Abstract: The present invention provides black ink compositions for use in inkjet printing, which exhibit improved neutral color, light fastness, and gray scale properties. The black ink compositions generally include a mixture of two or more black dyes in balanced concentrations to obtain black ink having the improved properties while retaining good print-ability in an inkjet pen. In one aspect, a black ink composition may include a mixture of pacified Reactive Black 31 and Direct Black 168.

Abstract: The present invention provides black ink compositions for use in inkjet printing, which exhibit improved neutral color, light fastness, and gray scale properties. The black ink compositions generally include a mixture of two or more black dyes in balanced concentrations to obtain black ink having the improved properties while retaining good print-ability in an inkjet pen. In one aspect, a black ink composition may include a mixture of pacified Reactive Black 31 and Direct Black 168.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition is provided for large format printers for printing on both porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media. The ink composition comprises at least one water-soluble dye and a vehicle comprising at least one co-solvent and at least two different surfactants, a non-ionic surfactant and a fluoro-surfactant. The total surfactant concentration ranges from about 0.1 to 5 wt % of the ink composition. The non-ionic surfactant is present in a range of about 0.05 to 3 wt % of the ink composition, while the fluoro-surfactant is present in a range of about 0.001 to 3 wt % of the ink composition. The ink formulation that works well with porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media and provides substantially instant ink drying and light fastness of the ink. Further, the ink formulation evidences excellent image quality. The ink can also pass harsh pen material compatibility tests. The ink does not puddle on the surface of the orifice plate in the default pen, yet has low viscosity.

Abstract: At least one of the following compounds is included on a surface layer of a print medium and in an inkjet ink formulation to be printed thereon: potassium iodide, sodium iodide, sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and sodium thiocyanate. The addition of at least one of these compounds to both the print medium and the inkjet ink can improve light fastness on the order of eight to thirteen times or more on porous glossy media. These additives are particularly effective with water-soluble dyes, including such dyes as Reactive Black 31 (Pacified) (RB31), Direct Blue 199 (DB199), Magenta 377 (M377), and Direct Yellow 132 (DY132).

Abstract: At least one of the following compounds is applied as a re-wet solution to media: potassium iodide, sodium iodide, sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and sodium thiocyanate. The addition of at least one of these compounds to the re-wet solution can improve light fastness on the order of eight to thirteen times or more on porous glossy media. These additives are particularly effective with water-soluble dyes, including dyes such as Reactive Black 31 (Pacified) (RB31), Direct Blue 199 (DB199), Magenta 377 (M377), and Direct Yellow 132 (DY132).

Abstract: Thermoplastic concentrates comprising inorganic pigments, such as titanium dioxide, treated with a dialkyl sulfosuccinate treating agent, of the formula ROOCCHSO.sub.3 MCH.sub.2 COOR', where R and R' are monovalent alkyl radicals containing from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms and M is a metallic monovalent cation, are disclosed. Such treatment improves the dispersibility of the pigments in thermoplastic resins. The treatment also enables the production of thermoplastic concentrates comprising a high percentage of treated inorganic pigment dispersed in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A rutile mixed metal oxide pigment can be prepared by calcining a rutile ore with a transition metal oxide. The rutile mixed oxide pigment can be dispersed in an emulsion to produce a paint or coating or the pigment can be combined with a network former and network modifier to produce a ceramic glaze.

Abstract: Thermoplastic concentrates comprising inorganic pigments, such as titanium dioxide, treated with a partial ester polyol and unsaturated monocarboxylic acid treating agent, of the formula R(OH).sub.x COOR', wherein R is an alkyl or aryl radical containing from about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, R' is an unsaturated alkyl radical containing from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and x is a number from about 2 to about 6, are disclosed. Such treatment improves the dispersibility of the pigments in thermoplastic resins. The treatment also enables the production of thermoplastic concentrates comprising a high percentage of treated inorganic pigment dispersed in a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A pigment composition of improved dispersibility in thermoplastic resins and concentrates of the pigment composition in thermoplastic resin are provided. The pigment composition is comprised of an inorganic pigment such as titanium dioxide having an organophosphate ester treating agent deposited thereon.

Abstract: A method of increasing the hydrophobicity of solid materials. The inventive method comprises the steps of: (a) metal ion activating the surface of a solid substrate material to provide reactive metal sites on the surface and (b) chemically bonding a surfactant to the surface at the reactive metal sites. Titanium dioxide pigments and other particulate property modifiers treated in accordance with the inventive method are more readily dispersed in polymer compositions.

Abstract: A pigment composition of improved dispersibility in thermoplastic resins and concentrates of the pigment composition in thermoplastic resin are provided. The pigment composition is comprised of an inorganic pigment such as titanium dioxide having an organophosphate ester treating agent deposited thereon.

Abstract: A method of increasing the hydrophobicity of solid materials. The inventive method comprises the steps of: (a) metal ion activating the surface of a solid substrate material to provide reactive metal sites on the surface and (b) chemically bonding a surfactant to the surface at the reactive metal sites. Titanium dioxide pigments and other particulate property modifiers treated in accordance with the inventive method are more readily dispersed in polymer compositions.

Abstract: A process for making colored pigments based on zircon is described whereby a mixture of zirconium halide, silicon halide and a metal halide chromophore are oxidized at a temperature in the range of from about 600.degree. to about 1400.degree. C. This combustion process may be conducted in much less time than prior art procedures which calcine zirconium oxide, silicon oxide and a chromophore. Additionally, the resultant particles are sufficiently small to enable the pigment to be used immediately without need for a subsequent grinding or pulverization step, as typically required by the prior art.

Abstract: A method for producing electrically conductive pigmentary composites comprising the steps of: (a) adding a cyclic monomer material and a chemical oxidant to an aqueous slurry of a finely divided pigmentary metal oxide substrate material, the chemical oxidant being suitable for effecting the polymerization of the cyclic monomer material, and (b) allowing the cyclic monomer material to deposit and polymerize on the surface of the metal oxide substrate material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrically conductive pigmentary composites comprised of electrically nonconductive pigmentary metal oxide substrates to which is adhered an electrically conductive polymer material.