Lecture on Aqueous Pigment Inks: Technology and Applications

Introduction

• Presenter: DuPont Representative
• Focus: Aqueous pigment inks
• Key Areas: Technology challenges, growth areas, solutions

DuPont’s Experience with Aqueous Inks

• Over 25 years of experience
• Applications: Textiles, Packaging

Textile Industry Trends

• Fast Fashion: Shorter fashion seasons, faster turn-around
• Mobile Commerce: Quick delivery expectations
• Virtual Try-ons: Innovative technology for virtual fitting
• Sustainability: Demand for eco-friendly processes

Benefits of Digital Printing with Aqueous Inks

• Reduces waste
• Less hazardous chemicals
• Suitable for various fabric types

Packaging Industry Trends

• Customization and Artisan Brands: Smaller runs, less inventory
• Short Turn-around: Quick production and delivery
• Functionality: Trackable packaging
• Sustainability: Use of recyclable/low hazard materials

Packaging Applications and Complexity

• Corrugated: Coated/uncoated papers
• Folding Carton: Primarily coated papers
• Tag and Label: Mixed media (papers to films)
• Flexible Film: Complex due to food compliance, non-porous substrates

Challenges of Aqueous Inks in Packaging

• Ink Composition: Differences between aqueous flexo and aqueous inkjet inks
• Non-Porous Substrates: Difficult to manage ink absorption and drying
• Humectants: Balancing drying properties and printhead reliability

Key Factors in Ink Formulation

• Jetting Reliability: Formation of ideal ink drops
• Print Quality: Image and durability
• Compatibility: Overall system integration
• Binder (Polymer) Role: Impacts print durability, color quality, jetting reliability

Examples and Case Studies

• Print Quality: Impact of color strength, pigment loading, gamut adjustments
• Durability: White ink on film, improvements using specific binders

Importance of Pretreatment

• System Solutions: Enhances ink performance
• Textiles: Different pretreatment formulations affecting print quality

Sustainability Considerations

• Certifications by NGOs like Wicca Tex
• Compliance with regulations for food packaging

Polymer Competency

• Designing polymers for specific functionalities
• Potential in bio-based and biodegradable polymers
• Cross-linked dispersions enhance formulation stability

Conclusion

• Aqueous Pigment Inks: Suitable for future demands like sustainability, flexibility, and performance
• System Solutions: Importance of binary systems and pre-treatments
• Innovation Potential: Exciting future in ink technology development

Questions and engagement from the audience concluded the session.