation. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulation of the present invention may further include at least one wax material. Non-limiting examples of wax materials include Deurex 4501, Deurex 4601, Novasperse HD80 (Allinova), Joncryl wax 35 (BASF), Cohesa 1020 (Honeywell), Aquaver 513 (BYK), or any combination thereof. Any other wax material known in the art is within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, at least one wax material is an oxidized polyethylene wax, such as Deurex 4501 and Deurex4601. In some embodiments, at least one wax material is a high density polyethylene (HDPE) wax, such as Novasperse HD80 (Allinova) and Aquaver 513 (BYK). In some embodiments, at least one wax material is a polyethylene wax, such as Joncryl wax 35 (BASF). In some embodiments, at least one wax material includes ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, such as Cohesa 1020 (Honeywell). In some embodiments, the wax material is provided in the form of an emulsion (eg, a wax-in-water emulsion). In some embodiments, the wax material comprises up to about 3.0% by weight of the inkjet ink formulation, and sometimes up to about 5.0% by weight of the inkjet ink formulation. Any value between 0% and 5.0% is within the scope of the present aspect, for example, 0 w / w%, 0.1 w / w%, 0.2 w / w%, 0.3 w / w%, 0.4 w / w%, 0.5 w / w%, 0.6 w / w%, 0.7 w / w%, 0.8 w / w%, 0.9 w / w%, 1.0 w / w%, 1.1 w / w%, 1.2 w / w%, 1.3 w / w%, 1.4 w / w%, 1.5 w / w%, 1.6 w / w%, 1.7 w / w%, 1.8 w / w%, 1.9 w / w%, 2.0 w / w%, 2.1 w / w%, 2.2 w / w%, 2.3 w / w%, 2.4 w / w%, 2.5 w / w%, 2.6 w / w%, 2.7 w / w%, 2.8 w / w%, 2.9 w / w%, 3.0 w / w%, 3.1 w / w%, 3.2 w / w%, 3.3 w / w%, 3.4 w / w%, 3.5 w / w%, 3.6 w / w%, 3.7 w / w%, 3.8 w / w%, 3.9 w / w%, 4.1 w / w%, 4.2 w / w%, 4.3 w / w%, 4.4 w / w%, 4.5 w / w%, 4.6 w / w%, 4.7 w / w%, 4.8 w / w%, 4.9 w / w%, 5.1 w / w%, 5. 2.4w / w%, 2.5w / w%, 2.6w / w%, 2.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 2.9w / w%, 3.0w / w%, 3.1w / w%, 3.2w / w%, 3.3w / w%, 3.4w / w%, 3.5w / w%, 3.6w / w%, 3.7w / w / w%, 3.8w / w%, 3.9w / w%, 4.0w / w%, 4.1w / w%, 4.2w / w%, 4.3w / w%, 4.4w / w%, 4.5w / w%, 4.6w / w%, 4.7w / w%, 4.8w / w%, 4.9w / w% and 5.0w / w%. In some embodiments, the ink formulation according to the present invention may also include at least one additional additive suitable for use in the field of inkjet inks. Non-limiting examples of applicable additives are: at least one anti-gelling agent (e.g., acid); at least one pH adjusting agent (e.g., base); and at least one defoaming agent. In some embodiments, one or more of the additional additives comprises up to about 3.0% by weight of the inkjet ink formulation. Any value between 0% and 3.0% is within the scope of the invention, for example, 0 w / w%, 0.1 w / w%, 0.2 w / w%, 0.3 w / w%, 0.4 w / w%, 0.5 w / w%, 0.6 w / w%, 0.7 w / w%, 0.8 w / w%, 0.9 w / w%, 1.0 w / w%, 1.1 w / w%, 1.2 w / w%, 1.3 w / w%, 1.4 w / w%, 1.5 w / w%, 1.6 w / w%, 1.7 w / w%, 1.8 w / w%, 1.9 w / w%, 2.10 w / w%, 2.11 w / w%, 2.12 w / w%, 2.13 w / w%, 2.14 w / w%, 2.15 w / w%, 2.16 w / w%, 2.17 w / w%, 2.18 w / w%, 2.19 w / w%, 2.20 w / w%, 2.21 w / w%, 2.22 w / w%, 2.23 w / w%, 2.24 w / w%, 2.25 w / w%, 2.26 w / w%, 2.27 w / w%, 2.28 w / w%, 2.29 w / w%, 2.30 w / w%, 2.31 w / w%, 2.32 w / w%, 2.33 w / w%, 2.34 w / w%, 2.35 w / w%, 2.36 w / w%, 2.37 w / w%, 2.38 w / w%, 2.39 w / w%, 2.40 w / w%, 2.41 w / w%, 2.42 w / w%, 2 .4w / w%, 1.5w / w%, 1.6w / w%, 1.7w / w%, 1.8w / w%, 1.9w / w%, 2.0w / w%, 2.1w / w%, 2.2w / w%, 2.3w / w%, 2.4w / w%, 2.5w / w%, 2.6w / w%, 2.7w / w%, 2.8w / w%, 2.9w / w% and 3.0w / w%. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention may include one or more non-volatile solids. In some embodiments, non-volatile solids comprise up to about 30 weight percent, sometimes up to about 25.0 weight percent, and even sometimes up to about 20.0 weight percent of the inkjet ink formulation. In some embodiments, non-volatile solids comprise between about 10% w / w to about 30% w / w of the inkjet ink formulation, sometimes between about 10% w / w to about 20.0% w / w of the inkjet ink formulation, and even sometimes between about 15% w / w to about 22% w / w of the inkjet ink formulation. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one surfactant of the present invention and one or more additional ingredients in the ink formulation (e.g., at least one alkali metal organosiliconate) can provide additive effects, sometimes synergistic beneficial effects, in the printing process of the present invention. Non-limiting beneficial effects are as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, for example, when the water-based inkjet ink formulation is used in an indirect printing process or system, the water-based inkjet ink formulation may further include at least one binder (eg, an organic polymeric resin). In some embodiments, at least one binder may be dispersed or at least partially soluble in water and the optional co-solvent. In some embodiments, at least one binder is dispersed or at least partially dissolved in water and the optional co-solvent. In some embodiments, at least one binder is an organic polymeric resin binder. In some embodiments, at least one binder is an organic polymeric resin binder that is dispersed or at least partially dissolved in water and an optional co-solvent. In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least one binder in the ink formulation is an anionic binder, such as an acrylic binder and / or a sulfonic acid binder. Similar anionic binders are within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least one binder in the ink formulation is a negatively charged organic polymeric resin. In some embodiments according to the present invention, the negatively charged organic polymeric resin has an average molecular weight of at least 8,000. In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least one binder in the ink formulation is an acrylic polymer and / or an acrylic-styrene copolymer (eg, having an average molecular weight of about 60,000 g / mole). In some embodiments according to the present