Fumed Silica – Erosil NV/200 XL 5M
Fumed Silica – Erosil NV/200 XL 5M Fumed silica, such as Erosil-NV/200, is a type of amorphous, nano-sized silica produced by the vapor-phase hydrolysis of silicon compounds is a versatile and fine-particle form of silicon dioxide that finds applications in various industries, including printing inks.
Its unique properties make it useful for enhancing the performance of printing inks in several ways:
Thickening and Rheology Control: Fumed silica can be used as a thixotropic agent in printing inks to control their viscosity and rheological behavior. It helps prevent settling of pigments and fillers, ensuring consistent ink flow and improved print quality.
Shear Thinning: Fumed silica imparts shear-thinning behavior to inks, meaning they become less viscous when subjected to shear forces during printing. This allows for easier pumping and application of the ink, while maintaining the desired viscosity on the printed surface.
Anti-Sagging and Anti-Settling: Inks containing fumed silica are less prone to sagging on vertical surfaces or settling over time. This property is particularly important in applications where the ink needs to maintain its consistency and appearance, such as screen printing or gravure printing.
Improved Pigment Dispersion: Fumed silica’s high surface area and fine particle size help disperse pigments uniformly throughout the ink formulation. This results in vibrant and consistent color distribution in printed materials.
Improved Print Definition: Fumed silica can enhance the sharpness and definition of printed lines and text by preventing ink feathering or spreading on the substrate. This is particularly valuable for high-resolution printing applications.
Reduced Misting: Misting refers to the unintentional release of ink particles into the air during printing. Fumed silica can help reduce misting by controlling ink viscosity and improving the ink’s ability to adhere to the substrate.
Adhesion and Scratch Resistance: Fumed silica can improve the adhesion of printing inks to various substrates, including plastics, metals, and coated papers. It can also enhance scratch resistance, leading to more durable and long-lasting prints.
Matting Agent: Fumed silica can be used as a matting agent to create a matte finish in printing inks. This is commonly used in applications where glossy surfaces are not desired, such as in packaging or labels.
UV-Curable Inks: Fumed silica is often used in UV-curable inks to provide thixotropic properties and prevent settling of UV-reactive pigments. It also helps maintain stable viscosity during UV curing processes.
Offset Printing: In offset printing, where the ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the substrate, fumed silica can help control ink-water balance and prevent issues like emulsification.
When using fumed silica in printing ink formulations, it’s essential to consider factors such as particle size, surface treatment, and loading levels to achieve the desired ink properties. Proper testing and optimization are crucial to ensure the ink’s performance meets the specific requirements of the printing application.
