Abstract: Diffractive pigment flakes are selectively aligned to form an image. In one embodiment, flakes having a magnetic layer are shaped to facilitate alignment in a magnetic field. In another embodiment, the flakes include a magnetically discontinuous layer. In a particular embodiment, deposition of nickel on a diffraction grating pattern produces magnetic needles along the grating pattern that allow magnetic alignment of the resulting diffractive pigment flakes. Color scans of test samples of magnetically aligned flakes show high differentiation between illumination parallel and perpendicular to the direction of alignment of the magnetic diffractive pigment flakes.

Abstract: Coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system employing same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of soft surfaces, and in some cases, hard surfaces, are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to the modified surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that, in some embodiments, may include at least one of the following improved surface properties: cleaning, wettability, liquid strike-through, comfort, stain resistance, soil removal, malodor control, modification of surface friction, reduced damage to abrasion and color enhancement, relative to the surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: A process is provided in which a pigment is oxidated with ozone in an aqueous environment in which the mixture of ozone, water and pigment is subjected to a dispersive mixing operation; and/or the pH of the mixture is maintained in a range of 6-8, whereby the pigment is self-dispersing and preferably has an acid value of less than 3 ?moles/M2. Pigments from this process and ink jet inks containing the self-dispersing pigments, are also provided.

Abstract: A luminescent flexographic printing ink for printing control marks comprises a combination of a light-scattering pigment and an optical brightener and is not opaque. The luminescent flexographic printing ink is used for printing control marks and bar codes and for the production of decorative papers, wood laminates and floor panels.

Abstract: Ink compositions with modified properties result from using a powder size below 100 nanometers. Colored inks are illustrated. Nanoscale coated, uncoated, whisker inorganic fillers are included. The pigment nanopowders taught comprise one or more elements from the group actinium, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, cadmuim, calcium, cerium, cesium, chalcogenide, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, gold, hafnium, hydrogen, indium, iridium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mendelevium, mercury, molybdenum, neodymium, neptunium, nickel, niobium, nitrogen, oxygen, osmium, palladium, platinum, potassium, praseodymium, promethium, protactinium, rhenium, rubidium, scandium, silver, sodium, strontium, tantalum, terbium, thallium, thorium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, and zirconium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid composition measurement method. One embodiment of the method comprises the steps of: i) subjecting a liquid composition containing fine particles and a solvent to the following pretreatment steps (a) to (c) to form an agglomerate of fine particles: (a) evaporating the solvent of the liquid composition at 120° C. for 10 hours in an ambient atmosphere, and drying the liquid composition; (b) burning the dried liquid composition resulting from the pretreatment step (a) at 700° C. after raising the temperature from 120° C. to 700° C. over one hour; (c) cooling a burned product obtained in the pretreatment step (b) to room temperature, powdering the burned product to obtain agglomerates of the fine particles; and ii) vacuum degassing the agglomerates at 120° C. for 8 hours, and measuring physical properties of pores of the agglomerates by a nitrogen adsorption and desorption method.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising at least one color suitable for food use and a liquid vehicle including water and an organic solvent miscible with water in a volumetric ratio variable from 3:1 to 1:10, wherein the organic solvent is ethanol or a mixture ethanol:acetone in a volumetric ratio variable from 1:2 to 3:1; this ink composition is suitable, in particular, even though not exclusively, for surface coloring and printing on supports, wrappings and objects intended for coming into contact with foods.

Abstract: A pigment with a metallic lustre, comprising a wafer-like substrate made of aluminium dioxide having a thickness of more than 250 nm and less than 1 &mgr;m, which is fully enveloped by a metal layer.

Abstract: Novel carbon blacks are described which have a volatile content of from about 1.5 to about 3.5 and/or a moisture content of at least 0.5 along with one or more analytical properties. Inks and coating and other compositions are further described which include the carbon blacks of the present invention. Methods of decreasing the cure energy of an ink as well as methods to improve storage stability are further described.

Abstract: Erasable inks are provided for use in a writing instruments. In one aspect, the inks include a solvent, and, dispersed in the solvent as a colorant, a pigment having a flake-like morphology, the ink being substantially free of other colorants.

