Abstract: The present invention is drawn to systems and methods for suppressing damaging effects from dissolution of silica present in an ink-jet printhead which contains high pH, pigmented ink. The systems and methods suppress the damaging effects of dissolution of silica by the action of a basic ink by adding a metal ion to the ink composition which forms a complex with the silica. The metal ion passivates the silica thus retarding the dissolution of silica thereby reducing promotion of ink kogation, silicate ring formation, and silicate deposit on ink-jet printhead resistors which effectively improves durability and shelf life of the ink-jet printhead.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include ink formulation and encapsulated pigments. One exemplary ink formulation includes an aqueous vehicle; a pigment dispersed throughout the aqueous vehicle, the pigment having styrene-acrylic copolymeric resins encapsulating the pigment; and at least one styrene-acrylic copolymeric binder dispersed throughout the aqueous vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to versatile ink-jet inks, ink-jet ink sets, and methods of printing images with improved quality when printed on both glossy coated media and on plain paper. In accordance with these embodiments, an ink-jet ink formulated for printing on plain paper and glossy coated media can comprise a liquid vehicle including water, an organic solvent, and an organic amine; and a polymer-encapsulated, acid-sensitive pigment colorant dispersed the liquid vehicle.

Abstract: Inkjet ink formulations and methods using the same, with improved performance, wherein the inks are formulated to work as an ink set with darker inks having a higher dynamic surface tension.

Abstract: An inkjet ink including a polymer-attached pigment formulated to exhibit a compact configuration and an elongated configuration, which provides the polymer-attached pigment with a variable particle size. The polymer-attached pigment may include a pigment having at least one polymer attached to its surface. The at least one polymer may be formed from a hydrophobic segment and a hydrophilic segment, where the hydrophilic segment is soluble in an aqueous environment and the hydrophobic segment is insoluble in the aqueous environment. The polymer-attached pigment may be dispersed in an ink vehicle to provide a low viscosity inkjet ink. The inkjet ink may optionally include at least one binder formed from a hydrophobic segment and two hydrophilic segments. A method of producing a printed image having good durability and gloss is also disclosed.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include fusible print media, methods of making fusible print media, and systems for preparing a fused ink-jet image. One exemplary embodiment of the fusible print medium, among others, includes a substrate and an ink-receiving layer disposed on the substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes a plurality of hollow polymer beads having substantially the same diameter.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include fusible print media, methods of making fusible print media, and systems for preparing a fused ink-jet image. One exemplary embodiment of the fusible print medium, among others, includes a substrate and an ink-receiving layer disposed on the substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes a plurality of hollow polymer beads having substantially the same diameter.