Ink Jet Pigments: The Triple S Concept

Abstract

For ink jet grade pigments the Triple S concept became well accepted. Besides chemical constitution the solid state parameters size, shape and surface properties (“Triple S”) are the key design elements.Furthermore the “hidden pigment properties” have to be controlled. One example is the dynamic surface tension measurement (DSTM). Depending on the pigment and the associated dispersing or wetting agent, the DSTM can be modified in a wide range. This is important for the various fast wetting processes during ink jet printing.In a similar way the pigment conditioning has a significant influence on viscosity and on viscosity over shear rate.Applications: for each application further demands have to be fulfilled. Office and desk-top application need high transparency, good optical density and the desired photorealistic quality.Wide format printing requires high light-, weather- and water fastness and sometimes more opaque pigments.