Exploring the potential of silicon-containing binders in pigment-based inkjet inks for hydrophilic substrate applications

We synthesized two types of silicon-containing binders for pigment-based inkjet inks for printing on hydrophilic substrates. The two types of silicon-containing binder molecules, with either linear or cage structures, were synthesized in solution. These binders were then formulated with organic pigment mill-bases to produce the water-based inkjet inks. We measured the physical and rheological properties of the prepared inks and found that it demonstrated better performance compared to traditional polymer emulsion binders on hydrophilic substrate such as glass via tests for scratch resistance, adhesion, and long-term stability. Ink jetting stability tests revealed that the prepared silicon-containing binder inks formed uniform droplets without satellite droplets. The dot pattern printing tests on silicon wafers showed that the dots were evenly shaped, sized, and spaced. This study confirmed that using the silicon-containing binder inkjet inks not only provides excellent durability on hydrophilic surface but also shows sufficient potential for inkjet printing applications.