Practical Formulation Science for Particle-Based Inks

• Published in: Colloids and interfaces Vol. 3; no. 1; p. 23
• Main Author: Abbott, Steven
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01-02-2019
• Subjects: apps; inks; particle formulation; printing; rheology
• ISSN: 2504-5377; 2504-5377
• DOI: 10.3390/colloids3010023

There is a big gap between idealized colloid science and the needs of a printing ink formulator. This often leads to formulations based on intuition and experience rather than good science. By bringing together the most relevant colloid and interface science with the capabilities of modern apps, it is possible to bridge the gap between theory and reality to the benefit of both the colloid science community and those who need the science to improve their formulations. The process of making current science usable also exposes the limitations of available theories. This suggests a methodology for highlighting the grand challenges to the colloid science research community, including the challenge of making any new science more usable.