Water-based ink preservatives: key additives to ensure the quality of printed matter
In today's printing industry, water-based ink has gradually become the main choice to replace solvent-based ink because of its environmental protection, health, recyclable and other advantages. However, water-based ink is susceptible to microbial contamination during storage and use, resulting in mold and deterioration of ink, which affects the printing quality. In order to solve this problem, water-based ink preservatives came into being. Dalian Tianwei Chemical will deeply discuss the importance, mechanism of action, type and application of water-based ink preservatives, in order to provide a valuable reference for the printing industry.
First, the importance of water-based ink preservatives
Water-based ink is an ink with water as a dispersive medium, which is mainly composed of water-based resin, pigment, auxiliary agent and water. Compared with traditional solvent-based inks, water-based inks have the advantages of low pollution, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, non-toxic and harmless, and are widely used in food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, children's toys and other areas with strict sanitary conditions. However, the organic gum and moisture in the water-based ink make it a breeding ground for microorganisms, especially mold and yeast. The growth of these microorganisms will lead to mold and deterioration of the ink, which not only affects the storage stability and service life of the ink, but also poses a threat to the quality and safety of the printed matter. Therefore, adding an appropriate amount of water-based ink preservatives is crucial to ensure the printing quality.
Second, the mechanism of water-based ink preservatives
Water-based ink preservatives mainly achieve the purpose of preservative by killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Its mechanism of action mainly includes the following aspects:
Damage to microbial cell structure: Preservatives can damage the cell membrane or cell wall of microorganisms, resulting in microbial death or loss of reproductive ability.
Interfere with microbial metabolism: Preservatives can interfere with microbial metabolic processes, such as inhibiting enzyme activity or blocking the absorption of nutrients, thus inhibiting microbial growth.
Form a protective layer: Some preservatives can form a protective film on the surface of the ink to prevent direct contact between microorganisms and the ink, thereby delaying the growth of microorganisms.
Three, the type of water-based ink preservatives
According to the chemical composition and mechanism of action, water-based ink preservatives can be divided into a variety of types, common include:
Organic acids: such as benzoic acid, sorbic acid, etc., these preservatives have a broad spectrum of antibacterial properties and are harmless to the human body.
Aldehydes: such as formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, etc., this kind of preservative has a strong bactericidal effect, but may have a certain impact on the human body and the environment, so the amount of addition should be strictly controlled when used.
Isothiazolinones: This kind of preservative has the characteristics of high efficiency, broad spectrum and low toxicity, and is suitable for various water-based ink systems.
Compound preservatives: The combination of a variety of preservatives can play a synergistic role and improve the anti-corrosion effect.
Fourth, the application of water-based ink preservatives
Water-based ink preservatives are widely used in the printing industry. In the production process of ink, by adding an appropriate amount of preservatives, the storage stability and service life of ink can be effectively extended, while improving the quality and safety of printed matter. Specifically, the application of water-based ink preservatives includes the following aspects:
Ink production: The addition of preservatives in the ink production process can kill or inhibit the microorganisms in the raw material to prevent the ink from being contaminated during the production process.
Ink storage: In the ink storage process, preservatives can continue to play a role in preventing ink mold and deterioration due to microbial contamination.
Printing process: In the printing process, preservatives can protect the ink from the invasion of external microorganisms to ensure the quality and safety of printed matter.
In summary, as a key additive to ensure the quality of printed matter, water-based ink preservatives play a pivotal role in the printing industry. Through in-depth understanding of the importance, mechanism of action, type and application of water-based ink preservatives, we can better grasp the market trends and prospects, and provide valuable reference and support for the printing industry. At the same time, we also look forward to the emergence of more innovative water-based ink preservatives in the future, contributing more to the sustainable development of the printing industry.
