Abstract: The radiation-curable phase-change ink composition having at least one radiation curable fluorescent co-monomer and a gellant. The radiation-curable phase-change ink composition offers both document security features as well as potential brand highlight features. The radiation-curable phase-change ink composition combines the unique attributes of the UV curable gel system, with its tremendous substrate latitude, with the ability to add tunable fluorescent effects without the safety concerns of small molecule fluorescent additives. Exemplary ink compositions include a first co-monomer, least one radiation curable fluorescent co-monomer, and a gellant. Methods for making and using these ink compositions and ink compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a compound of the formula wherein R1 and R1?, R2 and R2?, and R3 are as defined herein, said process comprising (I) reacting a diacid of the formula HOOC—R2—COOH with a diamine of the formula H2N—R3—NH2 to form an acid-terminated oligoamide intermediate of the formula HOOC—R2—CONH—R3—HNCO—R2?—COOH; and (II) reacting the acid-terminated oligoamide intermediate with a monoalcohol of the formula R1—OH in the presence of a tin or organic titanate catalyst, in the absence of a coupling agent, and in the absence of a solvent to form the product. Also disclosed is a composition prepared by the process.

Abstract: There is provided novel black ultraviolet (UV) curable ink compositions having substantially improved curing properties. The novel ink comprises low levels of carbon black in combination with two or more other colored or non-black pigments which result in a black UV curable gel ink with superior cure compared to conventional all-carbon black loaded UV curable gel inks.

Abstract: An imaging device includes print media and a plurality of ink jets for ejecting drops of substantially clear ink onto the print media. One of the print media and the substantially clear ink has a fluorescent characteristic and the other of the print media and the substantially clear ink is substantially non-fluorescent. The imaging device includes a fluorescence sensor having (i) a light emitter for illuminating the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media by the plurality of ink jets with light of an activating wavelength, and (ii) a light detector for detecting a fluorescence intensity of light received from the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media in an emission wavelength. A controller is configured to modify an operating parameter of the imaging device based on the fluorescence intensity detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Curable solid inks and low shrinkage curable solid inks which are solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature at which the molten ink is applied to a substrate. In particular, the solid inks of the present embodiments retain the advantages of handling, safety, and print quality usually associated with conventional solid phase change inks but provide additional breakthrough performance characteristics such as enhanced curing and robustness, lower jetting temperature, and ultra-low shrinkage upon crystallization, which allow the inks to be used as novel materials in inkjet-based print applications.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly latex particles are provided which include a gelling agent and a pigment encapsulated in an amorphous resin which may be utilized in forming EA super low melt toners. Methods for providing these resins and toners are also provided.

Abstract: A radiation curable paste ink composition including at least one curable wax that is curable by free radical polymerization; at least one curable liquid component that is a liquid at a temperature of from about 20 to about 25° C., present in an amount of less than about 20 percent by weight based upon the total weight of the curable paste ink composition; optionally, at least one non-curable wax; at least one free-radical photoinitiator or photoinitiating moiety; at least one curable gellant; and optionally, a colorant; wherein the components form a curable ink composition that is a paste at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is from about 20 to about 25° C.; and wherein the components form a liquid composition at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is greater than about 40° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation curable solid ink composition comprising: (a) a curable wax; (b) at least one curable monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer; (c) at least one photoinitiator; and (d) a pigment colorant; wherein the ink is a solid at a first temperature of about 25° C. or lower; and wherein the ink is a liquid at a second temperature of about 40° C. or higher; said ink being curable by free-radical polymerization.

Abstract: A phase change ink includes an ink vehicle that includes at least one curable carrier, at least one gellant, at least one wax and at least one alkoxysilane monomer. In a method of forming an image with the ink, the phase change ink is melted, then jetted onto an image receiving substrate, wherein the phase change ink forms a gel state, and exposed to ultraviolet light to cure the curable components of the phase change ink. The alkoxysilane participates in crosslinking to form silicon-oxygen-silicon bonds, thereby producing an ink with advantageous stability and high image quality.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a three-dimensional object including depositing a composition containing a cationically curable compound, a cationic photoinitiator, a radically curable compound, a radical photoinitiator, and a gellant upon a surface to create a three-dimensional object; and curing the composition.

