Water-based ink-jet inks were prepared using press cake samples of two commercially available azo disperse dyes. The suitability of the inks for printing polyester fabric was evaluated via measurement of surface tension, conductivity, viscosity, pH and particle size distribution. Inks prepared by the proposed method fulfill most requirements for an ink-jet ink depending on the colorant structure, the dispersing agent and the alcohol used. The inks were applied to polyester fabric by both printing and dyeing and the fastness of the ensuing coloured samples was assessed. The fastness properties of the dyed and printed polyester samples were found to be very good to excellent and generally meet accepted customer requirements. Oil-in-water microemulsions containing the same colorants were also prepared. Their properties, which are crucial to the suitability for ink-jet ink, were compared with those of the conventionally prepared inks and were found to be improved, with the exception of conductivity, while surface tension remained within acceptable values.

ABSTRACT:The synthesis and characterization of three hetarylazo disperse colorants are described. These compounds were used for the preparation of conventional inks and/or oil-in-water microemulsions (microemulsified dyes). The viscosity, conductivity, surface tension, and pH of these inks were studied over a period of time and discussed with respect to their structure. The particle size and particle size distribution of a representative microemulsion were compared to those of a corresponding conventional ink. The measured properties were compared to the properties of commercially available inks.

The preparation of microemulsified disperse inkjet inks was carried out and the effect of the surfactant used as dispersing agents on the properties of the inks was studied. The dispersing agents used were anionic conventional and non-conventional surfactants and a gemini type surfactant. The properties studied were surface tension, pH, conductivity, viscosity and the particle size distribution. The use of the gemini type and the two non conventional surfactants even in submultiple amounts resulted in a significant increase in the ink stability.