invention, at least one binder is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention at a concentration between about 5.0 w / w % and about 20.0 w / w %, inclusive. Any value within the above concentration range is within the scope of the present invention, for example 5.0 w / w%, 5.5 w / w%, 6.0 w / w%, 6.5 w / w%, 7.0 w / w%, 7.5 w / w%, 8.0 w / w%, 8.5 w / w%, 9.0 w / w%, 9.5 w / w%, 10.0 w / w%, 10.5 w / w%, 11.0 w / w%, 11.5 w / w%, 12.0 w / w%, 12.5 w / w%, 13.0 w / w%, 13.5 w / w%, 14.0 w / w%, 14.5 w / w%, 15.0 w / w%, 16.0 w / w%, 17.0 w / w%, 18.0 w / w%, 19.0 w / w% and 20.0 w / w%. Non-limiting examples of binders include polystyrene-acrylate copolymers, polyacrylate polymers, polyurethanes (eg, aliphatic polyurethanes such as anionic aliphatic polyurethanes), urethane-acrylate copolymers, and polyesters (eg, polyethylene terephthalate). Exemplary styrene-acrylic acid (or polystyrene-acrylate) copolymers include 77E, 586, 90. 8085 and ECO 2177. Exemplary polyurethanes include R-563, anionic aliphatic polyurethane from DSM-PUD. Exemplary acrylic or polyacrylic adhesives include 538 (BASF), an acrylic polymer emulsion. Exemplary polyesters include Plascoat Z-105, Plascoat Z-730, and Plascoat Z-750 (all from GOO Chemicals). Binders may be provided in various forms such as dispersions or emulsions, with water typically being the primary carrier liquid. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a styrene-acrylic emulsion. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention may include one or more of at least one co-solvent, at least one plasticizer, at least one dispersant, at least one anti-corrosion agent, at least one anti-microbial agent, at least one wax material, at least one anti-gelling agent, at least one pH adjuster, at least one defoaming agent, and at least one binder. The various embodiments described herein in detail in connection with the inkjet ink formulations of the present invention are applicable mutatis mutandis to the uses, methods and systems of the present invention. The present invention in another aspect thereof provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in preventing and / or minimizing and / or alleviating inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system. The print head is used in a printing process which may be direct or indirect. Similarly, the printing system employed may be a direct system or an indirect system. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations as disclosed herein are also used to improve the printing process and / or to improve the quality of the resulting printed image.The printing process may be direct or indirect. In some embodiments, the ink formulations of the present invention are suitable for use at the jetting temperatures of a printing process according to the present invention (eg, about 30°C) and other temperatures operated in the process (eg, an ITM temperature of about 80°C). The present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a method for preventing and / or minimizing and / or reducing inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system (e.g., a print head used in an inkjet printing process and forming a part of the printing system), wherein the method comprises (e.g., in a printing process) using a water-based inkjet ink formulation, the water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15); and Wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension, thereby preventing and / or minimizing and / or reducing inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system. The present invention, in another aspect thereof, provides a method for preventing and / or minimizing and / or reducing inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system (e.g., a print head used in an inkjet printing process and forming part of a printing system), wherein the method comprises employing an aqueous-based inkjet ink formulation of the present invention as disclosed herein. The present invention in yet another aspect of its aspects provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in a method of preventing and / or minimizing and / or alleviating inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system. Yet, the present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for preventing and / or minimizing and / or alleviating inkjet ink sweating on a print head of a printing system. The present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of a resulting printed image, wherein the method comprises (e.g., in the printing process) employing a water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15); and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension, thereby improving one or more of the printing process and the quality of the resulting printed image. The present invention in another of its aspects provides a method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of a resulting printed image, wherein the method comprises employing a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein in the printing process. The present invention, in yet another of its aspects, provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in a method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of the resulting printed image. However, the present invention in yet another of its aspects provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in one or more of improving the printing process and improving the quality of the resulting printed image. Non-limiting examples of improvements achieved with the ink formulations of the present invention are: improved long-term jetting stability, increase in available printing cycles / runs (particularly due to reduced ink accumulation in the ink nozzles); increased printhead life; ease of maintenance; improved process stability; and improved print quality, which is one or more of improvements in print uniformity, ink wettability on the ITM, dot size, ink spreading characteristics, missing nozzle compensation, and printhead compatibility. In some embodiments, improving the printing process and / or improving the quality of the resulting