Application of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing and its impact on printing quality

Application of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing and its impact on printing quality

Abstract

Cyclohexylamine (CHA), as an important organic amine compound, is widely used in ink manufacturing. This article reviews the application technology of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing, including its role in ink formulation, its impact on ink performance, and improvement of printing quality. Through specific application cases and experimental data, it aims to provide scientific basis and technical support for research and application in the field of ink manufacturing and printing.

1. Introduction

Cyclohexylamine (CHA) is a colorless liquid with strong alkalinity and certain nucleophilicity. These properties allow it to exhibit significant functionality in ink manufacturing. Cyclohexylamine is increasingly used in ink manufacturing and plays an important role in improving ink performance and printing quality. This article will systematically review the application of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing and explore its impact on printing quality.

2. Basic properties of cyclohexylamine

• Molecular formula: C6H11NH2
• Molecular weight: 99.16 g/mol
• Boiling point: 135.7°C
• Melting point: -18.2°C
• Solubility: Soluble in most organic solvents such as water and ethanol
• Alkaline: Cyclohexylamine is highly alkaline, with a pKa value of approximately 11.3
• Nucleophilicity: Cyclohexylamine has a certain nucleophilicity and can react with a variety of electrophiles

3. Application technology of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing

3.1 As a pH regulator

An important application of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing is as a pH regulator, which improves the stability and fluidity of the ink by adjusting the pH value of the ink.

3.1.1 Improve ink stability

Cyclohexylamine can better disperse the pigments and resins in the ink and improve the stability of the ink by adjusting the pH value of the ink. For example, cyclohexylamine can react with acidic pigments to form stable complexes that prevent pigment precipitation and aggregation.

Table 1 shows the application of cyclohexylamine in ink stability.

Ink type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Water-based ink	Stability 3	Stability 5
Solvent-based ink	Stability 3	Stability 5
UV ink	Stability 3	Stability 5

3.2 As a curing agent

Cyclohexylamine can also be used as a curing agent in ink manufacturing to promote the solidification and drying of ink and improve the adhesion and wear resistance of ink.

3.2.1 Promote ink solidification

Cyclohexylamine can react with the resin in the ink to form a cross-linked structure and accelerate the curing process of the ink. For example, the reaction of cyclohexylamine with epoxy resin produces a curing agent that excels in cure speed and adhesion.

Table 2 shows the application of cyclohexylamine in ink curing.

Ink type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Water-based ink	Curing speed 3	Cure speed 5
Solvent-based ink	Curing speed 3	Cure speed 5
UV ink	Curing speed 3	Cure speed 5

3.3 As a wetting agent

Cyclohexylamine can also be used as a wetting agent in ink manufacturing to improve the wetting and leveling properties of ink and improve printing quality.

3.3.1 Improve ink wettability

Cyclohexylamine can improve the wettability and leveling of the ink by reducing the surface tension of the ink. For example, cyclohexylamine, used in conjunction with surfactants, can significantly improve the wetting of inks on paper and plastic surfaces.

Table 3 shows the application of cyclohexylamine in ink wettability.

Ink type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Water-based ink	Wetness 3	Wetness 5
Solvent-based ink	Wetness 3	Wetness 5
UV ink	Wetness 3	Wetness 5

3.4 As an anti-skinning agent

Cyclohexylamine can also be used as an anti-skinning agent in ink manufacturing to prevent ink from forming during storage and extend the shelf life of ink.

3.4.1 Prevent ink from forming

Cyclohexylamine can react with oxides in the ink to form stable compounds that prevent the ink from forming skin during storage. For example, cyclohexylamine reacts with oxygen in the air to form a stable compound that can effectively prevent ink from forming.

Table 4 shows the application of cyclohexylamine in the anti-skinning aspect of ink.

