Characterisation and application of pigmented UV-curable inkjet inks

Purpose The main aim of this paper is to prepare UV-curable inkjet inks for textile printing application. The influence of both type and component ratio of monomer/oligomer on the quality of the desired viscosity range is studied. Moreover, the effect of pigment/resin ratio on the rheological behaviour of the ink has also been studied. Design/methodology/approach Aqueous dispersions of nanoscale organic pigments were prepared through ball milling and ultrasonication. The dispersed pigments were encapsulated into UV-curable resin via miniemulsion technique using different types and component ratios of monomers and oligomers. Findings It was found that the monomer/oligomer ratio of 2:3 and the pigment/resin ratio of 2:1 gave the most stable miniemulsion dispersions and provided the most suitable rheological range for inkjet printing inks. Research limitations/implications As the rheology of the ink is optimized, most of the problems associated with the jetting process could be avoided. Practical implication...