Lexmark International, Inc.

Naiyu Sun

Jing X Sun

Paul Sacoto

This invention relates to polymeric dispersants useful in ink jet ink compositions. The graft polymers comprise monomers having electron rich functional groups, which exhibit favorable interactions with the surface of pigment particles thereby better stabilizing the pigment dispersion within the aqueous ink composition. The graft polymers also comprise hydrophobic monomers having the ability to form hydrogen bonding. The polymers of the present invention provide a dispersant that increases the smear resistance of pigmented inks, especially when used on photo or gelatin paper. The graft polymers also provide excellent chroma for printing. The present invention also relates to aqueous ink compositions which include those polymeric dispersants.

Polymeric dispersants to improve smear in printing

The present invention relates to a pigment dispersion and a method of producing a pigment dispersion by grinding a grind mixture comprising a pigment, a humectant, water, and a polymeric dispersant. The invention also relates to an ink composition comprising an aqueous carrier and a pigment dispersion produced by grinding a grind mixture comprising a pigment, a humectant, water, and a polymeric dispersant. The invention also relates to an ink composition comprising a pigment, a polymeric dispersant, a humectant, a basic dye, an aqueous carrier, wherein the pH of the ink composition is less than or equal to 7.

Growing community of inventors

Lexington, KY, United States of America

Naiyu Sun