Evaluation of plant-based oils for production of offset printing ink

The oils and solvents are the main components of the printing ink, and the chemical composition of the ink could be harmful or toxic to human health and the environment. Therefore, there is an increasing demand to develop inks containing green, biobased, sustainable, and renewable raw materials instead of petrochemical substances. In this study, flaxseed oil (FO), pomegranate seed oil, plum kernel oil (PKO), and grape seed oil (GSO) were selected to produce offset printing inks. Pinus pinaster (P. pinaster) resin was also used in the formulation of inks to examine the effects of natural resin on ink together with vegetable oils. The phenolic content was analyzed for the resin and oils to figure out their potential antioxidant and bioactive characteristics. Optical and rheological tests were applied to evaluate the printability of the inks. L*a*b*, ΔE, density, and gloss tests were performed for optical evaluation. The viscosity, tack, and rub resistance tests were applied to perform rheological analysis. The biobased, environmental friendly, and self-drying (cold set) offset printing inks were obtained using natural pine resin and three different plant-based oils FO, PKO, and GSO. The printability analysis of the inks figured out the potential usage of plant-based oils in the offset printing ink formulation.     

Rheological behavior of multi-sized SiC inks containing polyelectrolyte complexes specifically for direct ink writing

In order to simultaneously improve both the solid loading and rheological behavior of ceramic ink during direct ink writing (DIW) process, the polyelectrolyte complexes have been used as rheological modifiers. Based on the Funk-Dinger function, the maximum solid loading of multi-sized SiC ink reached 63 vol%. The viscoelasticity of SiC inks with different [COOH]:[NH_x] molar ratios was investigated and the mechanism of polyionic chains on rheology was analyzed. When the [COOH]:[NH_x] molar ratio was 1:0.1, the SiC ink exhibited excellent thixotropic behavior and formability. The effect of particle size on rheological behavior of SiC ink was investigated to clarify the correlation between polyelectrolyte complexes and multi-sized SiC.     

Characterization and photonic properties for the Pt-fullerene/TiO2 composites derived from titanium (IV) n-butoxide and C60

In this study, the structural variations, surface states, and mass transformations of fullerene [C₆₀] derivatives were investigated through the preparation of Pt-decorated oxidized fullerene and a Pt-fullerene/TiO₂ composite and comparison to an oxidized fullerene [C₆₀O]. These derivatives were synthesized with an improved oxidation method using m-chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA). Weak and strong peaks of metallic platinum and titanium dioxide, along with weak pristine fullerene [C₆₀] peaks, were observed in the XRD patterns for the Pt-fullerene and Pt-fullerene/TiO₂ composite. SEM micrographs for the metallic Pt-fullerene and Pt-fullerene/TiO₂ composite indicated that practically all the platinum and titanium dioxide that were introduced were located on the carbon cages and consequently, were dispersed into very small crystallites with growth of platinum metals and titanium dioxide. The EDX spectra of Pt-fullerene and Pt-fullerene/TiO₂ composite showed the presence of C, O, and Pt, with strong Ti peaks. From the MALDI-TOF mass spectra, the differences in the spectra for the three kinds of fullerene derivatives were due to oxidation including chemical bonding and interposing of metallic platinum and titanium dioxide in the fullerene [C₆₀] molecules. And, absorption property demonstrated by UV–vis diffuse reflectance method. From the photocatalytic results, the excellent activity of the Pt-fullerene/TiO₂ composites for organic dye and UV irradiation time could be attributed to the synergetic effects between photocatalysis of the supported TiO₂ and absorptivity of the platinum and fullerene.     

UV-assisted direct ink writing of Si3N4/SiC preceramic polymer suspensions

Direct ink writing (DIW) offers a flexible and readily available processing route for achieving ceramic components with complex shapes and geometries. The successful printing of ceramic green bodies using DIW typically requires the formulation of particle-loaded inks having a narrow window of rheological properties that enable both flow through the nozzle and support the weight of additional layers. Herein, we present a method for DIW that employs UV-curing to enable printing of otherwise unprintable inks. The inks used in this study are suspensions consisting of a commercially available polycarbosilane precursor and silicon nitride, Si₃N₄, powders. A diacrylate cross-linker and photointiator were employed to enable UV-curing. The effect of cross-linker content on UV-rheology and cure depth as they pertain to printing, and slump in self-supported lattice structures, are discussed. UV-assisted DIW produced components of a high degree of complexity, capable of supporting over-hanging structures, low shrinkage, and relatively high degree of ceramic conversion     