printed image is reflected in the non-sweat behavior of the ink formulations of the present invention. The present invention in another aspect thereof provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein for use in, for example, a printing process, as described herein. The present invention, in yet another of its aspects, provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein, for example forming part of a printing system, as described herein. The present invention, in yet another aspect thereof, provides a printing method using the water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein. However, the present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a method of printing on a substrate, the method comprising inkjetting an ink formulation onto a printing substrate using one or more printing bars each comprising one or more print heads, thereby forming an ink image on the substrate, wherein the ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the printing methods of the present invention are used to one or more of improve the printing process and improve the quality of the resulting printed image. In another aspect of its aspects, the present invention provides a printing method, comprising: providing an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; forming an ink image on the release layer surface by jetting an ink formulation onto the release layer surface using one or more print bars each comprising one or more print heads; and transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate; The ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the method can further include substantially drying the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member and transferring the substantially dried ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. In another aspect of its aspects, the present invention provides a printing method, the printing method is selected from: (i) a direct printing process onto a substrate, said process comprising jetting an ink formulation onto a printing substrate using one or more printing bars each comprising one or more print heads, thereby forming an ink image on said substrate, wherein said ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention; or (ii) an indirect printing method, the method comprising: providing an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; forming an ink image on the release layer surface by jetting an ink formulation onto the release layer surface using one or more print bars each comprising one or more print heads; and transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate; wherein the ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention, and wherein the method may further comprise substantially drying the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member and transferring the substantially dried ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. However, the present invention in yet another of its aspects provides a printing system comprising the water-based inkjet ink formulation as disclosed herein. The present invention, in another aspect thereof, provides a printing system comprising an image forming station, the image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto a printing substrate to form an ink image on the substrate, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. In another aspect of its aspects, the present invention provides a printing system, comprising: an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; an image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto the release layer surface to form an ink image on the surface, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention; and A transfer station is provided for transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. The present invention in a further aspect thereof provides a printing system and printing process substantially as described herein. In yet another aspect of its aspects the present invention provides an aqueous based inkjet ink formulation substantially as described herein. The present invention, in another aspect thereof, provides a water-based inkjet ink formulation having a dynamic surface tension and a static surface tension as illustrated and described herein, for example, in the Figures. As described above, the inkjet ink formulation of the present invention may be used in a direct printing process or an indirect printing process using a direct printing system and an indirect printing system, respectively. In some embodiments, the printing process is a direct printing process, ie, the ink formulation is jetted directly onto the final printed substrate. In some embodiments, the printing process is an indirect printing process, wherein the release surface of the intermediate transfer member (ITM) is pre-treated (e.g., coated) with a treatment formulation (e.g., an aqueous treatment formulation) before the ink image is deposited on the release surface. The treatment formulation is applied to the surface of the ITM to form a thin wet treatment layer thereon, and the thin wet treatment layer is subjected to a drying process on the ITM release surface to leave a thin substantially dry treatment layer (which is in the form of a film or non-film, such as a non-sticky treatment layer) on the ITM release surface. Then, droplets of the aqueous ink formulation are deposited by inkjetting onto the thin substantially dry treatment layer (e.g., a film or non-film) to form an ink image thereon. Then, the formed ink image is subjected to a drying process to leave an ink residue on the substantially dry treatment layer. Then, the substantially dry ink image and the thin substantially dry treatment layer are transferred together from the ITM surface to the final printing substrate (e.g., a foil-based, paper-based, or plastic-based substrate). Examples of such printing processes and printing systems are disclosed in the applicant's patent publications WO 2017 / 208152 (PCT / IB2017 / 053177) [3] and WO 2013 / 132418 (PCT / IB2013 / 051716) [4] and in the applicant's patent application No. PCT / IL2023 / 050117

