Role of Non-Ionic Surfactants in Enhancing the Dispersion Quality and Stability of Inkjet Ink Millbases

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Printing Science and Technology, Faculty of color physics, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P. O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, Iran.

10.30509/jcst.2026.167739.1278

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of molecular structure and concentration of three non-ionic ethoxylated surfactants—Sorbitan monooleate (Tween80), oleic acid (Keol6), and nonylphenol (Kenon10) —on the milling process and final properties of dispersions for water-based inkjet inks. Particle size, surface tension, colorimetry, spectroscopy, and dynamic stability were evaluated. Results indicated that Kenon10, at 0.05 g, yields dispersions with the smallest particle size (~100 nm), the narrowest distribution, the highest color strength, and superior stability, attributed to its aromatic structure and optimal ethoxylate chain. Higher Kenon10 concentrations cause excessive reduction in surface tension and competitive adsorption with the polymeric dispersant, leading to particle growth, reduced color strength, and instability. Conversely, Keol6 and Tween80 perform effectively at a higher concentration (0.1 g). The findings highlight the critical influence of surfactant molecular architecture on dispersion quality, which in turn governs milling efficiency, color performance, and colloidal stability.

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References

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