Rheology in the technology of ceramics and refractories. Part 5. Dilatancy: Classification and types of dilatant systems

A great majority of high-density ceramic binding suspensions (HDBS) and the related molding systems, characterized by a volume fraction of the solid phaseC _v=0.80−0.85, exhibit a strongly pronounced dilatancy that is a source of difficulties for the production and use of these materials. The effect of dilatancy and the mechanism of dilatant flow are analyzed from the standpoint of thermodynamics and colloid chemistry. Original experimental results and published data are generalized and a classification of the main types of dilatancy is proposed. The effects of some important factors on the character of dilatant flow in high-density ceramic binding suspensions based on quartz glass, quartz sand, mullite, and titanium dioxide are considered. Translated from Ogneupory i Tekhnicheskaya Keramika, No. 2, pp. 8–16, February, 1997. For the previous articles of this series see No. 3 (1994), No. 12 (1995), and Nos. 1 and 10 (1996).     

Physical and electrochemical characterization of nanocomposites formed from polythiophene and titaniumdioxide

A simple method for covering titanium dioxide particles with a polythiophene film by chemical preparation was developed. The resulting nanocomposites consisted of a titanium dioxide core with a grain size of 25-250 nm and a polythiophene shell between 1 and 2 nm thickness. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclovoltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and photocurrent spectroscopy. The content of polythiophene in the composite (determined by thermogravimetry), was between 2% and 5%. Disk-like electrodes were prepared by pressing and then characterized by various electrochemical methods. A reversible redox potential of the polythiophene of +1.0 V (NHE) was determined by cyclic voltammetry. The reduced form of polythiophene behaved as a p-type semiconductor so that the composite with n-type TiO₂ contained the properties of a p/n-junction. In the photocurrent spectra (depending on the applied potential), the characteristic anodic peaks of the TiO₂ at λ=320 nm and cathodic peaks of the polythiophene around λ=500 nm were found. A new cathodic peak observed at 370 nm was explained as a new feature of the pn interface.     

Influence of processing parameters on the electrical response of screen printed SrFe0.6Ti0.4O3−δ thick films

A screen printing ink of SrFe_0.6Ti_0.4O_3?δ (STFO60) nanopowders produced by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) was used to produce gas sensors with high level of reproducibility at low cost. The stability and rheology of the produced ink were studied in order to obtain high quality, highly reliable films. The electrical characteristics of the sensors as a function of the firing temperature and thickness of the sensing layer were investigated. The best results were obtained stabilizing the powder with lauric acid. Laboratory bench and on-road oxygen tests demonstrated that the response of 30 μm STFO60-based resistive sensors is comparable with the one of a commercial oxygen probe.     

A novel synthesis route of titanium dioxide with (NH4)0.3TiO1.1F2.1 as by-product

This work explores a new route for the synthesis of titanium dioxide using scraps and titanium chips, which are typically discarded as waste, as the precursor materials. The band-gap energy of the synthesised materials was determined using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The morphology, elemental analysis, crystallinity, and chemical structure of the synthesised materials were determined by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and infrared and Raman spectroscopies, respectively. The X-ray and Raman analyses confirmed the formation of titanium dioxide in its tetragonal (anatase) crystalline form after heat treatment (400 °C, 2 h). Moreover, a mixture of (NH₄)_0,3TiO_1,1F_2,1 and anatase TiO₂ was obtained as a by-product. After heat treatment, this by-product was converted into fluorine-doped titanium dioxide, also in anatase crystalline form. The apparent crystallite size (L_c) of anhydrous titanium dioxide was found to be smaller than that of the calcined by-product. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis revealed that the calcined by-product has a significantly higher absorption capacity at higher wavelengths, as well as a lower band-gap energy value. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses showed large particulates on which smaller particles are deposited and good dispersion of the elemental components. The anhydrous titanium dioxide sample presents a smaller particle size than the calcined by-product.     

