Photocurable Inkjet Ink for Printing on Metallic and Plastic Substrates

A novel vinyl ether monomer was employed to improve curing properties of photocurable inkjet ink. A cationic polymerization system was used and the improved curing properties using a novel hybrid vinyl ether monomer with cyclic ether compounds were demonstrated. The cured UV ink film showed good adhesion on metallic substrates such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum and also plastic substrates. The stability of pigment dispersion in the ink was improved by controlling ζ-potential of the ink. The higher ζ-potential value resulted in stable particle size of the pigment and viscosity of the ink.