Carbon Black Dispersion Stability in Inks

Carbon black’s high surface area (≥300m2/g) and hydrophobicity induce “fibrous agglomerates” in inks, causing jetness loss and printing defects. One gravure ink manufacturer observed 50% viscosity increase after 7 days storage and edge color difference (ΔE≥3.5).

Chemi Tech’s Solution:

KMK-1750 features:

Amphiphilic block design:

Polyether-polyurethane blocks (MW 6000–8000Da) anchor carbon layers while extending hydrophilic chains for steric hindrance.

Jetness enhancement:

Dynamic surface tension ≤25mN/m releases primary particles, increasing jetness to 183 (ISO 2470).

pH resilience:

Stable at pH 4–11 in alcohol ether/water systems, preventing flocculation.

Customer Proof:

KMK-1750 replacing DisperBYK-011 in PU gravure ink:

Dosage: 35% on carbon black weight (vs. 45% previously);

Outcomes:

D50=185nm maintained for 90 days;

Ink viscosity stabilized at 23s±1 (cup #4, 25°C);

Print color difference ΔE≤1.0, saving ￥850,000 annually.

Ideal for packaging/publishing inks demanding high jetness.