Rheological Control in Offset Inks
The Specialty Minerals Inc. (SMI) family of ultrafine, nano precipitated calcium carbonates are 0.07 micron, or 70 nanometer, functional minerals that can build a true thixotropic structure in filled systems. Whether used as the main additive in highly filled offset inks, or to extend other more expensive rheologicals in lightly filled systems, PCCs can build viscosity and yield value, and add misting control.
Ultra-Pflex® PCC, which is made in the U.S. and Calofort® S PCC, which is made in the U.K., are stearic acid coated ultrafines. The coating aids dispersibility. The uncoated counterparts are named Multifex-MM® PCC in the U.S. and Calofort U in the U.K.
Other PCC Performance Functions in Litho Inks
Excellent optical properties result in lithographic inks containing SMI ultrafine PCCs: good brightness, clean colors, improved color development, and high opacity.
Precipitated calcium carbonates are softer than silicas, which combined with their extremely small particle size, keep abrasion low, reducing wear of litho printing plates.
Being much less expensive than the color pigments, ink oils and varnishes, and being extremely fine, SMI PCCs can help reduce costs when used as excellent dispersing ultrafine fillers in both heatset and coldset offset inks.
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