Recent Publications

• Keller, Carol; Paired Ink and Substrate Combinations Tailored for Ink Jet System Solutions, Proceedings of IS&T's NIP 16 (2000), p 229.
  
  Abstract:
  Photo-print longevity, textile durability, signage weatherability, and fine art archiveability have been greatly improved by selecting the substrate and the ink together, sometimes even including the finishing step in the process. As ink jet technology spreads from the desktop into a diversity of new markets, many improvements are being tied to the use of one vendor's matched ink and media.
  
  Highlighting these approaches, this paper emphasizes the combined chemistry developed for the inks and media for specific applications, the impact of individual ingredients on the overall system, the criteria for selecting the pairs, and the benefits and the problems in developing matched sets for these system solution approaches. Consideration of whether this specialized, selective ink and media approach, that is the norm in tradition industrial and commercial applications, will dominate ink jet as it gradually invades these applications will be discussed as well as whether this more limited matched system approach will displace efforts in items such as UV curing inks, and cross-linking emulsions, which are aimed at the ideal ink that is media independent, permanent and fast drying.
  
  
• Keller, Carol; The Evolution of Jet Inks to Meet New Application Needs, Proceedings of IS&T NIP 15 (1999), p 95.
  
  Abstract:
  The emerging markets for color ink jet printing have many new and specific requirements for ink jet inks. Today's inks were initially designed for the home and desktop market, or the addressing and labeling industrial market. Market requirements for new, emerging applications, often include both the quality of the desktop market and the durability of the industrial market, while adding highly specific needs for the application.
  
  While highlighting these needs, this paper emphasizes the wide range of technical paths ink formulation is taking to fulfill these needs, from controlled colorant solubility, new ink solvents, radiation curing, and new colorants. Some of these formulation approaches are general and are able to impact several applications while others are specific-substrate driven.
  
  Ink formulations are rapidly evolving to fulfill the multiple challenges of the emerging markets such as packaging, large format, textiles and decorative coverings. Further tailoring of chemistries to optimize ink ingredients for these new applications is needed, offering major opportunities for imaging chemical vendors.

Carol K. Keller, President