ABSTRACT
The types of inks manufactured and their applications are so varied. The following is a general classification of inks and the colorants used in them. Generally, the main two colorant classifications are dyes and pigments — the main difference being that dyes are soluble while pigments are not. Some of the ink areas a dye supplier can focus on are ink-jet inks, marker inks for children including highlighter and disappearing inks, writing inks, stamp pad inks, ballpoint pen inks, ribbon inks, permanent inks, and artists’ inks. Appropriate dyes must be specifically qualified and developed for each type of ink. The dyes listed below must be tested in the ink system to conform to low insolubility levels, purity, viscosity, surface tension, strength, shade, and solubility.
