Study On The Performance Optimization Of Pigmental Gel Ink

In the global gel pen market,the output and sales volume of China’s gel pen ranks first in the world.In recent years,the gel ink matched with the gel pen has basically achieved localization,but the product quality is at mid and low end of the market,low price,and it is difficult to compare with well-known foreign brands,which limits the development of China’s gel pen industry to a certain degree.therefore,it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the optimization of gel ink performance.This article first summarized the concept,basic components,research and development status and technical background of gel ink,and conducted research on the key technologies involved in the improvement of gel ink quality,from the overall analyzed and put forward the present research and development focus:stability is one of the most critical technologies in the research and development process of gel ink,suitable rheological parameters are the basic index of high quality gel ink,and good writing lubricity is the specific requirement of user’s comfort.High-quality color paste is the prerequisite for obtaining high-quality gel ink,and the important guarantee for ink stability.Using pigment carbon black19~#and phthalocyanine blue 15:3 as colorants,two resin-free color pastes for gel inks were prepared respectively.When the dosage of the super-dispersant EK43in the black color paste is 10%,the synergist BM10 is 2.5%,the grinding time is90 min;the dosage of EK43 in the blue color paste is 8%,the BM10 is 2.0%,and the grinding time is 120 min,the particle size and dispersion stability of the two resin-free color pastes reach the optimal level.The prepared color paste has the characteristics of high solid content,low viscosity,long-term storage stability and strong coloring power.The gel ink formulated with this color paste has better writing performance,the gel ink formulated with this color paste has better writing performance.Suitable rheological parameters are the important technical indicator in the preparation process of gel ink.The synergistic effects of different thickeners on regulating effect of the rheological parameters such as viscosity,yield stress and thixotropic ring area of neutral ink were investigated.With the rheological data of high-grade Mikuni gel ink as the reference,the high-speed centrifugation and heat resistance stability experiments were carried out.From the perspective of system rheology and stability,the best addition scheme of thickener was determined.The results show that when 2.0%alkali-swellable acrylic thickener AL58 is mixed with 0.15%carbomer U21,the compatibility between the compounded thickeners and the system is well.This moment,the thickener and the dispersant are competing A good dynamic equilibrium state was achieved during the adsorption process,the stability of ink is better.Good writing lubricity is one of the important indicators for evaluating the writing performance of gel pens.With the help of writing lubricity tester,the effect of different functional additives on the writing lubricity of ink was investigated.The results show that the compounding of lubricants FM and MOA-3P has synergistic lubricating effect.Add 10%dispersant EK43 during the preparation of color paste;add 20%water-soluble alcohol(PEG-200 to glycerol ratio of 3:1)With 1.5%FM and 1.0%MOA-3P composite lubricants,it can improve the writing lubricity of gel ink significantly.The prepared ink matches the premec670/05 tip,The friction coefficient between the pen tip and the paper has dropped from 0.202 to about 0.164.The finished pen is smooth in writing and full in line.Using thermal analysis technology to analyze the components of the gel ink as a whole for the first time,by comparing the TGA-DSC curves of the sample under different atmospheres,the approximate content of certain specific components in the ink such as colorant carbon black,some water-soluble alcohols and moisture can be determined.This method can be applied to the product factory inspection of ink companies and the analysis of relevant product formulations by researchers,which has a certain role in promoting the technological progress of the industry.