Abstract: The present invention provides kaolin clay pigments having at least the following characteristics: Brightness (GE): at least about 89.0; Shape Factor: at least about 30; Brookfield viscosity, measured at 20 rpm and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 100 to about 700 centipoise; and Hercules viscosity, measured at 18 dynes and at less than or equal to about 65% solids: about 200 rpm to about 1000 rpm. Preferred kaolin sources include Brazilian kaolins, especially Rio Capim kaolins. The kaolin pigments of the present invention possess a combination of optical and physical properties, such as brightness, printability, and transfer efficiency, not previously seen in existing commercial products. They are useful, e.g., in paper filler and coating compositions, ink compositions, and printing applications, especially rotogravure printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous colorant preparations containing A) between 0.1 and 50 wt. % of at least one organic and/or inorganic pigment and/or at least one organic colorant. B) between 0.01 and 80 wt. % of at least one naphthol-oxyalkylate sulfopropyl ether, one alkanol-oxyalkylate sulfopropyl ether or one alkylphenol-oxyalkylate sulfopropyl ether. C) between 0 and 30 wt. % of at least one organic solvent. D) between 0 and 20 wt. % of other standard derivatives and E) between 10 and 90 wt % of water, respectively in relation to the total weight (100%) of the colorant preparation. The colorant preparation is used, for example, in printing inks, especially ink jet printing inks.

Abstract: A high temperature resistant marking agent includes a small number of inexpensive pro-analysis chemicals. The chemicals are dissolved into precise mass parts in distilled water and can be applied, for example, using of a stamp, a paint brush or a fibre tip pen. The marking agent can be used, for example, to mark the bricks of a combustion chamber.

Abstract: An aqueous dry erase ink, including a pigment, a release agent, and a binder, and optionally including one or more of a dye, a co-solvent, a surfactant, a biocide, a surface tension modifier, a surfactant, and a humectant, is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the ink and a marker containing the ink.

Abstract: A central core type marking pen which has an ink storage portion of a central core and a pen tip connected thereto, wherein the central core contains a water-based pigment-containing ink composition which contains a thickening agent and exhibits, at 20° C., a viscosity of not less than 45 mPa·s and not greater than 12 mPa·s when a stress of 0.01 and a stress of 10 Pa are applied, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pigment mixtures consisting of at least two components, component A being SiO2 flakes coated with one or more metal oxides and/or metals and component B being special-effect pigments, and to their use in varnishes, paints, printing inks, masterbatches, plastics and cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to colorant preparations containing the following main constituents: A) at least one dispersed (A1) or dissolved (A2) colorant; B) if a colorant corresponding to (A1) is used, a dispersing agent; C) a low-molecular polytetrahydurofurane (C1), optionally mixed with one or more difficult-to-evaporate, water-soluble or water-miscible organic solvents (C2); and D) water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a 3DP™ material composition and method of use. The composition of the present invention includes an adhesive material, a fibrous component and a filler. Alternatively, the composition may include a particulate material having a mean particle size between about 10 microns and about 300 microns, a soluble adhesive material. The compositions may also include an accelerator and an additional adhesive.

Abstract: A carbon-containing material with organic groups, which is obtainable by reaction of the carbon-containing material with organic compounds of the general formula 1 A process for preparing the carbon-containing material according to the invention is also described. The carbon-containing materials according to the invention can be used as fillers, reinforcing fillers, UV stabilizers, conductivity carbon blacks or pigments.

Abstract: A black pigment substantially free of objectionable transition metal materials is disclosed. This pigment is particularly useful for coloring glass since the absence of the transition metal gives it excellent recycling properties. The pigment is an alkaline earth (preferably strontium) iron maganese oxide material as specifically defined the in the present invention.

Abstract: Erasable inks are provided for use in a writing instruments. In one aspect, the inks include a solvent, and, dispersed in the solvent as a colorant, a pigment having a flake-like morphology, the ink being substantially free of other colorants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a black ink set comprising a plurality of black ink compositions, wherein the plurality of black ink compositions each comprise carbon black, a magenta pigment, and a cyan pigment as colorants, and the plurality of black ink compositions are different from each other in content of carbon black, and the content of the magenta pigment and the content of the cyan pigment are such that all the plurality of black ink compositions have a chroma C* value of not more than 3. This ink set can realize black images possessing excellent gradation.

Abstract: A finely divided pigment is formed of an aggregate of primary particles. A number of primary particles of not greater than 0.1 &mgr;m in particle size is at least 95% of an entire number of the primary particles, and a number of primary particles of greater than 0.1 &mgr;m in particle size is at most 5% of the entire number of the primary particles. The finely divided pigment can be produced by grinding a parent pigment (pre-division pigment) together with a water-soluble inorganic salt and a water-soluble organic solvent in a grinding machine at a temperature of from 30 to 90° C. for 2 to 6 hours under a load, and then removing the water-soluble inorganic salt and the water-soluble organic solvent. A coloring composition comprises a dispersing medium and the finely divided pigment dispersed in the dispersing medium.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of producing an image which is visually distinct from its reproductions. This method comprises the steps of formulating an ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle and at least one modified pigment having attached at least one organic group and applying this ink composition to a substrate. Methods of determining the authenticity of an image and of verifying the date of creation of an image is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to odor-releasing ink-jet inks and methods for releasing odors from printed images. The ink-jet ink comprises an ink vehicle; an effective amount of an electro-thermal material dispersed within the ink vehicle; and an effective amount of an odor-releasing additive within the ink vehicle wherein an odorant is releasable from the odor-releasing additive upon substantial activation of the electro-thermal material.

