Formulation of nanoscale copolymer-SiO₂ dispersion via miniemulsion polymerization for application in white inkjet ink

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to prepare nanoscale copolymer-silicon dioxide (SiO2) dispersion for formulating textile printing white ink. Design/methodology/approach Nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 dispersion was prepared via miniemulsion polymerization. The miniemulsion formulation was optimized for preparing stable SiO2/O/W miniemulsion and nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 dispersion. The nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 was investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal gravity (DTG) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The performance of white inks from this colorant was further investigated. Findings Nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 had a core-shell structure with about 45 nm encapsulated copolymer layer when it was synthesized under optimal miniemulsion formulation 60 per cent mass ratio of styrene (St) to KH570-SiO2, 5.0 per cent hexadecane to St and 2.0 per cent concentration of DNS-86. The nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 white ink had high thermal and centrifugal stability with high purity and color fastness. Research limitations/implications The miniemulsion polymerization conditions required a careful control before favorable results could be achieved. Practical implications The nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 dispersion and white ink prepared by this method showed excellent stability. This research could accelerate the textiles inkjet printing application. Originality/value The reactive stabilizer DNS-86 is innovatively introduced into the miniemulsion polymerization to improve the stability of the nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 dispersion. The white ink was formulated from nanoscale copolymer-SiO2 to improve the fastness of the printed fabrics.