[12] . The contents of each are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, examples of suitable treatment formulations are disclosed in the applicant's patent publications WO 2020 / 141465 (PCT / IB2020 / 050001)

[10] and in the applicant's patent application No. PCT / IL2023 / 050117

[12] , the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. in short, Figure 1 An illustration of an exemplary indirect printing system is provided. Specifically, Figure 1is a schematic side view of a digital printing system 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, system 10 includes a rolling flexible blanket 12 that cycles through an image forming station 14, a drying station 16, an imprinting station 18, and a blanket handling station 20. As used herein, the term "blanket" refers to a flexible transfer member that can be mounted within a printing apparatus to form a belt-like structure on two or more rollers, at least one of which is capable of rotating and moving the blanket (e.g., by moving its belt) to travel around the rollers. As used herein, the terms "blanket" and "intermediate transfer member" (ITM) are used interchangeably and refer to a flexible member including at least a release layer serving as an intermediate member, the flexible member being configured to receive an ink image and transfer the ink image to a target substrate. In an operating mode, the image forming station 14 is configured to form a mirror image of the digital image, also referred to herein as an "ink image" (not shown), on an upper run of the surface of the blanket 12. The ink image is subsequently transferred to a target substrate (e.g., paper, folding carton, or any suitable flexible packaging in sheet or continuous web form) located below a lower run of the blanket 12. As used herein, the terms "ink image" and "image" are interchangeable. Sometimes, the terms refer to the image formed on the blanket 12 and transferred to the target substrate. Sometimes, they refer to the printed image on the substrate itself (e.g., paper, folding carton, or any suitable flexible packaging in the form of a sheet or continuous web). Therefore, these terms should be interpreted in the context of the text in which they are used. As used herein, the term "run" refers to the length or section of blanket 12 between any two given rollers over which blanket 12 is guided. In some embodiments, during installation, the blanket 12 can be adhered edge to edge (e.g., seamed) to form a continuous blanket loop (not shown). Examples of methods and systems for seam installation are described in detail in the applicant's patent publication WO 2019 / 012456 (PCT / IB2018 / 055126) [5], the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, image forming station 14 generally includes a plurality of print bars 22, each of which is mounted (e.g., using slides) on a frame (not shown) located at a fixed height above the surface of the upper run of blanket 12. In some embodiments, each print bar 22 includes a print head strip as wide as the print area on blanket 12 and includes individually controllable print nozzles. In some embodiments, image forming station 14 may include any suitable number of bars 22, each of which may contain a printing fluid, such as a different colored aqueous ink formulation. Inks typically have visible colors such as, but not limited to, cyan, magenta, red, green, blue, yellow, black, and white. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the image forming station 14 includes seven print bars 22 , but may include, for example, four print bars 22 of any selected colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In some embodiments, one or more of the printed swaths may include the water-based inkjet ink formulation of the present invention. Sometimes, all printed swaths used in a printing method / printing system may include the water-based inkjet ink formulation of the present invention. In some embodiments, the printheads are configured to eject ink droplets of different colors onto the surface of the blanket 12 to form an ink image (not shown) on the surface of the blanket 12 . In some embodiments, the various print strips 22 are spaced apart from one another along the axis of motion of the blanket 12, represented by arrow 24. In this configuration, precise spacing between the strips 22 and synchronization between the ink droplets directing each strip 22 and the moving blanket 12 are critical to achieving proper placement of the image pattern. In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a heater, such as a hot air or air blower 26 , located between the print bars 22 and configured to partially dry ink droplets deposited on the surface of the blanket 12 . This flow of hot air between the print swathes may help, for example, to reduce condensation at the surface of the print head and / or to handle satellites (e.g., residues or small droplets distributed around the main ink droplets), and / or to prevent clogging of the inkjet nozzles of the print head, and / or to prevent undesirable merging of ink droplets of different colors on the blanket 12. In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a drying station 16 configured to blow hot air (or another gas) onto the ink image on the surface of the blanket 12. In some embodiments, the drying station includes a blower or any other suitable drying device, such as an IR dryer. In the drying station 16, the ink image formed on the blanket 12 is exposed to radiation and / or hot air to more thoroughly dry the ink, thereby evaporating most or all of the liquid vehicle and leaving only a layer of resin and colorant that is heated to the point of presenting a tacky ink film. In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a blanket transport assembly 26' configured to move a rolling ITM such as a blanket 12. In some embodiments, the blanket transport / guide assembly 26' includes one or more rollers 28, wherein at least one of the rollers 28 includes an encoder (not shown) configured to record the position of the blanket 12 in order to control the position of a section of the blanket 12 relative to the corresponding print strip 22. In some embodiments, the encoder of the roller 28 typically includes a rotary encoder configured to generate a rotation-based position signal indicative of the angular displacement of the corresponding roller. Additionally or alternatively, the blanket 12 may include an integrated encoder (not shown) for controlling the operation of the various modules of the system 10. Integrated encoders are described in detail, for example, in the applicant's patent publication WO 2020 / 003088 (PCT / IB2019 / 055288) [6], the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, system 10 includes an impression station 18 in which blanket 12 passes between impression cylinder 30 and pressure cylinder 32, which are pressed to transfer the image carried by blanket 12 to substrate 38, as described below. In some embodiments, the system 10 includes a console (not shown) configured to control the various modules and assemblies of the system 10 . In some embodiments, the blanket treatment station 20 (which may also function as a cooling station and / or a cleaning station) is configured to treat the blanket, for example, by cooling the blanket and / or applying a treatment fluid to the outer surface of the blanket 12 and / or cleaning the outer surface of the blanket 12. The treatment may be performed by passing the blanket 12 over one or more rollers or blades configured to apply cooling and / or cleaning and / or treatment fluid to the outer surface of the blanket. exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the station 20 is installed between two specific rollers 28 , however, the station 20 may be installed near the blanket 12 at any other suitable location between the impression station 18 and the image forming station 14 . In some embodiments, the impression cylinder 30 of the impression station 18 is configured to impress an ink image onto a target substrate, such as a single sheet 34 or a continuous web substrate, which is conveyed by a substrate transport module 36 (shown schematically) from an input stack 38 to an output stack 40 via the impression cylinder 30. In some embodiments, the target substrate can include any suitable substrate, such as, but not limited to, a flexible substrate, a partially flexible substrate (e.g., having a flexible section and a rigid section), or a rigid substrate. In some embodiments, system 10 includes an additional stamping station (not shown) to permit double-sided printing (ie, printing on both sides of sheet 34). In alternative embodiments, differently configured substrate transport devices 36 may be used to print on a continuous web substrate, as disclosed, for example, in PCT International Publication No. WO 2020 / 136517 (PCT / IB2019 / 061081) [9]. Detailed descriptions and various configurations of sheet-fed simplex and duplex printing systems and systems for printing on a continuous web substrate are provided, for example, in PCT International Publication No. WO 2013 / 132420 (PCT / IB2013 / 051718) [7] and PCT International Publication No. WO 2015 / 036906 (PCT / IB2014 / 064277) [8], the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. A particular configuration of system 10 is shown by way of example. However, embodiments of the present invention are in no way limited to this particular type of example system, and the principles described herein are equally applicable to any other type of printing system. Therefore, the present invention in another aspect thereof provides an indirect printing system and an indirect printing process, for example as described in one or more of [3], [4] and

