Abstract: Ink compositions that are particularly suitable for, but are not limited to, color, thermal ink-jet printing on various print media are described. The ink compositions of the present invention provide superior decap performance and decreased image drying time without sacrificing other, important ink composition characteristics. One embodiment of an ink composition according to the present invention comprises, by weight, from about 0.5 to about 20 percent water-soluble dye, and from about 5 to about 30 percent of an organic solvent comprising a branched, lower alkyl compound having terminal hydroxyl groups, with the balance being mostly water. Currently, the best results appear to be achieved when the organic solvent is a 1,3-propanediol having a lower alkyl group at the two position, such as 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, or a mixture of a 1,3-propanediol having a lower alkyl group at the two position and a butanediol, such as 1,4-butanediol.

Abstract: Liquid crystal compositions consisting essentially of certain N-(p-alkyloxybenzylidene)-p-alkylanilines with certain p-alkoxyphenyl-p'-alkylbenzoates and/or p-alkylphenyl-p'-cyanobenzoates exhibit a glassy structure at low temperatures, rather than a solid crystal form. The compositions also have a broad operating temperature range, suitable for use in liquid crystal displays. Liquid crystal displays incorporating these compositions maintain high contrast when exposed to low temperatures, while conventional liquid crystal compositions lose high contrast when so exposed to low temperatures.