Abstract: The inks provide excellent ink-jet prints having excellent imaging onto glossy inkjet media with increased dot size leading to improved dot visibility and banding robustness of the image. The aqueous inks each comprise from about 0.1 to about 20 wt % of at least one colorant (CMYK) with the black ink comprising from about 0.5 to about 20 wt % of at least one colorant; from about 7 to about 20 wt % of at least one 1,2-diol, from about 0.5% to about 2 wt % of a mono- or di-hydric alcohol; 0 to about 1.5 wt % of at least one component independently selected from the group consisting of buffers, biocides, and metal chelators; and the balance water. The formulations are substantially free of surfactants and other solvents.

Abstract: The present invention provides ink-jet inks for ink-jet printing, comprising from 0.1% to 5% by weight of at least one dye; from 8% to 20% by weight of a diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and combinations thereof; from 0.1% to 5% by weight of an aliphatic alcohol or aliphatic alcohol mixture; and from 0.1% to 1.5% by weight of at least one component independently selected from the group consisting of buffers, biocides, and metal chelators, with the proviso that no surfactant is present in the inkjet ink composition. The ink-jet inks formulated according to the present invention provide good dot size, color-to-color bleed alleviation, improved coalescence, less chia, and improved print head materials compatibility.

Abstract: An inkjet ink is provided that has a greater organic content than prior art inks. However, it is not simply enough to increase the organic content; other factors must be considered as well. These include controlling viscosity and surface tension, as well as maintaining acceptable drytime. An inkjet ink composition that evidences reduced outgassing and reduces paper cockle and curl comprises about 25 to 50 wt % of one or more organic co-solvents, has a viscosity of 10 cp or less, and has a surface tension of 40 dyne/cm or less. Advantageously, using a higher solvent ink reduces cockle and curl. Cockle and curl are also reduced as the water content of the ink is reduced. The present invention uses the higher solvent inks in combination with underprinting. In underprinting, a fixer solution is first “printed” on the print medium, followed by printing the inkjet ink thereon. There is a synergism to this combination. Together, weaknesses of both approaches are addressed.

Abstract: Ink-jet treating solution having a water base and an imidized styrene maleic anhydride polymer. The polymer is insoluble in a neutral aqueous medium and it is present in a concentration by weight of between about 2% and 4%, with a preferred concentration of about 3%. The polymer imparts wet smudge resistance to ink-jet inks when printed.

Abstract: An inkjet ink is provided that has a greater organic content than prior art inks. However, it is not simply enough to increase the organic content; other factors must be considered as well. These include controlling viscosity and surface tension, as well as maintaining acceptable drytime. An inkjet ink composition that evidences reduced outgassing and reduces paper cockle and curl comprises about 25 to 50 wt % of one or more organic co-solvents, has a viscosity of 10 cp or less, and has a surface tension of 40 dyne/cm or less. Advantageously, using a higher solvent ink reduces cockle and curl. Cockle and curl are also reduced as the water content of the ink is reduced. The present invention uses the higher solvent inks in combination with underprinting. In underprinting, a fixer solution is first “printed” on the print medium, followed by printing the inkjet ink thereon. There is a synergism to this combination. Together, weaknesses of both approaches are addressed.