[12] , which employ the inkjet ink formulation of the present invention. The present invention, in yet another aspect thereof, provides a printing system comprising an image forming station, the image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto a printing substrate to form an ink image on the substrate, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the printing substrate is substantially as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one or more print heads are substantially as disclosed herein. However, the present invention in yet another aspect thereof provides a printing system comprising: an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; an image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto the release layer surface to form an ink image on the surface, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention; and A transfer station is provided for transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. In some embodiments, the system of the present invention may further include a drying station configured to substantially dry (sometimes partially dry) the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member, and wherein the transfer station is configured to transfer the substantially dry (sometimes partially dry) ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. As used herein in the context, the term "substantially dry" or any linguistic variations thereof may be contemplated as partially dry, sometimes dry to the extent that solvents and / or co-solvents and / or water and / or any volatile components are present in trace amounts (e.g., amounts that do not interfere with the performance of one or more of the system, printing process and print quality), or even sometimes completely dry. In some embodiments, the intermediate transfer member is substantially as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one or more print heads are substantially as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the transfer station is substantially as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the drying station is substantially as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the printing substrate is substantially as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the printhead of the present invention forms part of a direct printing system. In some embodiments, the printhead of the present invention is an inkjet printhead. In some embodiments, the printhead of the present invention forms part of an indirect direct printing system. In some embodiments, a printhead of the present invention includes a printhead nozzle plate. The print head of the present invention (eg, print head) is available, for example, from Dematix of FUJIFILM Corporation (Tokyo, Japan). In another aspect of its aspects, the present invention provides a printing system, the printing system is selected from: (i) a direct printing system comprising an image forming station, the image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto a printing substrate to form an ink image on the substrate, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention; or (ii) an indirect printing system comprising: an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; an image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto the release layer surface to form an ink image on the surface, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to the present invention; and a transfer station for transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate, wherein the system may further include a drying station configured to substantially dry (sometimes partially dry) the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member, and wherein the transfer station is configured to transfer the substantially dry (sometimes partially dry) ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. Unless otherwise stated, "concentration" refers to w / w, ie, weight of a component of a water-based inkjet ink formulation / total weight of the formulation. As used herein in context, the term "about" refers to ± 10% of the indicated value. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention have a contact angle (CA) as exemplified and described herein, for example, in the figures. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention have a DST and SST as exemplified and described herein, for example, in the figures. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention have viscosities as exemplified herein. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the water-based inkjet ink formulations of the present invention is between about 7.2 cP and about 8.5 cP, and sometimes between about 7.5 cP and about 8.5 cP. Any value within the above range is within the scope of the present invention, such as 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5. In some embodiments, the water-based inkjet ink formulations are as exemplified herein. In some embodiments, the inkjet ink formulations of the present invention include the following ingredients and have viscosities and static surface tensions (SST) as detailed in Table 1 below: Table 1 : Inventive ink formulations (ingredients and parameters thereof) according to some embodiments of the present invention. *SST - static surface tension, measured at RT by a Kruss force tensiometer (model K20) at a frequency of 5 Hz, as specified. ** L-51-Levas il CC151HS-Alkali metal organosiliconate # Silicone surfactant ## Non-silicone surfactants In some embodiments, the inkjet ink formulations of the present invention have a DST and SST as detailed in Table 2 below: Table 2: Ink formulations of the invention and their DSTs according to some embodiments of the invention * and SST ** . * DST was measured using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online model (Pro-line T15) at a bubble lifetime of 0.015 seconds. ** SST was measured using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online type (Pro-line T15) at a bubble lifetime of 10 seconds. Detailed description of implementation plan The following examples demonstrate inkjet ink formulations according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The examples are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Example 1: Ink formulation and its properties Although the following formulations are prepared using materials provided by the indicated trademarks, these ingredients may be replaced with other commercially available ingredients (eg, compounds having similar chemical formula content and other characteristics). The following ink formulation is a black (K) ink that includes the following pigments: Heliogen Blue D7079, Black Pearls 4350, and Hostaperm Violet P-RL. Those skilled in the art of printing ink formulation will readily be aware of alternative colorants, whether pigments or dyes, that may be suitable for such a formulation. The ink formulations were prepared according to general procedures known in the art, see for example [2] (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). The viscosity of the ink formulations was measured at room temperature (RT) using a viscometer (DVII+Pro from Brookfield). Dynamic surface tension (DST) was measured at RT (eg 21.0°C, 21.5°C, 22.0°C and 22.5°C as specified) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online model (Pro-line T15) (bubble lifetime, control range 15 ms to 20,000 ms, resolution 1 ms). Static surface tension (SST) (bubble lifetime of 10 seconds) was also measured at RT (eg 21.0°C, 21.5°C, 22.0°C and 22.5°C as specified) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online model (Pro-line T15). Static surface tension was also measured at RT (eg, 21.0°C, 23.6°C, 23.8°C, 23.9°C, and 24.0°C as specified) using a standard liquid tensiometer, Kruss Force Tensiometer (Model K20) at a frequency of 5 Hz. The ink contact angle (CA) on the rubber blanket coated with the treatment formulation (see

