How to improve the water resistance of water-based ink

Date: Oct 25 2024 From: Star Color

Water-based inks, as environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-explosive printing materials, have been widely applied in packaging, advertising, textiles, and other fields in recent years. However, their water resistance has always been a key factor limiting their further development. This article will delve into several professional methods for improving the water resistance of water-based inks in detail.

I. Overview of Water Resistance in Water-based Inks

The water resistance of water-based inks refers to their ability to maintain their original color, gloss, and adhesion after exposure to water. Poor water resistance can lead to fading, peeling, bubbling, and other issues in water-exposed printed materials, severely affecting the quality and aesthetics of the prints. Therefore, improving the water resistance of water-based inks is a crucial path to enhancing their market competitiveness.

How to improve the water resistance of water-based ink

II. Methods to Improve the Water Resistance of Water-based Inks

Chemical Crosslinking Modification Technology

Chemical crosslinking modification technology is an effective method to improve the water resistance of water-based inks. By adding modified resins, functional modified monomers, modified curing agents, water-based silane coupling agents, plasticizers, and other components to the ink, the crosslinking density and strength of the ink are increased, thereby enhancing its water resistance. For example, using a compounded modified copolymer emulsion of epoxy resin can form a three-dimensional crosslinking structure during film formation, significantly improving the tensile strength and water resistance of the coating.
Physical Crosslinking Modification Technology

Physical crosslinking modification technology utilizes intermolecular forces and hydrogen bonds to improve the water resistance of inks. By introducing specific functional groups (such as polyurethane, acrylic acid, and epoxy groups) onto the polymer backbone or side chains, the number of hydrogen bonds is increased, thereby enhancing intermolecular forces and material strength and water resistance. The more hydrogen bonds, the stronger the intermolecular forces, and the better the water resistance of the ink.
Polymer Blending and Compound Modification

Polymer blending and compound modification involves mixing two or more polymers in appropriate proportions to achieve properties unattainable by a single polymer. By introducing specific functional groups, the water resistance, alcohol resistance, and chemical resistance of the ink can be improved. For example, blending polyurethane with epoxy resin can significantly enhance the toughness and water resistance of the ink.
Modification Technology with Organic Fluorine Functional Monomers

Modification technology with organic fluorine functional monomers involves modifying the ink by adding fluorine-containing functional monomers. The introduction of fluorine elements can significantly reduce the surface energy of the resin or coating, improving its tensile strength and water resistance. Meanwhile, the modified resin or coating exhibits increasing water contact angles, adhesion, and hardness, while the water absorption rate decreases, thereby enhancing the water resistance of the ink.
Multiple Modification Technology

Multiple modification technology combines multiple modification methods to improve the overall performance of the ink. For example, blending polyurethane with epoxy resin and adding organic fluorine functional monomers for modification can significantly enhance the water resistance, chemical resistance, and toughness of the ink.
Modification Technology with Water-repellent Compounds

Adding water-repellent compounds (such as PE wax emulsions) to the ink formula can improve the hydrophobicity of the paint film, reducing or minimizing its infiltration, thereby enhancing the water resistance of the ink.
Modification Technology with External Crosslinking Agents

Adding external crosslinking agents (post-crosslinking agents) can reduce the particle size of the emulsion in the water-based system while improving the water resistance and hydrophobicity of the coating surface. Additionally, external crosslinking agents significantly enhance the adhesion and crosslinking density of the ink, thereby improving its water resistance.

The above are some methods to improve the water resistance of water-based inks, hoping to be helpful to you
Huizhou Zhongzhixing specializes in producing high-quality water-based ink with excellent water resistance, which does not fade after soaking in water for 48 hours. Welcome to your inquiry