Abstract: An ink compatibility including a dye and surface functionalized photocatalytically active semiconductor nanoparticles is provided. This ink composition enables the reuse of a print substrate, because the surface functionalized photocatalytically active semiconductor nanoparticles bleach the dye under an activating radiation.

Abstract: Core-shell nanoscale pigment particles include a core organic pigment composition including nanoscale particles of organic pigments, and a shell layer of surface-deposited silica, where the organic pigment particles are selected from azo-type pigment particles, azo laked pigment particles, quinacridone pigment particles, phthalocyanine pigment particles, and mixtures thereof. The core-shell nanoscale pigment particles can also include an organic primer layer covering the core and located between the core and the shell layer. The core-shell nanoscale pigment particles can be made by preparing a core composition including nanoparticles of organic pigments, and encapsulating the core with shell layer of surface-deposited silica and an optional organic primer layer located between the core and the shell layer.

Abstract: A novel composition for use as a print head face plate coating. In particular, the coating comprises siloxyfluorocarbon (SFC), which is composed of networked precursors containing reactive siloxane groups attached to fluorocarbon chains. The present SFC coatings can be used to produce a surface whereby solid ink and ultraviolet (UV) curable inks do not adhere when applied at elevated temperatures and over an extended period of time. The advantages of the present coating are fewer print head related defects, and longer front face life.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to curable gel inks, such as radiation-curable phase-change inks, and their use in forming images, such as through inkjet printing. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to radiation-curable gel inks, such as ultraviolet-light-curable phase-change inks, that comprise a curable gellant and a curable solid.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a method of watermarking using a curable gel ink, and in particular, the curable gel ink is an ultraviolet (UV) curable gel ink that can be used in digital printing methods such as ink jet printing. The present embodiments provide improved scratch and rub resistance for watermarks formed with the UV curable gel ink formulations.

Abstract: Curable solid ink compositions, comprising a curable wax having a melting point under 40° C. as part of the ink vehicle, which are suitable for ink jet printing in applications that require high and/or variable levels of gloss. In particular, there is provided a novel high gloss, ultraviolet (UV) curable, phase change ink composition comprising a colorant and an ink vehicle comprising a gellant, a reactive diluent, a photoinitiator package, and a curable acrylate wax.

Abstract: A curable solid ink composition including a curable component, a non-curable component including an ethoxylated octylphenol derivative, a photoinitiator, and a colorant. The curable solid ink composition has a viscosity in the range of less than 10 cPs at 90° C., a shrinkage value of less than 3%, and a superior curing rate compared to existing curable solid ink compositions. The ethoxylated octylphenol derivatives may be prepared by reacting an ethoxylated octylphenol, a linear alcohol, and diisocyanates or polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink composition comprising: (a) a phase change ink carrier which comprises at least one curable monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer; (b) an initiator; (c) an infrared-absorbing taggant; and (d) an optional colorant, the ink being curable upon exposure to radiation, the ink absorbing radiation in the infrared region.

Abstract: Urea-urethane gellant compositions and methods of preparing the urea-urethane gellant compositions. The method includes adding an isocyanate, an alcohol or a diamine, and a solvent to a reaction vessel; stirring the reaction vessel at either ambient or elevated temperature; isolating an intermediate product from the reaction vessel; and converting the intermediate product to the organic gellant. The urea-urethane gellants are prepared in a manner to control the molecular weight and control the formation of dimers and trimers. The gellants may be used in curable gel inks.

Abstract: Curable solid inks and low shrinkage curable solid inks which are solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature at which the molten ink is applied to a substrate. In particular, the solid inks of the present embodiments retain the advantages of handling, safety, and print quality usually associated with conventional solid phase change inks but provide additional breakthrough performance characteristics such as enhanced robustness, lower jetting temperature, and ultra-low shrinkage upon crystallization, which allow the inks to be used as novel materials in inkjet-based Braille and raised print applications.