[10] ) was measured using the CA data physical measurement method. The ink sweating at pH is measured by visual inspection of the printheads, while concomitantly evaluating the print quality on the final printed substrate (e.g., by counting the number of missing nozzles under the predetermined printing conditions). Missing nozzles are those nozzles that are not functioning properly (e.g., due to nozzle clogging caused by ink sweating). Table 3 below lists the ink formulations studied and some of their test parameters. The content of the specified ingredients is expressed as weight percentage (w / w %) of the raw material (whether liquid or solid chemicals, or dilute solutions, dispersions or emulsions including the materials of interest), and the weight percentage is relative to the total weight of the final formulation. It is noted that the formulations also include additional additives known in the art of inkjet inks. Table 3 details four ink formulations (1 to 4) that are not according to the invention, ie, these ink formulations do not satisfy the DST profile of the invention. Table 3 further details five ink formulations (A to E) according to the invention, ie these ink formulations satisfy the DST profile according to the invention. Table 3: Ink formulation and parameters * SST - static surface tension, measured at RT by a Kruss force tensiometer (model K20) at a frequency of 5 Hz, as specified. ** L-51-Levas il CC151HS-Alkali metal organosiliconate #Silicone surfactant ## Non-silicone surfactants Table 4 below details the DST and SST of five ink formulations (A to E) according to the present invention. Table 4: Ink formulations according to the invention and their DST * and SST ** * DST was measured using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online model (Pro-line T15) at a bubble lifetime of 0.015 seconds. ** SST was measured using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online type (Pro-line T15) at a bubble lifetime of 10 seconds. Various properties / parameters of the ink formulations according to the invention were tested and compared with ink formulations not according to the invention. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The dynamic surface tension profile (time scale) of ink formulation A of the invention compared to ink formulations 1, 2 and 3 is shown. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Magnified image of . Figure 3 Shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Logarithmic scale of the dynamic surface tension distribution observed in . FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B and Figure 3 It is shown that ink formulation A has a DST with a larger value in the high frequency region compared to ink formulations 1 to 3. It is noted that both ink formulations 1 to 3 not according to the invention and ink formulation A according to the invention meet the wetting requirements of the indirect printing process using them, which are reflected in the SST of these formulations, the values ​​of which are detailed in Table 3 above. However, when ink formulations 1 to 3 were used in the indirect printing process according to the invention, a large amount of ink sweating at the print head nozzles was observed. When ink formulation A according to the invention was employed, ink sweating was significantly reduced. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D This can be clearly observed in . FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Images of the nozzle plate (upper image) and the resulting printed substrate (lower image) are shown for ink formulations 1 to 3 and ink formulation A, respectively. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The sweating phenomenon observed with the ink formulations not according to the invention (i.e. formulations 1 to 3) is clearly shown. Sweating was significantly reduced after using formulation A according to the invention ( Figure 4D ). The sweating effect of ink formulations directly affects the printing quality. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4DThis is illustrated in the following figure of , where an ink formulation not according to the invention exhibits a printed image with many light areas / streaks, which indicates missing ink, i.e. missing nozzles where the ink jetting is poor. It is noted that ink formulation A of the present invention includes silicone surfactant BYK-3456, while ink formulations 1 to 3 include silicone surfactants Tego 240 and Tego 280. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors of the present invention believe that BYK-3456 has a DST suitable for use in the present invention that is "lazier" than Tego 240 and Tego 280 surfactants, i.e., the BYK-3456 surfactant appears more slowly on the ink droplet surface, a property that is particularly useful for reducing / preventing ink sweating at the print head nozzles of a printing system. The diffusivity properties of the ink formulations according to the invention were also compared with ink formulations not according to the invention. The ink diffusivity is related to the ink contact angle. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B The results of ink contact angle (CA) measurements at 80°C on a hydrophobic ITM coated with a treatment formulation are shown as a function of the number of runs (ie, the time of measurement every about 3 to 7 seconds). Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Magnified image of . FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B Shown in the Figures are Ink Formulations 1 to 3 and Ink Formulation A. The figures show that all formulations perform well in terms of ink contact angles, and that the CA decreases with the printing cycle, which is expected during the printing process. Thus, the ink formulations according to the present invention exhibit similar spreading properties to ink formulations with low surface tension, but without the disadvantages of ink sweating at the print head nozzles associated with ink formulations with low surface tension. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B The dynamic surface tension profiles (time scale) of ink formulations B and C according to the invention are shown compared to ink formulation 4 not according to the invention. Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A Magnified image of . Figure 7 Shows FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Logarithmic scale of the dynamic surface tension distribution observed in . FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B and Figure 7 It is shown that ink formulations B and C have DST with larger values ​​in the high frequency region compared to ink formulation 4. It is noted that ink formulation B according to the invention includes a mixture of silicone surfactant BYK-3456 and non-silicone surfactant Surfynol PSA 336. Ink formulation C according to the invention includes silicone surfactant BYK-3456. On the other hand, ink formulation 4 not according to the invention includes silicone surfactants Tego 240 and Tego 270. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors of the present invention believe that BYK-3456 and the combination of BYK-3456 and Surfynol PSA 336 have a DST suitable for the present invention that is "lazier" than Tego 240 and Tego 270 surfactants, i.e., the surfactants of the present invention appear more slowly on the ink droplet surface. Figure 8 The dynamic surface tension profiles (time scale) of ink formulations A, D and E (with different viscosities, the latter adjusted by the co-solvent polyethylene glycol to meet jetting requirements) are shown. Fig. 9 The dynamic surface tension profiles (logarithmic scale) of these ink formulations are shown. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It can be seen that the dynamic surface tension profiles of ink formulations D and E are very similar to that of ink formulation A, which has been described in detail above. