Encapsulated phthalocyanine blue pigment with polymerisable dispersant for inkjet printing inks

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a novel method for encapsulation of phthalocyanine blue pigment for inkjet printing inks.Design/methodology/approach – Phthalocyanine blue pigment was encapsulated by emulsion polymerisation of styrene and a polymerisable dispersant, allyloxy nonyl‐phenoxy propanol polyoxyethylene ether ammonium sulphonate (ANPS). The encapsulated phthalocyanine blue pigment was further formulated into dispersion. The encapsulated phthalocyanine blue pigment was characterised with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential and contact angle measurements. The encapsulated phthalocyanine blue pigment dispersion was evaluated in terms of rheological behaviour, particle size distribution and stability.Findings – TEM and TGA proved that polymer encapsulation layer was formed onto phthalocyanine blue pigment surface. XRD indicated that the crystal structure of phthalocyanine blue pigment was not changed durin...