-Is formulated with a non fading, stable dispersion of carbon black pigment. The dispersion of micro-fine pigment particles should not flocculate (coagulate into larger clumps). Use the minimum pigment loading necessary to produce the deepest black. Use the solvent which bests wets and penetrates the media, acts as a humectant and develops the maximum black potential of the pigment. The majority of the ink vehicle should penetrate the media, carrying the pigment with it and should bind it to the media so that it doesn't rub, flake or run off the media. The solvent allows for stratification of the pigment in order to develop a depth of tone and a dimensionality to the image. The pigment/solvent should dry reasonably quickly and should form an adhesive bond with the substrate. Once dry, the pigment/solvent should form a strong polymer and flocculated network in the substrate. The formulation should be able to withstand numerous freeze/thaw cycles to accommodate storage and shipping during the winter months. The ink should have a low viscosity yet at the same time a high surface tension. Particle size should remain below 150 nanometers and pigment particles should not grow over time. Since the carbon black is insoluble in solution, and the particles need to kept in perfect suspension, the Cabot Corporation black pigment system of binding ionically charged particles to the surface of the pigments so that each particle repels every other particle is an elegant solution. Brownian motion keeps each particle in constant motion, repelling every other pigment particle in the suspension due to the ionic charge.
For a detailed description of
The Ideal Grayscale Ink
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