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B and Figure 3 In the description. Illustrative Embodiments The following embodiments are illustrative and not intended to limit the claimed subject matter.In addition, the embodiments described in detail above in conjunction with other aspects of the invention are also considered relevant to the embodiments described in detail below, mutatis mutandis. Embodiment 1 A water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (RT) using a bubble pressure method using a Si ta bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15); and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension. Embodiment 2 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in embodiment 1, wherein the static surface tension of the ink formulation is further measured at RT using a standard liquid tensiometer Kruss force tensiometer (K20 model) at a frequency of 5 Hz, and the static surface tension is between about 23.8 mN / m and about 24.5 mN / m. Embodiment 3 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant and / or a second type surfactant. Embodiment 4 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 3, wherein the first type of surfactant is a silicone surfactant. Embodiment 5 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 4, wherein the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, polyether-modified siloxane, siloxane-based gemini surfactant, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 6 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 5, wherein the siloxane-based gemini surfactant is Tego 4100. Embodiment 7 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 5, wherein the polyether-modified siloxane surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 8 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 5, wherein the polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane surfactant is BYK-3456. Embodiment 9 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 5, wherein the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 4 polyether-modified repeating units. Embodiment 10 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 5, wherein the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 4 polyether-modified repeating units. Embodiment 11 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 4, wherein the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Tego 4100, Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3456, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 12 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 3, wherein the second type of surfactant is a non-silicone surfactant. Embodiment 13 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 12, wherein the non-silicone surfactant is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenediol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. Embodiment 14 The water-based inkjet ink formulation of embodiment 13, wherein the non-silicone surfactant is Surfynol PSA 336. Embodiment 15 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant that is a silicone surfactant, and wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type of surfactant that is a non-silicone surfactant. Embodiment 16 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a second type surfactant that is a non-silicone surfactant, and wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one first type surfactant that is a silicone surfactant. Embodiment 17 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant which is a silicone surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, polyether-modified siloxanes, siloxane-based gemini surfactants, and any combination thereof, wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type surfactant which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenediol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent. Embodiment 18 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant which is a silicone surfactant selected from the group consisting of Tego 4100, Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3456, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof, wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type surfactant which is Surfynol PSA. Embodiment 19 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant which is BYK-3456, and wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type surfactant which is Surfynol PSA. Embodiment 20 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w % and about 3.0 w / w %. Embodiment 21 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w % and about 3.0 w / w. Embodiment 22 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a second type surfactant present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w % and about 0.5 w / w %. Embodiment 23 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant and a second type of surfactant, wherein the first type of surfactant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w% and about 3.0 w / w, and wherein the second type of surfactant is optionally present in the water-based inkjet ink at a concentration of about 0.0 w / w% to about 0.5 w / w%. Embodiment 24 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein water occupies at least about 30 w / w%, sometimes at least about 40 w / w%, and even sometimes at least about 50 w / w% or more of the formulation. Embodiment 25 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one co-solvent, such as a humectant. Embodiment 26 The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one plasticizer. Embodiment 27 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one dispersant. Embodiment 28 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one anti-corrosion agent. Embodiment 29 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one antimicrobial agent. Embodiment 30 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one wax material. Embodiment 31 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises one or more of at least one anti-gelling agent, at least one pH adjusting agent, and at least one defoaming agent. Embodiment 32 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one binder (eg, an organic polymeric resin). Embodiment 33 A method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of a resulting printed image, the method comprising (e.g., in the printing process) employing a water-based inkjet ink formulation, the water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; and (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Si ta online model (Pro-line T15); and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension, thereby improving one or more of the printing process and the quality of the resulting printed image. Embodiment 34 A method according to embodiment 33, wherein the water-based inkjet ink formulation is the formulation of any one of embodiments 1 to 32. Embodiment 35 A water-based inkjet ink formulation as in any one of embodiments 1 to 32, which is used in a printing process, wherein the process is a direct process or an indirect process. Embodiment 36 A printing method, wherein the printing method uses the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of Embodiments 1 to 32. Embodiment 37 A printing system comprising the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of embodiments 1 to 32. Embodiment 38 A printing system, the printing system comprising an image forming station, the image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto a printing substrate to form an ink image on the substrate, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of Embodiments 1 to 32. Embodiment 39 A printing system comprising: an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; an image forming station comprising one or more print bars, each of the one or more print bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto the release layer surface to form an ink image on the surface, wherein at least one of the one or more print bars is configured to hold the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of embodiments 1 to 32; and A transfer station is provided for transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. Embodiment 40 is a system as in Embodiment 39, wherein the system also includes a drying station, which is configured to substantially dry the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member, and wherein the transfer station is configured to transfer the substantially dry ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate. Embodiment 41 A method of printing on a substrate, the method comprising forming an ink image on the substrate by inkjetting an ink formulation onto the printing substrate using one or more printing bars each comprising one or more print heads, wherein the ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of Embodiments 1 to 32. Embodiment 42 A printing method comprising: providing an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; forming an ink image on the release layer surface by jetting an ink formulation onto the release layer surface using one or more print bars each comprising one or more print heads; and transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate; The ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32. Embodiment 43: A method according to Embodiment 42, further comprising substantially drying the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member and transferring the substantially dried ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate.

