Optimization of Special Ink Formulation with FC-1630 Fluorocarbon Surfactant
Currently, mainstream plastic inks, polished metal inks and high-temperature baking inks for screen printing and pad printing generally have limitations when applied to substrates with low surface energy. Surfaces such as PP/PE fluoroplastic substrates, mirror stainless steel and anodized aluminum plates feature extremely low surface tension. Traditional organosilicon and hydrocarbon wetting and dispersing additives lack sufficient interfacial activity, which commonly leads to a host of problems including slow ink spreading, poor substrate penetration, orange peel and flow marks after surface drying, uneven ink film thickness in local areas, and failure to meet cross-hatch adhesion standards. In addition, conventional additives can only withstand temperatures up to 120°C, making them incompatible with the 180-220°C high-temperature baking process for inks. The ink film is prone to delamination and powder shedding caused by friction in subsequent use, which has long been a thorny issue plaguing the high-end special printing industry.
Targeted Compound Optimization Solution of FC-1630: Unlike general fluorocarbon products, FC-1630 is compatible with both solvent-based and water-based ink systems. It is added in two stages: 0.05% to 0.12% is added during the wet grinding of color paste for primary dispersion of color pigments; an additional 0.03% to 0.08% is supplemented in the dilution stage of finished ink to realize interfacial wetting and leveling in the later phase. It can be directly compounded with conventional additives such as acrylic dispersants and polyester wetting agents throughout the process, with no need to adjust the ratio of original resins and solvents, ensuring full formulation compatibility.
Practical Application Advantages: First, an ultra-low dosage can reduce the surface tension of the ink system to below 22 mN/m, solving the wetting difficulties of fluoroplastics and mirror metals and completely eliminating printing defects such as missing prints, ink accumulation and pinhole craters. Second, FC-1630 boasts excellent penetration and dispersion performance for powders, which can break up agglomerated particles of carbon black, pearlescent powder and metallic silver powder, improve the color saturation of color paste, and prevent uneven color and color deviation during printing. Third, with its properties of short-term high temperature resistance up to 230°C, acid and alkali resistance as well as hydrolysis resistance, this product enhances the crosslinking density of ink films. It endows the ink films with long-term water and oil resistance, steel wool friction resistance, yellowing resistance and anti-aging performance, making it perfectly suitable for high-end precision printing scenarios such as electronic casings, photovoltaic nameplates and automotive interiors.
