Titanium Dioxide For Ink
Titanium Dioxide for Ink acts as an invisible but significant contributor to producing the colour and quality of all ink products. This pigment-type component is used to generate more vivid, higher-quality colored ink products, creating a vibrant ink base across multiple printing processes and applications. In this article, we examine the exciting world of TiO2 and discuss some of the benefits, applications, and safety issues associated with it.
Offset Printing Process: The offset printing process incorporates a dual function, which involves two different types of resins: one based on water and one based on oil. Because both types of resin have different properties, offset printing processes must ensure that the resin used for offset printing has good anti-emulsifying and hydrophobic properties so that the white ink does not emulsify. In addition, when used as an outdoor printing medium, TiO2-based white inks require good light resistance (preventing yellowing or powdering of the white inks) and good weather resistance.
Gravure Composite Film Printing Process: In gravure composite printing, white inks are printed first to create a vibrant colour-printed base. In gravure ink—white ink created for gravure printing—TiO2 must have excellent strength and hiding capability.
Tin-Printing Inks: Generally speaking, the printed surface of tin-printed materials must be post-processed through baking or heat to create a durable surface. For tin-printed materials, the heat process requires that the printed material be heated to approximately 180°C for approximately 120 minutes.
Superior Opacity and Whiteness
TiO2’s superior opacity and brightness, which allow for the use of a thinner ink film and lower ink production costs, is one of its primary advantages. Today’s technology guarantees consistent tinting strength and opacity, resulting in better printability.
Enhanced Durability and Compatibility
TiO2 possesses low abrasive qualities, therefore, TiO2 reduces wear and tear on the printing plates making it a good candidate for water-based and solvent-based inks used in flexographic, gravure, and digital printing of labels and packaging.
Exceptional Dispersion and Tinting Strength
Alumina surface-treated TiO2 has extremely good dispersion qualities. Furthermore, TiO2’s high refractive index and scattering coefficient provide TiO2 with excellent tinting qualities, which produce inks with brilliant colours and superb opacity.
How to use Titanium dioxide for ink?
Titanium dioxide improves the opacity, brightness, and colour vibrancy of inks. It is mixed into the ink base using a high-speed mixer or bead mill to ensure uniform dispersion. Typical TiO₂ loading ranges from 5% to 30%, depending on the required opacity. Proper mixing prevents particle agglomeration, giving smoother prints, better durability, and cleaner colour quality.
Choosing the Right TiO2 for Your Ink
Selecting the appropriate TiO2 pigment hinges on the desired outcome. Here are key factors to consider:
Ink Whiteness
TiO2 is an excellent pigment for producing the brightest white colour. If your needs call for a toned-down or slightly altered shade of white, there are several alternatives to consider: when using TiO2 with trace quantities of other metals (such as copper, iron, or chromium), they will modify the final product colour a reasonable amount. Rutile-type TiO2 is highly regarded for its ability to maintain a low opacity; it remains the best TiO2 choice for down-toned shades.
Ink Hiding Power
The opacity and hiding power of TiO2 depend on its refractive index. Select a TiO2 with a very high refractive index for maximum hiding power in white inks.
Types of TiO2 for Inks
There are two primary types of TiO2 used in ink formulations:
Rutile TiO2
Anatase TiO2
Anatase Titanium Dioxide For Ink
This type appears yellow or colorless in its nanoparticle form.
Rutile Titanium Dioxide For Ink
Notably, rutile TiO₂ is the most common and stable form, produced under high temperatures and pressure.
Safety Considerations
When working with or using titanium dioxide, you should wear protective gear to avoid skin contact or inhalation. Additionally, you should adhere to the safety guidelines outlined in your Material Safety Data Sheet.
Conclusion
Titanium Dioxide is an important part of many ink formulas and plays an essential role in developing whiteness, opacity, and printability in inks. It is expected that the growth of the demand for quality inks will lead to more TiO2 utilisation, providing manufacturers with a great opportunity for inventive uses within their print products. Sukhmani Impex has many Titanium Dioxide products available to suit your particular ink use and offers support to enhance your printing through quality and consistency in the performance of the ink.