Cationic block copolymers consisting of quaternized pyridinium salt and hydrophobic acrylate segments were synthesized and their basic properties as ink dispersants were evaluated. Among all polymers, the copolymer of 4-vinylpyridine and butyl acrylate shows the best properties in rheology and dispersion stability. However, further optimization of molecular design is necessary to achieve suitable redispersion properties as ink dispersants. Through this study, we demonstrated the potential of cationic block copolymers as ink dispersants and the issues that need to be improved for better ink performance.
- Toshihiro Ohtake
- Hiroshi Ito
- Naoyuki Toyoda