Optimize Printing Ink with ETHOCEL™
Flexographic and gravure printing inks are all around us. Packaging, publication, labels.... the list goes on and on. Because they are utilized for so many different applications it is necessary that formulators of these inks be able to optimize them for a particular printing operation. ETHOCEL™ is a family of solvent soluble ethyl cellulose polymers that can be used to enhance and optimize printing ink formulations.
Recommended Grades for Flexographic & Rotogravure Ink
Viscosity Control
Achieving and maintaining the proper viscosity is critical for the success of a printing ink formulation. Inks that are too viscous often have too much tack and can cause poor image transfer to the substrate. Inversely, inks that are not viscous enough flow easier and can cause loss of image sharpness. ETHOCEL™ is available in a variety of molecular weights and can be used to fine tune the viscosity of flexographic and gravure printing inks. In addition, ETHOCEL™ polymers are remarkably stable under a wide range of temperature and pH. Viscosity achieved with these polymers is very stable and consistent.
Film Formation
Typically, ETHOCEL™ polymers are used as an additive to control the viscosity and improve performance of ink formulations. However, they can also be used as a binder in these solvent based ink formulations. ETHOCEL™ forms films with remarkably good flexibility at low temperatures with excellent impact toughness. Flexographic and gravure ink formulations that utilize ETHOCEL™ as a binder show improved abrasion and scuff resistance. This results in printed materials that are much more durable and less likely to be damaged during shipment and storage. In addition, ETHOCEL™ has been shown to decrease drying time and improve printability onto difficult substrates when used as a binding resin in printing inks.
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