Abstract: A neutral gray or black ink and combinations thereof for ink-jet printing, comprising: an ink vehicle; carbon black; another colored pigment or pigments such as a combination of cyan and violet pigments; wherein the carbon black and colored pigments are associated with a polymer or polymers which render the carbon black and pigments dispersible in aqueous solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dry rub resistance and reduced dry rub transfer are provided. Specifically, a system for printing durable ink-jet images having good dry rub resistance can include a substrate, a first ink-jet pen, and a slip component. The first ink-jet pen can contain an ink-jet ink configured for being jetted onto the substrate and can include a first liquid vehicle, and an effective amount of a pigment colorant. The slip component can be configured for being coated over the ink-jet ink once jetted onto the substrate. In one embodiment, the ink-jet ink can further include an effective amount of a latex. In another embodiment, a fixer composition can be used for overprinting or underprinting with respect to the ink-jet ink. A method of the present invention can utilize the above system.

Abstract: An inkjet printing system for use in offset printing comprises a fixer fluid and an ink. The fixer fluid comprises a fixer polymer and a first fluorosurfactant package having a fluorosurfactant and a hydrocarbon surfactant. The ink comprises a charged dye and a second fluorosurfactant package. Methods for improving print quality in offset printing using the inkjet printing system and the fixer fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing smudge resistant and durable ink-jet images having good optical density are provided. Specifically, a system for printing durable ink-jet ink images can comprise a set of two ink-jet pens, preferably thermal ink-jet pens. The first ink-jet pen contains an ink-jet ink, wherein the ink-jet ink comprises a first liquid vehicle, from 0.5% to 6% by weight of a pigment colorant, and from 0.2% to 15% by weight of an anionic or neutral latex-containing colloidal suspension. The second ink-jet pen contains a fixer composition, wherein the fixer composition comprises effective amounts of second liquid vehicle, and from 0.2% to 15% by weight of a cationic polymer such as poly(vinyl pyridine) salts, polyalkylaminoethyl acrylates, polyalkylaminoethyl methacrylates, poly(vinyl imidazole); or preferably, polyethyleneimines, polybiguanides, and/or polyguanides.

Abstract: A colorless ink jet ink composition is provided for printers for printing on both porous and hybrid glossy or semi-glossy media. The ink composition comprises a water soluble polymer or dispersed latex. The ink formulation provides substantially air fast, stain resistant, and light fastness to the printed image. Further, the ink formulation evidences improved overall image quality.

Abstract: An ink jet inkset is provided for image printers, in particular large format printers, for printing on both porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media. The inket contains a black ink and one or more color inks, said color ink composition comprises at least one water-soluble dye and a vehicle comprising at least one co-solvent and at least two different surfactants, a non-ionic surfactant and a fluoro-surfactant. The total surfactant concentration ranges from about 0.05 to 6 wt % of the ink composition. The non-ionic surfactant is present in a range of about 0.05 to 3 wt % of the ink composition, while the fluoro-surfactant is present in a range of about 0.001 to 3 wt % of the ink composition. The ink formulation that works well with porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media and provides substantially instant ink drying and light fastness of the ink. Further, the ink formulation evidences excellent image quality. The ink can also pass harsh pen material compatibility tests.

Abstract: An ink jet inkset is provided for image printers, in particular large format printers, for printing on both porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media. The inket contains a black ink and one or more color inks, said color ink composition comprises at least one water-soluble dye and a vehicle comprising at least one co-solvent and at least two different surfactants, a non-ionic surfactant and a fluoro-surfactant. The total surfactant concentration ranges from about 0.05 to 6 wt % of the ink composition. The non-ionic surfactant is present in a range of about 0.05 to 3 wt % of the ink composition, while the fluoro-surfactant is present in a range of about 0.001 to 3 wt % of the ink composition. The ink formulation that works well with porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media and provides substantially instant ink drying and light fastness of the ink. Further, the ink formulation evidences excellent image quality. The ink can also pass harsh pen material compatibility tests.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition is provided for large format printers for printing on both porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media. The ink composition comprises at least one water-soluble dye and a vehicle comprising at least one co-solvent and at least two different surfactants, a non-ionic surfactant and a fluoro-surfactant. The total surfactant concentration ranges from about 0.1 to 5 wt % of the ink composition. The non-ionic surfactant is present in a range of about 0.05 to 3 wt % of the ink composition, while the fluoro-surfactant is present in a range of about 0.001 to 3 wt % of the ink composition. The ink formulation that works well with porous, non-porous, and hybrid glossy media and provides substantially instant ink drying and light fastness of the ink. Further, the ink formulation evidences excellent image quality. The ink can also pass harsh pen material compatibility tests. The ink does not puddle on the surface of the orifice plate in the default pen, yet has low viscosity.

Abstract: At least one of the following compounds is included on a surface layer of a print medium and in an inkjet ink formulation to be printed thereon: potassium iodide, sodium iodide, sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and sodium thiocyanate. The addition of at least one of these compounds to both the print medium and the inkjet ink can improve light fastness on the order of eight to thirteen times or more on porous glossy media. These additives are particularly effective with water-soluble dyes, including such dyes as Reactive Black 31 (Pacified) (RB31), Direct Blue 199 (DB199), Magenta 377 (M377), and Direct Yellow 132 (DY132).

Abstract: At least one of the following compounds is applied as a re-wet solution to media: potassium iodide, sodium iodide, sodium thiosulfate, potassium thiosulfate, and sodium thiocyanate. The addition of at least one of these compounds to the re-wet solution can improve light fastness on the order of eight to thirteen times or more on porous glossy media. These additives are particularly effective with water-soluble dyes, including dyes such as Reactive Black 31 (Pacified) (RB31), Direct Blue 199 (DB199), Magenta 377 (M377), and Direct Yellow 132 (DY132).

Abstract: An ink-jet printing system is disclosed comprising a set of ink-jet inks comprising a first anionic ink comprising an aqueous vehicle, at least one first colorant, and at least one first anionic polymer; a second anionic ink comprising an aqueous vehicle; at least one second colorant, at least one second anionic polymer, and an acid additive having a pKa up to the pKa of the at least first polymer of the first ink; a third cationic ink comprising an aqueous vehicle, at least one third colorant, at least one third cationic polymer, and a pH in the range from about 2 to about 5; and a fourth anionic ink comprising an aqueous vehicle, at least one fourth anionic dye, and a precipitating agent. The printing system provides improved print quality, specifically, reduced bleed; improved edge-acuity, uniform area fills, and color quality; while maximizing lightfastness without sacrificing printing reliability.

Abstract: A set of printing liquids is disclosed comprising a first anionic printing liquid comprising an aqueous vehicle, at least one first colorant, and at least one first anionic polymer; a second anionic printing liquid comprising an aqueous vehicle at least one second colorant, at least one second anionic polymer, and an acid additive having a pKa up to the pKa of the at least first polymer of the first liquid; a third cationic printing liquid comprising an aqueous vehicle, at least one third colorant, at least one third cationic polymer, and a pH in the range from about 2 to about 5; and a fourth anionic printing liquid comprising an aqueous vehicle, at least one fourth anionic dye, and a precipitating agent. More specifically, the present set of printing liquids may find application in ink-jet printing.

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.