Abstract: The invention presents a carbon ink with high electric field emission efficiency that can be applied in an inexpensive printing process suitable for mass production, an improved electron-emitting element for an image display device, and a method for manufacturing the electron-emitting element. The invention also presents an image display device with high image quality and efficiency using this electron-emitting element. The image display device includes a patterned conductor on a substrate, and electron-emitting elements made by applying, to predetermined positions of the conductor, a carbon ink made into a paste with an organic binder and a solvent, the ink comprising (i) carbon particles having a 6-membered carbon ring, and (ii) support particles for supporting the carbon particles, and firing the ink.

Abstract: Highly efficient matting agents based on precipitated silicas and wax-coated precipitated silicas, their preparation, and their use in inks and paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigment preparation comprising a mixture of coated and/or uncoated SiO2 flakes, one or more special-effect pigments, and a phosphate derivative, and to the use thereof, especially in printing inks.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the incorporation of sulfonate functional groups onto the surface of carbonaceous compounds and materials, and similarly provides several surface modified carbonaceous compounds and materials resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A flake-based pigment is provided having improved specular reflectance characteristics in the visible wavelength range. The flake-based pigment has a plurality of composite reflective flakes each formed of a support layer and a reflector layer on one or both opposing sides of the support layer. This flake structure exhibits a uniaxial compressive strength much greater than a corresponding uniaxial tensile strength. The structure of the flakes provides the benefits of rigidity and brittle fracture during manufacture and application processes, which ultimately provides favorable planar and specular reflectance characteristics to the pigment in the visible wavelength range. A variety of outer coating layers can be formed around the composite reflective flakes, such as various dielectric and/or absorber layers, to produce desired optical characteristics in the pigment.

Abstract: Aqueous carbon black dispersions contain carbon black and cationic and non-ionic surfactants in addition to water. The dispersions are produced by dispersing the carbon black and the other components in water with bead mills, ultrasonic mills or an Ultra Turrax mixer. The dispersions can be used to produce inks, lacquers and printing inks.

Abstract: The main object is to provide a water-based ink composition which is not only superior in hiding power but also has satisfactory writing properties. This invention relates to a water-based ink composition comprising a powder consisting of inorganic particles comprising at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide and boron nitride and water.

Abstract: Pearlescent inks are provided. The inks are suitable for use in writing instruments, and include a dispersion of a pearlescent pigment in a solvent. Some inks are erasable and/or shear-thinning.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink set for which color differences of a recorded image due to differences in light source can be made to be slight, and the color reproduction range in dark parts of an image can be broadened, while maintaining high image quality with no worsening of the graininess in the dark parts. With the present invention, the above object is attained by providing an ink set that comprises at least a black ink composition containing a black pigment, and a light black ink composition containing the black pigment at a concentration less than the pigment concentration in the black ink composition, wherein the ratio of the pigment concentration in the black ink composition to the pigment concentration in the light black ink composition is in a range of 2 to 4.5.

Abstract: Processes for preparing modified pigments are described. In one embodiment, the process comprises the step of combining, in any order, a pigment having attached an electrophilic group and a thiol reagent comprising at least one —SH group and at least two ionic or ionizable groups. In a second embodiment, the process comprises the step of combining, in any order, a pigment having attached an electrophilic group and a thiopolymer comprising at least one —SH group. Modified pigments are also described.

Abstract: Novel carbon blacks are described which have a volatile content of from about 1.5 to about 3.5 and/or a moisture content of at least 0.5 along with one or more analytical properties. Inks and coating and other compositions are further described which include the carbon blacks of the present invention. Methods of decreasing the cure energy of an ink as well as methods to improve storage stability are further described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink composition for an ink jet recording process, which exhibits excellent print quality with good water fastness and light fastness and without flying in deflected directions from the ink head or nozzle fill-in even after a prolonged ink jet printing. The ink comprises (1) a carbon black, (2) an organic pigment, (3) a dispersant incorporated in an aqueous medium and (4) a saccharide.

