Process technologies

High-quality inkjet inks are a mixture of different components. Manufacturing inkjet inks with nano-scale particle sizes is a demanding process that often consists of several stages. Homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles as well as wetting and stabilising them using appropriate wetting and dispersion additives is crucial to avoid reagglomeration of the nanoparticles. 

On the nanoInk network, there is a high level of expertise in manufacturing and characterising ink formulations and other dispersions. In the process engineering field too, the network has available access to a comprehensive range of technical equipment providing numerous different mixing, dispersing and grinding processes. These include: Dissolvers, ultrasonic homogenisers, rotor/stator dispersers, bead mills, intensive mixers, universal mixers, three roll mills as well as medium- and high-pressure homogenisers.

Modern measuring technology is also available for characterising the dispersions to determine the structure property relationships. These include, for example, particle size analysis equipment like ultrasonic and laser diffraction spectrometers, dynamic light scattering, dynamic and static image analysis systems, scanning electron microscopy as well as incident light, transmitted light and stereoscopic microscopes. In addition to this, it is possible to carry out rheological measurements to investigate the flow behaviour as well as measurements to determine the stability of inkjet inks.

If necessary, the process engineering experts on the network can also carry out further-development and customisation of the equipment.