氨水沉淀法由含钛滤液提取二氧化钛

以含钛高炉渣为原料,经硫酸铵熔融法得到含钛滤液,然后以氨水为沉淀剂,控制pH值使钛水解,水解产物经600℃煅烧2 h得到二氧化钛。考察了螯合剂的加入量、溶液pH值和反应时间对钛沉淀率的影响,实验结果表明:反应过程中铁与钛发生共沉淀,造成二氧化钛产物中的铁含量过高。EDTA几乎完全抑制了铁的沉淀,明显降低了二氧化钛产物的全铁含量;2-羟基丙烷-1,2,3-三羧酸的加入降低了产物中二氧化硅的含量,提高了产物中二氧化钛的含量。当2-羟基丙烷-1,2,3-三羧酸与硅的摩尔比为1,EDTA与铁的摩尔比为3,pH值为2.0,反应时间为90 min时产物中二氧化钛的含量为96.35%。     

An ecological approach to printing industry: Development of ecofriendly offset printing inks using vegetable oils and pine resin as renewable raw materials and evaluation of printability

Petroleum-based solvents and synthetic resins are used as raw materials for the production of varnish, which is one of the main components of offset printing inks. These petrochemical compounds that are released to the surrounding in printing process demonstrates harmful effects on environment and human health. In the light of these facts, this study was carried out to investigate the use of renewable natural resources for offset printing inks production to lower environmental impacts and protect human health. In this study, different vegetable-based offset printing inks were developed with safflower oil (SO); grape seed oil (GSO) and Pinus pinaster resin (PPR) and printability analysis were performed. To understand the effect of pine resin in the ink formulation an ink sample with mineral oil (MO) was also produced. Printing tests were carried out with coated papers and the IGT C1 offset printability tester. Color, gloss, rub resistance, viscosity and tack values were measured on the test prints. Comparison of results with standard values figured out the suitability of using the newly developed offset printing inks for printing industry. The color difference values of color differences were in range of tolerance value. The density value of SO-PPR ink was found as same with standard values while the density value GSO-PPR and MO-PPR inks were measured close to standards as 1.45, 1.42, and 1.46, respectively. The results of printability analysis demonstrated appropriate utilization of the renewable sources for ecological development of offset printing inks.     

Recycling of steelmaking electric arc furnace dust into aqueous cyan ceramic ink for inkjet printing process and its printability

Recycling of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) has great potential for industrial applications, due to its useful metal contents, including zinc. In this study, aqueous cyan ceramic ink for ink-jet printing applications was synthesized using EAFD. More specifically, cyan ceramic pigments were synthesized using an empirical composition of Zn(EAFD)_XCo_1-XAl₂O₄, in which expensive cobalt oxide is replaced by Zn-enriched EAFD. Zn(EAFD)_0.25Co_0.75Al₂O₄, which has a vivid cyan color, was selected as the optimum composition of cyan ceramic pigments for synthesizing aqueous cyan ceramic ink for ink-jet printing applications. To prevent nozzle clogging during ink-jet printing, the cyan ceramic pigments were micronized. The micronized pigments were mixed with distilled water and dispersant to fabricate aqueous cyan ceramic ink. To determine the optimized jettability and printability of this ink, its rheological properties, including viscosity and surface tension, were adjusted and analyzed. It was concluded that the jettability and printability of aqueous cyan ceramic ink produced via ink-jet printing could be enhanced by appropriately adjusting its viscosity.     

Surface and printing properties of synthetic film papers

We studied the surfaces, including both the composition effects and the processing rates, of polypropylene (PP) composite films used for synthetic paper to determine the surface free energy (γ_s) and the irregularities on the film surfaces. We correlated these two characteristics to the printing quality by assessing the facility with which the offset ink was removed from the surface of the paper and also the ink absorption. Five films with different compositions were uniaxially oriented with a flat‐die extruder at two different stretching rates. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the films showed good dispersion and distribution of the filler particles used in the compositions of the films and also of the polystyrene (PS) dispersed throughout the PP matrix. The SEM analysis also revealed slightly high surface irregularities on the film surfaces through a high concentration of CaCO₃, which thus increased the coefficients of static and kinetic friction and the γ_s values. These film properties created better printing quality and also more strongly fixed offset ink onto the film. However, the films with high relative quantities of PS in their composition showed a high polar component in their total γ_s when compared to films with less PS or no PS in their compositions. However, because of the apolar characteristic of the offset printing ink, the ink absorption worsened. The films underwent stretching at two different rates, which did not significantly affect the γ_s values or the friction coefficients; however, they did slightly change the printing quality and ink adhesion. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2346–2355, 2003     