Claims

1. A water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; as well as (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (RT) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online model (Pro-line T15) by a bubble pressure method; and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension.

2. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to claim 1, wherein the static surface tension of the ink formulation is further measured at RT using a standard liquid tensiometer Kruss force tensiometer (K20 model) at a frequency of 5 Hz, and the static surface tension is between about 23.8 mN / m and about 24.5 mN / m.

3. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant and / or a second type of surfactant.

4. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to claim 3, wherein the first type of surfactant is a silicone surfactant.

5. The water-based inkjet ink formulation of claim 4, wherein the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane, polyether-modified siloxane, siloxane-based gemini surfactant, and any combination thereof.

6. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to claim 5, wherein the siloxane-based gemini surfactant is Tego 4100.

7. The water-based inkjet ink formulation of claim 5, wherein the polyether-modified siloxane surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof.

8. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to claim 5, wherein the polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane surfactant is BYK-3456.

9. The water-based inkjet ink formulation of claim 5, wherein the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxane having at least about 4 polyether-modified repeating units.

10. The water-based inkjet ink formulation of claim 5, wherein the silicone surfactant is a polyether-modified siloxane having at least about 4 polyether-modified repeating units.

11. The water-based inkjet ink formulation of claim 4, wherein the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Tego 4100, Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3456, BYK-3455, and any combination thereof.

12. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to claim 3, wherein the second type of surfactant is a non-silicone surfactant.

13. The water-based inkjet ink formulation of claim 12, wherein the non-silicone surfactant is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenic glycol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent.

14. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to claim 13, wherein the non-silicone surfactant is Surfynol PSA 336.

15. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant which is a silicone surfactant, and wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type of surfactant which is a non-silicone surfactant.

16. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a second type surfactant which is a non-silicone surfactant, and wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one first type surfactant which is a silicone surfactant.

17. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant which is a silicone surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyether-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, polyether-modified siloxanes, siloxane-based gemini surfactants, and any combination thereof, wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type surfactant which is a blend of ethoxylated acetylenediol and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate in a solvent.

18. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant which is a silicone surfactant selected from the group consisting of Tego 4100, Byk 349, BYK 348, BYK-3456, BYK-3455 and any combination thereof, wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type surfactant which is Surfynol PSA.

19. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type surfactant which is BYK-3456, and wherein the ink formulation optionally further comprises at least one second type surfactant which is Surfynol PSA.

20. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w % and about 3.0 w / w %.

21. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant, the first type of surfactant being present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w % and about 3.0 w / w.

22. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a second type of surfactant, the second type of surfactant being present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w % and about 0.5 w / w %.

23. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one surfactant is a first type of surfactant and a second type of surfactant, wherein the first type of surfactant is present in the water-based inkjet ink formulation at a concentration between about 0.1 w / w% and about 3.0 w / w, and wherein the second type of surfactant is optionally present in the water-based inkjet ink at a concentration between about 0.0 w / w% and about 0.5 w / w%.

24. The water-based inkjet ink formulation of any of the preceding claims, wherein water comprises at least about 30 w / w%, sometimes at least about 40 w / w%, and even sometimes at least about 50 w / w% or more of the formulation.

25. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one co-solvent, such as a humectant.

26. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one plasticizer.

27. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one dispersant.

28. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one anti-corrosion agent.

29. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one antimicrobial agent.

30. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one wax material.

31. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises one or more of at least one anti-gelling agent, at least one pH adjusting agent and at least one defoaming agent.

32. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation further comprises at least one binder (eg an organic polymeric resin).

33. A method directed to one or more of improving a printing process and improving the quality of a resulting printed image, the method comprising (e.g., in the printing process) employing a water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising: (a) a solvent containing water; (b) at least one colorant; as well as (c) at least one surfactant; wherein the ink formulation has a dynamic surface tension of between about 37 mN / m and about 50 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 0.015 seconds) and a static surface tension of between about 23.0 mN / m and about 25.5 mN / m (measured at a bubble lifetime of about 10 seconds), wherein both the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension are measured at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) using a Sita bubble pressure tensiometer - Sita online model (Pro-line T15) using a bubble pressure method; and wherein the at least one surfactant is selected to obtain the dynamic surface tension and the static surface tension, thereby improving one or more of the printing process and the quality of the resulting printed image.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the water-based inkjet ink formulation is a formulation as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32.

35. The water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 32, for use in a printing process, wherein the process is a direct process or an indirect process.

36. A printing method using the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of claims 1 to 32.

37. A printing system comprising the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of claims 1 to 32.

38. A printing system comprising an image forming station, the image forming station comprising one or more printing bars, each of the one or more printing bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto a printing substrate to form an ink image on the substrate, wherein at least one of the one or more printing bars is configured to hold the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of claims 1 to 32.

39. A printing system comprising: an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; an image forming station comprising one or more print bars, each of the one or more print bars being configured to hold an ink formulation and comprising one or more print heads, each of the one or more print heads being configured to eject the ink formulation onto the release layer surface to form an ink image on the surface, wherein at least one of the one or more print bars is configured to hold the water-based inkjet ink formulation of any one of claims 1 to 32; as well as A transfer station is provided for transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate.

40. The system of claim 39, further comprising a drying station configured to substantially dry the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member, and wherein the transfer station is configured to transfer the substantially dry ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate.

41. A method of printing on a substrate, the method comprising inkjetting an ink formulation onto a printing substrate using one or more printing bars each comprising one or more print heads, thereby forming an ink image on the substrate, wherein the ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32.

42. A printing method comprising: providing an intermediate transfer member including a release layer surface; forming an ink image on the surface of the release layer by jetting an ink formulation onto the surface of the release layer using one or more print bars each comprising one or more print heads; as well as transferring the ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate; The ink formulation is a water-based inkjet ink formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising substantially drying the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer member and transferring the substantially dried ink image from the intermediate transfer member to a printing substrate.

Images