A New Technique for Measuring Water Uptake of Lithographic Inks

A new technique for measuring water uptake of lithographic inks is described. The new titration test is an automatic approach which is quick and reproducible. Water uptake is determined by monitoring torque changes on a mixing blade as fountain solution /water is flowed into mixing ink. The torque profile is characterized by two parameters, Emulsification, Capacity (EC) and change in Torque (delta T). The EC parameter is a water uptake value in grams of fountain solution emulsified /100 grams of ink. The delta T parameter reflects the nature of rheology during emulsification. The utilization of the new technique on lithographic newspaper inks is presented. Comparison to the Surland approach (via Duke Tester) has been made. Examples of quality control and formulation applications are described.