Perfecting Printing Ink Performance Malvern Analytical Systems Deliver Essential Data to Domino
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Malvern, UK – Analytical systems from Malvern Instruments are now used routinely to advance inkjet formulation at Domino Printing Sciences plc in the UK, one of the world's leading printing technology companies. Malvern's Viscotek TDAmax, Zetasizer Nano and m-VROCi systems deliver the essential molecular weight, structure, particle size and rheological information used by formulation scientists in the development of today's high-performance inkjet inks. The data they provide inform the development of inks that are stable, exhibit good jetting properties and deliver a durable finish.
Inkjet inks are multi-component formulations consisting of a solvent (organic or aqueous), a polymeric binder, a colorant (dye or pigment) and additives such as surfactants and surface modifiers. Producing inks with the performance characteristics needed for demanding applications such as adhesion on low surface energy substrates, for example polyethylene and polypropylene packaging, or jetting droplets at a high velocity from a narrow printhead nozzle requires a detailed understanding of how the physical characteristics of raw ingredients and formulations relate to final performance.
The multi detector Viscotek TDAmax GPC/SEC system measures the molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and structure of polymeric binders in the ink. These binders are used to optimize and control the viscosity of the ink and the way it jets from the print head. The Zetasizer Nano is a dynamic light scattering system that measures particle size, zeta potential and microrheology. These capabilities are used here to monitor pigment milling and to engineer ink stability. The latest addition to the range of Malvern systems in use at Domino is the new m-VROCi microfluidic rheometer, which enables researchers to directly measure viscosity under the high shear conditions found at the print head, to further control jet-ability and atomization of the ink.
"Malvern's application experts help us to understand how best to use both established and new analytical techniques in our research," said Stuart Reynolds, Senior Chemist at Domino Printing Sciences. "The technical support that we've received has been a deciding factor in our decision to continue to work with the company. Malvern systems also provide the cutting-edge performance and reliability that we need. We're looking forward to fully exploiting the new rheological capabilities that we have recently invested in."
Find out more about Malvern Instruments' analytical systems for ink at http://www.malvern.com/inks
To find out more about Domino Scientific Printing visit http://www.domino-printing.com/Global/en/Home.aspx
Malvern, Malvern Instruments, Zetasizer and Viscotek are registered trademarks of Malvern Instruments Ltd
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern provides the materials and biophysical characterization technology and expertise that enables scientists and engineers to understand and control the properties of dispersed systems. These systems range from proteins and polymers in solution, particle and nanoparticle suspensions and emulsions, through to sprays and aerosols, industrial bulk powders and high concentration slurries. Used at all stages of research, development and manufacturing, Malvern's materials characterization instruments provide critical information that helps accelerate research and product development, enhance and maintain product quality and optimize process efficiency.
Our products reflect Malvern's drive to exploit the latest technological innovations and our commitment to maximizing the potential of established techniques. They are used by both industry and academia, in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to bulk chemicals, cement, plastics and polymers, energy and the environment.
Malvern systems are used to measure particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, protein charge, molecular weight, mass, size and conformation, rheological properties and for chemical identification, advancing the understanding of dispersed systems across many different industries and applications.
Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com
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