Characterisation and application of pigmented UV-curable inkjet inks

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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to prepare ultra-violet (UV)-curable inkjet inks for textile printing application. The influence of both type and component ratio of monomer/oligomer on the quality of the desired viscosity range is studied. Moreover, the effect of pigment/resin ratio on the rheological behaviour of the ink has been studied.Design/methodology/approach: Aqueous dispersions of nanoscale organic pigments were prepared through ball milling and ultrasonication. The dispersed pigments were encapsulated into UV-curable resin via miniemulsion technique, using different types and component ratios of monomers and oligomers.Findings: It was found that the monomer/oligomer ratio of 2:3 and the pigment/resin ratio of 2:1 gave the most stable miniemulsion dispersions and provided the most suitable rheological range for inkjet printing inks.Research limitations/implications: As the rheology of the ink is optimised, most of the problems associated with the jetting process could be avoided.Practical implications: This method of using UV-curable encapsulated inks eliminates the usage of binders, which are the principal factor for nozzle clogging of the print head. In addition, binders are responsible for the coarse handle of the printed textiles.Social implications: The UV-curable inks were viewed as a green technology by the US Environmental Protection Agency.Originality/value: This method is simple and fast and requires low cost. In addition, it could find numerous applications in surface coating.

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