Sympatec Particle Size Analyzer for Ink Pigments
Monitoring of pigment size and stability of inks with Photon Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy technique
The reality
Inks or paints, e.g. ceramic inks or printing inks, are commonly multi component systems. An important component is the pigment, which adds colour to the suspension. Important quality characteristics are particle size and distribution width of pigment particles. They immensely influence colour intensity, surface quality, UV-resistance and durability or stability of the final product. Furthermore, particle size needs to be small enough to avoid blockage of the printer mechanism’s nozzles. Agglomerates are undesired and must be detected.
Particle size also plays an important part in rheology. Reduction of particle size while volume concentration remains constant results in an increase of viscosity and influences the flow properties.
To obtain optimal primary particle size, suspensions are finely ground. The grinding process and the final fineness of the pigments can be examined in a highly concentrated state with high resolution particle size analysis using photon cross-correlation spectroscopy (PCCS). The sample preparation effort is minimal. Particle size, dispersion width and polydispersity are reliably detected with this version of dynamic light scattering in addition to dispersion stability.
The solution
Typical Sympatec Particle Size Analyzer configuration
Nanoparticle sensor NANOPHOX 0,5 nm - 10,000 nm
Measuring results | Particle Size Distribution of Ceramic ink and Black ink
Measuring results | Stability Analysis of Ceramic ink and Black ink
Application strengths
- Measurement of nano particle size independent of dilution grade
- Less effort with sample preparation
- Easy and robust measuring method
- High resolution of multiple particle distributions through manual NNLS evaluation mode
- In-situ measurement of long-term stability
The benefits
- Reduction of sources of error caused by elaborate sample preparation
- Fully automated measuring method
- Optimization of quality characteristics by reliable measurement of particle size distribution
- Support in development of inks and paints on the basis of nano particles
The integration of the Sympatec NANOPHOX with Photon Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (PCCS) technique presents a host of compelling advantages for monitoring pigment size and stability in inks. By harnessing the power of PCCS, this cutting-edge system enables precise and real-time measurements of nanoparticle properties with exceptional sensitivity. The non-invasive nature of the technique ensures that the ink's integrity remains unaffected, allowing for continuous monitoring during ink production processes without compromising its quality.
The synergy between Sympatec NANOPHOX and PCCS ensures accurate analysis of pigment particle size distribution and agglomeration patterns, leading to superior color consistency and long-term stability of inks. Furthermore, the user-friendly interface and rapid data interpretation provided by the NANOPHOX empower ink manufacturers to make informed decisions swiftly, optimizing production efficiency and elevating the overall product quality in the highly competitive ink industry.
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