The use of natural (Pinus pinaster) resin in the production of printing ink and the printability effect

Alkyd resins are generally used in the production of printing inks. All industries look for alternative raw materials in the production of ink with the growing inclination toward using natural products. Resins forming the vehicle of the ink to be obtained from natural resources will provide benefits for the environment, nature, and living creatures. The aim of the study was to promote the use of natural resin in the ink system. Natural Pinus pinaster resin was added into vegetable and mineral oil-based solvents in pure form with alkyd resin in different amounts and ink varnishes of different combinations were prepared. Then, printing inks were produced from these varnishes in pure and hybrid form. Following the assessment of the rheological properties of the inks prepared, printing tests were conducted to assess the printing quality parameters. Ideal mixing ratios of the natural resins in the ink were determined for printability. The environmental importance and advantages of the use of natural resins were discussed. Recommendations were given in line with the results to encourage widespread use of natural resins in near future.     

Three-dimensional inkjet printing and low temperature sintering of silica-based ceramics

The conventional LTCC fabrication route requires a series of costly molding equipment and a complicated manufacturing process. If it is achievable to fabricate ceramics using three-dimensional inkjet printing (IJP) technology, it is anticipated that LTCC components could be designed as a more efficient and flexible additive manufacturing route using IJP technology to co-print ceramic and conductive layers and co-fire them. This research represents the first attempt to utilize IJP technology in the field of LTCC, where we developed a stable SiO₂-H₃BO₃ nanoceramic ink that can be continuously printed through a piezoelectric nozzle with an array of spray holes. The ink was supplemented with selected photosensitive resins to facilitate the curing of the printed layer under ultraviolet light irradiation. Green bodies are sintered at 950° for two hours to obtain ceramic sheets with good surface flatness and microscopic sintering degrees. The tested samples have an ultra-low dielectric constant (ε_r) of about 2.485 and a low dielectric loss (tan δ) of about 0.0038 (at 1 MHz), while being stable at high temperatures (< 400°) and high frequencies (< 10 GHz), indicating its ability to match the required dielectric properties required for microwave dielectric substrates.     

Preparation and characterization of waterborne ceramic ink with submicron-sized praseodymium-doped zirconium silicate pigment by water-based diblock polymer dispersants

Two diblock polymer dispersants (i.e., PMAA-b-AMPS and PSSS-b-GMA) were synthesized and used as water-based dispersants for dispersion and stabilization of waterborne ceramic ink with submicron-sized praseodymium-doped zirconium silicate (Pr-ZrSiO₄) pigment. The color property, dispersion, and stability of the pigment particles in aqueous suspension were determined by colorimetry, laser particle size analysis, and sedimentation test. The adsorption mechanism of carbon chains of dispersants on the particle surface was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrokinetic potential measurement. Also, the viscosity, surface tension and stability of waterborne ceramic ink with the pigment particles were measured by rheometry, surface tension analysis and standing settlement. The results show that the submicron-sized pigment particles in waterborne ceramic ink show optimum dispersibility and stability at 5 wt% addition of diblock polymer dispersants PMAA-b-AMPS and PSSS-b-GMA mixed in a mass ratio of 9:1. This could be since the mixed dispersants provide the more interparticle electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance energies due to the proper adsorption on the particle surfaces. It is indicated that adding 20 wt% of diethylene glycol monobutyl ether into the waterborne ceramic ink can effectively enhance the viscosity and reduce the surface tension, thus satisfying the applied requirements in inkjet printing. In addition, the jettability of waterborne ceramic ink on a simulated ceramic green body was also evaluated based on semi-empirical analysis.     

