Microcapsule ink (Capsular Ink) represents an innovative technology in the field of functional printing and intelligent materials. This version of IPS microcapsules can be deposited on various supports, primarily paper.
Capsular Ink consists of:
- Fluid matrix: a liquid solution that acts as a vehicle for the microcapsules. The matrix can be water-based or polymeric, depending on the application needs.
- Microcapsules: small microspheres containing active materials, such as pigments, perfumes, chemical agents. The microcapsules are designed to release their contents in a controlled manner when subjected to specific stimuli such as pressure, temperature, pH, etc.
The main features of Capsular Ink include:
- Content protection: microcapsules protect encapsulated materials from degradation or premature reactions, ensuring a shelf life.
- Stimulable functionality: microcapsules can be designed to respond to specific external stimuli, such as pressure.
- Stability and homogeneity: the capsular ink maintains a stable dispersion of the microcapsules, ensuring uniform distribution during the printing process.
The production of capsular ink involves several key steps:
- Microcapsule formation: the coacervation technique used in IPS allows the creation of microcapsules with specific release properties and dimensions.
- Incorporation into the matrix: the microcapsules are dispersed into the fluid matrix, maintaining suspension stability to ensure uniform application.
- Viscosity optimization: the ink is formulated to achieve optimal viscosity for the chosen application method, such as screen printing or flexographic printing.
Some application examples of IPS CAPSULAR INK:
- Scented leaflets and labels with fragrances: microencapsulated essential oils maintain their olfactory characteristics and release the fragrance only through mechanical action (“scratch & sniff”). The scented area keeps the fragrance stable for a long period and can reproduce the olfactory response, absolutely faithful to the fragrance itself, several times.
- Intelligent Packaging: labels and packaging that change color or release scents in response to specific conditions.
- Security Printing: documents or products with anti-counterfeiting characteristics, that can release chemical markers or change color under certain conditions.
Advantages and opportunities:
- Customization and innovation: microcapsules can be realized with a wide range of active materials, enabling the creation of customized products.
- Sustainability: the use of microcapsules reduces the need for large quantities of active materials, minimizing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency.
- Versatility: microcapsule ink is adaptable to different printing techniques and applications, offering a flexible solution for emerging needs.
IPS Capsular Ink represents significant progress in functional materials and advanced printing. The ability to incorporate active materials opens up new possibilities to produce intelligent and interactive products. With continued developments in microencapsulation and printing technologies, this innovation promises to transform various industrial sectors, promoting innovations that combine advanced functionality with efficient resource management.
