Milliken Research Corporation

Milliken + Co

Raj Batlaw

Patrick D Moore

Clifford R King

Xiaodong Edward Zhao

John W Miley

Kaye Cannon Suddeth

This invention relates to liquid complexes of anionic organic dyes with quaternary ammonium compounds which are homogeneous and thus substantially free of unwanted inorganic salts. Of particular interest as quaternary ammonium compounds are those which comprise alkoxylated moieties. Such complexes are formed through ionic bonds formed between the two compounds. The complexes are then removed of substantially all resultant unwanted salt formed from the cations of the dye and the counter ions of the quat so as to obtain an homogeneous liquid colorant which easily disperses within different media and which possess favorable migration and coloring characteristics. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned salt-free anionic dye/quat complexes as well as methods of utilizing such complexes for dyeing thermoplastic and thermoset compositions and the incorporation of such complexes within aqueous and non-aqueous formulations and ink compositions.

Homogeneous liquid complexes of anionic organic dyes and quaternary

A novel colorant compound is provided which is the addition product of an organic chromophore having at least one reactive hydroxyl or amine substituent, a polyisocyanate, and a carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or salt of either thereof. The polyisocyanate, added in a molar excess relative to the number of such reactive substituents, reacts with the reactive hydroxyl or amine groups to provide terminal isocyanate groups. Subsequently, the carboxylic acid or salt thereof, also added in an amount excessive in relation to the number of terminal isocyanate groups, reacts therewith to from urethane moieties on the colorant. Such a compound provides excellent ink compositions upon dilution and are very soluble within all the standard ink diluents. Furthermore, such colorants provide good jettability, waterfastness, washfastness, and the like, within ink-jet applications on various types of printing substrates. A method for producing such a colorant and specifically printed substrates colored therewith is also provided.

Colorant having isocyanate substituent

As aqueous ink composition is provided having up to 5 wt. % of a colorant of the formula:

Aqueous ink composition and colorants useful therein

An aqueous ink composition is provided having up to 50 wt. % of a colorant of the formula:

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Spartanburg, SC, United States of America

Raj Batlaw