The "guardian spirit" of ink: silicone oil 2.0
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When the ink dries, the molecules of the resin, pigment, etc. within it will come closer to each other and interact with each other. Without effective isolation measures, the attractive force between these molecules may cause the ink layers to stick to each other after drying. Silicone oil plays a crucial role in preventing adhesion, forming a very thin and uniform isolation film on the ink surface. This film acts like an invisible barrier, separating the various molecules in the ink and preventing them from overly approaching and sticking to each other.
Take label printing as an example. After the label is printed, it usually needs to be tightly wound together. If the ink does not have good anti-adhesion properties, it will be difficult to peel off smoothly in the subsequent use, and even damage the label. However, with ink containing silicone oil, due to the isolation film formed by the silicone oil, even if the label is wound and stored for a long time, it can be easily separated, ensuring the normal use of the label. In the packaging printing field, a large number of printed products are stacked and stored, and the anti-adhesion effect of silicone oil can ensure that they do not stick to each other, maintaining the integrity of the printed products, and facilitating subsequent handling, storage, and sales.
When using silicone oil in ink, there are several key points to note. The first is the precise control of the addition amount. If the addition amount is too little, the silicone oil cannot fully exert its lubricating and anti-adhesion effects; while if the addition amount is too much, it may change the rheological properties of the ink, causing the drying speed to slow down, abnormal glossiness, and other problems, and even affecting the adhesion between the ink and the substrate. Secondly, the appropriate type of silicone oil should be selected based on the type of ink and specific printing requirements. For example, solvent-based ink can use silicone oil with good solvent compatibility; water-based ink requires a hydrophilic silicone oil to ensure its uniform dispersion in the ink system and optimal performance. Additionally, the compatibility between the silicone oil and other components in the ink should be fully considered. Some inks contain various additives, such as dispersants, drying agents, etc. If the silicone oil is incompatible with these additives, it may undergo chemical reactions or phase separation, damaging the stability of the ink and reducing printing quality. Before use, it is best to conduct compatibility tests on a small scale to confirm there are no issues before applying it on a large scale to ensure the smooth operation of the printing process and the quality of the printed products.