The role of ink binder

Ink Binder is the core component of ink. As the carrier of pigment, it plays a key role in dispersing pigment and endowing ink with application performance and film-forming performance, which directly determines the printability and print quality of ink.

 

First, disperse and carry pigments. The binder can moisten the pigment particles, disperse the pigment evenly by stirring, grinding and other processes, avoid pigment agglomeration and sedimentation, and ensure the uniform color of the ink. At the same time, it carries the solid pigment particles to the surface of the substrate, which is the basic carrier for the pigment to play its coloring function.

 

Second, give ink application performance. The viscosity, fluidity, dryness and other parameters of the binder determine the printing adaptability of the ink. For example, proper viscosity can ensure the smooth transfer and uniform spreading of ink in the printing process; Volatile binders can be dried quickly, and resin binders can be formed into films through curing reaction, which can meet the speed and accuracy requirements of different printing processes (such as offset printing, flexography and gravure printing).

 

Third, ensure the adhesion and durability of printed matter. After the ink is dried, the binder will form a continuous and firm film, and the pigment particles will be closely bonded to the surface of the substrate to ensure that the printed pattern will not fall off or fade. At the same time, the chemical properties of the binder determine the durability indexes such as friction resistance, water resistance, light resistance, etc., and are suitable for different application scenarios such as food packaging and outdoor advertising.

 

Fourthly, adjust the physical and chemical properties of ink. By adjusting the composition and proportion of the binder, the adhesion, gloss and flexibility of the ink can be optimized, and it can be suitable for different types of printing materials such as paper, plastic and metal.