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: A non-ionic graft copolymer has a hydrophobic backbone and non-ionic, hydrophilic side chains having a molecular weight of at least 500, preferably 100–2000 is substantially insoluble in water, but soluble in an aqueous vehicle, and is particularly suited for use in aqueous coating compositions in which water comprises no more than 80% by weight of the vehicle for the composition.

Abstract: Ink-receiving print media products having multiple capabilities including (A) minimal drying time; (B) improved smear-fastness; (C) a high level of water-fastness; (D) the ability to generate high-definition images; and (E) excellent ink compatibility. The media products have at least one ink-receiving layer on a substrate (e.g. paper pre-coated with one or more binders and/or pigments). The ink-receiving layer includes a pigment (boehmite, pseudo-boehmite, or mixtures thereof) optimally combined with a special binder blend [polyvinyl alcohol, a poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer, and a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl acetate) copolymer]. Also included is a special dye fixative (namely, a cationic emulsion polymer) which provides enhanced water-fastness. This fixative is of a particular type (a quaternary amine) that also allows high pigment levels to be employed (at least about 65% by weight) which further promotes the foregoing benefits.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to systems and coated substrates for ink-jet ink printing. The coated media substrate can comprise a substrate, having coated thereon, a porous coating, wherein the porous coating comprises an alumina particulate having an active ligand covalently attached thereto or adsorbed thereon. Preferably, the alumina particulate is an aluminum oxide having surface hydroxyls.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to systems and coated substrates for ink-jet ink printing. The coated media substrate can comprise a substrate, having coated thereon, a porous coating, wherein the porous coating comprises an alumina particulate having an active ligand covalently attached thereto or adsorbed thereon. Preferably, the alumina particulate is an aluminum oxide having surface hydroxyls.

Abstract: Ink-receiving print media products having multiple capabilities including (A) minimal drying time; (B) improved smear-fastness; (C) a high level of water-fastness; (D) the ability to generate high-definition images; and (E) excellent ink compatibility. The media products have at least one ink-receiving layer on a substrate (e.g. paper pre-coated with one or more binders and/or pigments). The ink-receiving layer includes a pigment (boehmite, pseudo-boehmite, or mixtures thereof) optimally combined with a special binder blend [polyvinyl alcohol, a poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer, and a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl acetate) copolymer]. Also included is a special dye fixative (namely, a cationic emulsion polymer) which provides enhanced water-fastness. This fixative is of a particular type (a quaternary amine) that also allows high pigment levels to be employed (at least about 65% by weight) which further promotes the foregoing benefits.

Abstract: Aqueous, fluorescent red ink jet inks which meet US Postal Service requirements for metered mail are disclosed and comprise an aqueous vehicle, a red or magenta pigment, a polymeric dispersant, a fluorescent dye and, optionally a hydrotrope additive.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition and process for printing on vinyl substrates in which the ink comprises an aqueous vehicle containing at least water and a water-miscible glycol or glycol ether, wherein water constitutes no more than 80% by weight based on the total weight of the vehicle; an insoluble colorant (preferably a pigment); a polymeric dispersant; a silicon or fluorinated surfactant; and, optionally but preferably, a graft copolymer binder having a hydrophobic backbone and non-ionic, hydrophilic side chains, which binder is soluble in the aqueous vehicle but insoluble in water.

Abstract: Inks for ink jet printers contain an aqueous carrier medium; a colorant that is insoluble in the aqueous carrier, a polymer dispersant; and a linear polymer additive selected from the group consisting of an water soluble, elastomeric ABA block polymer comprising an elastomeric B block and non-elastomeric A blocks; anionic polymers selected from neutralized acrylic and methacrylic acid polymers; cationic polymers selected from neutralized or quaternized amine polymers; water-dispersible .beta.-diketone containing polymers and ethylene oxide containing polymers.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition is provided which contains an aqueous vehicle; a colorant; and a polymeric dispersant comprising 2 to 50% by weight of monomers selected from .beta.-diketone containing monomers and ureido monomers, as well as a combination of such ink with a media having basic groups such as primary or secondary amines and divalent cations.

Abstract: Bleed between two adjacent inks on a printing medium may be reduced by selecting inks having the same ionic character, at least one ink containing an aqueous carrier medium and a pigment dispersion wherein the dispersant is a quaternized amine containing polymeric dispersant, and wherein the second ink contains an aqueous carrier medium, a colorant and optionally a polymer, wherein the colorant or the polymer has a sulfonate or phosphonate group. A process for alleviating bleed in printed elements comprising applying the first and second inks to a substrate in contact with each another is also described.

Abstract: Bleed between two adjacent pigmented inks on a printing medium is reduced. The first ink has at least one neutralized carboxylic acid group, neutralized amine, or a quaternized amine group; and the second ink contains a polymeric dispersant having at least one sulfonate or phosphonate group, and a carboxylic acid additive having a pKa of up to 3.5.

Abstract: A graft polymer having (a) a hydrophilic backbone prepared from unneutralized acid containing monomers wherein the acid has a pKa of at least 3, and wherein the backbone is completely soluble in water and insoluble in non-polar organic solvents; and (b) at least one discrete hydrophobic side chain, wherein 20 to 100% of the side chains are prepared from non-polar aliphatic or aromatic monomers having a chain length of at least 4 carbon atoms; wherein the side chains are attached to the backbone at a single terminal point and wherein the at least one discrete hydrophobic side chain has a weight average molecular weight of 1000 to 30,000. These graft polymers are useful as dispersants in aqueous solutions, particularly in ink jet inks.