Abstract: A smooth stable viscous gelled printing ink composition comprising a mixture of water, a gelling agent, a chelating agent, and a colorant or pigment, property enhancing additives evenly dispersed into the mixture, and an alkaline electrolyte viscosity increasing agent that raises the pH of the mixture and forms a smooth homogeneous stable gel with a viscosity level having the consistency of a custard or jelly. In addition to the colorants or pigments, additives may also include drying oils, resins, surfactants, film forming components, water flight agents, and other additives. The stabilized gel prevents separation and settling of the homogeneously suspended colorants, pigments, and property enhancing additives, and significantly improves storage stability. The ink compositions do not require shaking, stirring, or mixing prior to use are fast drying on paper, and do not dry on the printing press, in the storage containers, or in the ink jet or bubble jet injector nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pigment mixtures consisting of at least two components, component A being Sio2 flakes coated with one or more metal oxides and/or metals and component B being special-effect pigments, and to their use in varnishes, paints, printing inks, masterbatches, plastics and cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: A water base ink for ink-jet recording to be used for an ink-jet recording apparatus having an ink-jet head comprises a self-dispersing type coloring agent, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent. The surface tension of the ink is 30 to 50 mN/M, the advancing contact angle with respect to the jetting surface of the ink-jet head is not less than 65°, the receding contact angle is not less than 55°, and the difference between the advancing contact angle and the receding contact angle is not more than 20°. It is possible to jet the ink stably, it is possible to form a sharp recorded image with less blur, and it is possible to obtain the recorded image excellent in water resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating compositions, preferably printing inks for security applications comprising at least one organic resin, at least one pigment and optionally at least one organic solvent. Said pigment comprises glass ceramic composite particles, containing at least one crystalline particle embedded in a glass matrix. Said glass ceramic particles have a particle size in the range of between 0.1 &mgr;m to 50 &mgr;m. Preferably active ions selected from the group of the rare-earth elements are incorporated into the crystalline phase of the composite to provide the glass ceramics with luminescent up- and down-converting characteristics. Glass ceramic luminescent have excellent physical and chemical stability. The glass matrix permits as well the stabilization of the photophysically interesting halide host crystals which have low phonon energies. Such materials provide unusual excitation and emission properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pearlescent pigments based on substrates coated with one or more layers of nitrides or oxynitrides to a method for the production of such pigments and their use in plastics, paints, coatings, powder coatings, inks, printing inks, glasses, ceramic products, agriculture foils, for lasermarking of papers and plastics, security applications and in cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: There is provided an aqueous ink jet ink composition suitable for use in continuous ink jet printers comprising:

Abstract: An erasable, shear-thinning writing composition includes a shear-thinning additive and graphite particles dispersed within an aqueous solvent system.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ink formulation and method therefore. The formulation includes from about 50 to about 85 percent by weight water, humectant and an organic solvent and a chemically modified carbon black pigment, wherein the chemically modified carbon black pigment contains steric inducing groups on a surface of the carbon black which groups are derived from a steric inducing compound which compound is substantially soluble in the humectant and is reactive with an organic acid halide. The ink jet printer ink formulation containing the chemically modified carbon black has an idle time of greater than about 15 seconds in an ink jet printhead. Improved idle time is important because it reduces nozzle plugging between nozzle firings.

Abstract: A bismuth oxychloride effect pigment has a zinc oxide or microfine titanium dioxide particulate at about the surface of the crystals of the bismuth oxychloride. The pigment is prepared by, for instance, growing the bismuth oxychloride crystals, and adding the particulate before the hydrolysis is complete.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a brown pigment composition with excellent weathering resistance containing iron oxide, chromium oxide, and one or more alumina and/or silica components. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a brown pigment involving combining iron oxide, chromium oxide, and one or more alumina and/or silica components to form a mixture and heating the mixture to provide brown pigment particles. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a plastic composition containing a major amount of a plastic material and a minor amount of a brown pigment composition containing iron oxide, chromium oxide, and one or more alumina and/or silica components.

Abstract: A carbon-containing material with organic groups, which is obtainable by reaction of the carbon-containing material with organic compounds of the general formula 1 1

Abstract: The invention relates to a high temperature resistant marking agent comprising a small number of inexpensive pro-analysis chemicals. Said chemicals are dissolved into precise mass parts in distilled water and can be applied, for example, by means of a stamp, a paint brush or a fibre tip pen. The marking agent can be used, for example, to mark the bricks of a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A pigment preparation, containing a pigment and/or carbon black and a polymer and/or a surfactant selected from the group of cross-linked polyoxyethyleneacrylic acid, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, alcohol alkoxylates, lignin sulfonates, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, naphthalene sulfonic acid derivatives or mixtures thereof which is prepared from an aqueous dispersion by freeze-drying. The pigment preparation can be used for coloring purposes and/or to provide antistatic characteristics in water-based coloring and lacquer systems, disperse dyes, printing inks, inking systems and coating systems.