Preparation of water-based ink binders from acrylic-modified rosin resins

Abstract

In this study, rosin polyethylene glycol ester was prepared by the reaction of natural rosin with PEG-400. It was modified with acrylic acid to prepare water-based ink binders. The results show that the reaction is carried out for 3 h at a molar ratio of rosin to PEG-400 of 1:4 and a catalyst and filler (Al₂O₃) of 30 wt%/RO. Products with high fixed content (83.4 wt%), low acid value (27.0 mg NaOH/g), high esterification rate (83.0%), good printability, and fast drying and flow rates are obtained. The key steps of the study include preparing polymers using natural rosin and PEG-400, esterification reaction, and modifying rosin polyethylene glycol ester emulsions. The focus of the study is to analyze the effect of the molar ratio of rosin to PEG-400, the type and content of the catalyst (filler), and the reaction time on the product to obtain the optimum process conditions. This study proposes a new method for the production of environmentally friendly water-based inks and provides valuable insights into future ink production and environmental technology.