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Using Flexography Printing for Manufacturing Catalyst‐Coated Membranes for Fuel Cells

This study is an evaluation of the effectiveness of the flexography printing process for manufacturing catalyst‐coated membranes (CCMs) for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Flexography is a maskless and continuous process that is used in large‐scale production with water‐based inks to reduce the cost of production of PEMFC components. Unfortunately, water has undesirable effects on the Nafion® membrane: water wets the membrane surface poorly and causes the membrane to bulge outwards significantly. Membrane printability was improved by pre‐treating membrane samples by water immersion for short periods (<2 min). This pre‐treatment was used to control the membrane deformation before printing to limit the impact of the ink transfer. Water and ink drop deposition experiments were performed to estimate the liquid‐air‐Nafion® apparent contact angle and the locally induced membrane deformation. Despite the short immersion times used in the tests, the immersion pre‐treatment appeared to induce structural modifications that enhanced both the membrane wettability and the dimensional stability. Flexography printability tests were performed on these treated membranes and showed that the dimensional instability of the Nafion® membrane was the critical parameter for limiting the ink transfer. The immersion pre‐treatment improved the printability of the Nafion® membranes, which were used to fabricate cathodes that were tested in an operational fuel cell.     

Direct ink writing of aluminum-phosphate-bonded Al2O3 ceramic with ultra-low dimensional shrinkage

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of ceramics has attracted increasing attention in various fields. However, the pyrolysis of organic components used for binding or polymerization in 3D printing commonly causes a large shrinkage (up to 30 %–40 %), high porosity, and cracking or deformation, severely limiting practical applications. In this study, 3D printing of Al₂O₃ ceramic architectures with ultra-low shrinkage is realized by introducing inorganic binder aluminum dihydrogen phosphate (Al(H₂PO₄)₃, AP) as a ceramic precursor. Compared to organic binders, the inorganic AP binder can undergo crystallization conversion, which reduces mass loss during sintering at high temperatures, resulting in low shrinkage. Moreover, AP can be used as a rheological modifier to regulate the printability of the ceramic ink for direct ink writing of Al₂O₃ ceramic architectures, such as wood-piled scaffolds, honeycomb structures, and tubes with high fidelity. The resultant Al₂O₃ structural ceramics sintered at 1250 °C exhibit good mechanical performance and structural integrity. Most importantly, the linear shrinkage of the printed ceramics is less than 5 %, which is several times lower than that of ceramics with organic binders. This study provides a viable strategy for fabricating high-performance ceramic architectures with good dimensional fidelity for practical applications.     

Titanium dioxide grafted with silane coupling agents and its use in blue light curing ink

To improve the properties of titanium dioxide particles and realise their firm anchorage in blue light curing film, three modified titanium dioxide particles were prepared by grafting 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane. The surface changes of titanium dioxide particles after modification were characterised. The dispersion stability, photo‐polymerisation, rheological and mechanical properties of modified titanium dioxide blue light curing inks were investigated. Results showed that compared with native titanium dioxide, modified titanium dioxide particles were more appropriate for blue light curing ink. The particle sizes of the three modified titanium dioxide particles became smaller, their surfaces exhibited hydrophobicity, and the viscosity of the modified titanium dioxide inks decreased slightly. Of the three modified titanium dioxide particles, 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate‐ and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane‐modified titanium dioxide particles exhibited better dispersion stability in blue light curing ink. In particular, 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate‐modified titanium dioxide blue light curing ink showed the best photo‐polymerisation and mechanical properties, which indicated the participation of the pigment grafted by double bonds in the blue light curable polymerisation. Using modified titanium dioxide in blue light curing ink, the dry/wet rubbing fastness of the printed fabrics improved.     

Production of a stable and homogeneous colloid dispersion of nano CoAl2O4 pigment for ceramic ink-jet ink

Different types of nano-CoAl₂O₄ pigments were prepared by controlling concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as double capping agents in a co-precipitation process. The prepared nano-CoAl₂O₄ pigments were characterized by TGA, UV spectroscopy, and XRD. The optimum synthesized nano pigment was well dispersed into de-ionized water to form the ink. Rheology, surface tension and DLS of the prepared ink were examined. The prepared ink was printed onto a ceramic substrate. The printing process was repeated 1, 3 and 5 times in order to evaluate variations in the optical properties by changing thicknesses of the printed film. Appearance of the printed image and morphology of the prepared nano-pigments were observed by SEM. Moreover, shape and size of the nano-particles in the prepared ink were investigated by TEM. The obtained results revealed that the ink-jet printing method can be used to produce a nano-film of pigments on the ceramic.