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Summary:
MICAP Technology Corporation has developed a new technology for chemical deagglomeration of pigments. This technology is now being applied to ink manufacturing, but has numerous other potential uses in paints, coatings, and other processes utilizing pigments. Traditionally, pigment preparation depends on mechanical methods to achieve deagglomeration. The new technology is a method for associating a polymer to the pigment surface. This protective polymer assists with deagglomeration and prevents reagglomeration of pigments. This polymer has hydrophobic tails that create an attraction of the polymer to the hydrophobic vehicle system. The result is a homogeneous linking of the pigment to the carrying vehicle with the formulation of an efficient product film. Benefits achieved in lithographic inks include better color, reduced fountain concentrate use, better ink dry time, less dot gain, greater versatility, and easier product use.