Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change black ink composition comprising (1) a low polarity ink carrier comprising (A) an ester-terminated polyamide, (B) a Guerbet alcohol or a Guerbet alcohol mixture including at least one linear alcohol, and (C) a low polarity wax, and (2) a black colorant. The ink carrier can also include a dispersant. The ink is resistant to aggregation and settling of the black colorant when a standby-mode printer temperature for the ink is not more than about the gel temperature of the ink.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink carrier comprising (A) an antioxidant mixture comprising (a) a hindered phenol antioxidant, and (b) a hindered amine antioxidant, (B) a polyalkylene wax, (C) a functional wax, and (D) an ester-terminated amide. The low polarity ink carrier is substantially resistant to phase separation, has excellent thermal stability, resists autocatalytic degradation of the ink composition and a substantial color shift upon standing, and provides enhanced humidity resistance. This ink carrier can be combined with a colorant to produce an ink composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change carbon black ink composition comprising 1) a low polarity ink carrier comprising (A) a low polarity wax, optionally (B) an ester-terminated polyamide, (2) a dispersant, and (3) a carbon black colorant. The ink can be resistant to substantial aggregation and settling of the carbon black colorant in the melt and up to about the jetting temperature of the ink even when exposed to freeze thaw cycles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink carrier comprising (A) an antioxidant mixture comprising (a) a hindered phenol antioxidant, and (b) a hindered amine antioxidant, (B) a polyalkylene wax, (C) a functional wax, and (D) an ester-terminated amide. The low polarity ink carrier is substantially resistant to phase separation, has excellent thermal stability, resists autocatalytic degradation of the ink composition and a substantial color shift upon standing, and provides enhanced humidity resistance. This ink carrier can be combined with a colorant to produce an ink composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change black ink composition comprising (1) a low polarity ink carrier comprising (A) an ester-terminated polyamide, (B) a Guerbet alcohol or a Guerbet alcohol mixture including at least one linear alcohol, and (C) a low polarity wax, and (2) a black colorant. The ink carrier can also include a dispersant. The ink is resistant to aggregation and settling of the black colorant when a standby-mode printer temperature for the ink is not more than about the gel temperature of the ink.

Abstract: Various venturi configurations are described that are particularly significant for ballistic aerosol marking (BAM) applications. The specific venturi geometries enable the printing of lines having sharp edges and particular widths, using relatively low pressures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a phase change ink composition which comprises (a) a phase change ink carrier, said carrier comprising at least one nonpolar component and at least one polar component, and (b) pigment particles, said process comprising (1) selecting at least one of the polar carrier components to be a pigment particle dispersant; (2) admixing the pigment particles with the dispersant; (3) extruding the mixture of pigment particles and dispersant in an extruder at a temperature that is at or above about the peak crystallization temperature of the dispersant and below about the peak melting temperature of the dispersant, thereby forming a pigment dispersion; (4) subsequent to extrusion of the pigment dispersion, adding to the pigment dispersion any remaining polar components and the nonpolar component; and (5) subjecting the resulting mixture of pigment dispersion, polar component, and nonpolar component to high shear mixing to form an ink.

Abstract: Polyetherimide-b-polysiloxane block copolymers are useful as surface layers for fuser and fixing members in various printing devices, including electrostatographic imaging systems and ballistic aerosol marking devices. Optionally, the polyetherimide-b-polysiloxane block copolymers are fluorinated, or include at least 50% by weight siloxane.