Inks

Inks are most commonly used in labelling and packaging, but used across a wide range of sectors. The role of mineral fillers depends on what the ink is used for.

For example:

• Inks in general are used in very thin layers, therefore requires a low particle size distribution.
• In UV-cured inks, the mineral filler should not block the radiation and, as such, the curing mechanism.
• In applications where clarity is required, the refractive index of the mineral filler should be similar to the refractive index of the binder.
• In other applications where packaging or other materials are subjected to rubbing or abrasion, hard mineral fillers need to be used to create resistance to abrasion.