Ink type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Water-based ink	Anti-skinning 3	Anti-Skinning 5
Solvent-based ink	Anti-skinning 3	Anti-Skinning 5
UV ink	Anti-skinning 3	Anti-Skinning 5

4. Effect of cyclohexylamine on printing quality

4.1 Improve printing clarity

Cyclohexylamine can significantly improve the clarity of printing by improving the stability and wettability of ink. For example, cyclohexylamine can help ink disperse better on the paper surface, reducing blurring and bleeding.

Table 5 shows the effect of cyclohexylamine on printing clarity.

Printing type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Offset printing	Definition 3	Sharpness 5
Gravure printing	Definition 3	Sharpness 5
Flexo printing	Definition 3	Sharpness 5

4.2 Improve printing adhesion

Cyclohexylamine can significantly improve the adhesion of printing by promoting the curing of ink and improving the adhesion of ink. Cyclohexylamine, for example, can help inks adhere better to paper, plastic and other substrates, reducing peeling and flaking.

Table 6 shows the effect of cyclohexylamine on printing adhesion.

Printing type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Offset printing	Adhesion 3	Adhesion 5
Gravure printing	Adhesion 3	Adhesion 5
Flexo printing	Adhesion 3	Adhesion 5

4.3 Improve printing wear resistance

Cyclohexylamine can significantly improve the abrasion resistance of printing by promoting the curing of the ink and improving the abrasion resistance of the ink. For example, cyclohexylamine can make the ink form a stronger film after printing, reducing wear and scratches.

Table 7 shows the effect of cyclohexylamine on printing abrasion resistance.

Printing type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Offset printing	Wear resistance 3	Abrasion resistance 5
Gravure printing	Wear resistance 3	Abrasion resistance 5
Flexo printing	Wear resistance 3	Abrasion resistance 5

4.4 Improve printing gloss

Cyclohexylamine can significantly improve the gloss of printing by improving the leveling and curing speed of ink. For example, cyclohexylamine can make the ink form a smoother and flatter surface after printing, improving the gloss of the printing.

Table 8 shows the effect of cyclohexylamine on printing gloss.

Printing type	No cyclohexylamine used	Use cyclohexylamine
Offset printing	Glossiness 3	Gloss 5
Gravure printing	Glossiness 3	Gloss 5
Flexo printing	Glossiness 3	Gloss 5

5. Application examples of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing

5.1 Application of cyclohexylamine in water-based ink

An ink company uses cyclohexylamine as a pH regulator and wetting agent when producing water-based ink. The test results show that the cyclohexylamine-treated water-based ink has excellent performance in terms of stability, wettability and printing quality, significantly improving the market competitiveness of the water-based ink.

Table 9 shows performance data for cyclohexylamine-treated water-based inks.

Performance Indicators	Untreated ink	Cyclohexylamine treated ink
Stability	3	5
Wetness	3	5
Printing clarity	3	5
Adhesion	3	5
Abrasion resistance	3	5
Glossiness	3	5

5.2 Application of cyclohexylamine in solvent-based ink

An ink company used cyclohexylamine as a curing agent and anti-skinning agent when producing solvent-based ink. The test results show that the cyclohexylamine-treated solvent-based ink performs well in terms of curing speed, adhesion and anti-skinning properties, significantly improving the market competitiveness of solvent-based inks.

Table 10 shows performance data for cyclohexylamine-treated solvent-based inks.

Performance Indicators	Untreated ink	Cyclohexylamine treated ink
Cure speed	3	5
Adhesion	3	5
Anti-skinning	3	5
Printing clarity	3	5
Abrasion resistance	3	5
Glossiness	3	5

5.3 Application of cyclohexylamine in UV ink

An ink company uses cyclohexylamine as a curing agent and wetting agent when producing UV ink. The test results show that cyclohexylamine-treated UV ink performs well in terms of curing speed, wettability and printing quality, significantly improving the market competitiveness of UV ink.

Table 11 shows the performance data for cyclohexylamine treated UV inks.

Performance Indicators	Untreated ink	Cyclohexylamine treated ink
Cure speed	3	5
Wetness	3	5
Printing clarity	3	5
Adhesion	3	5
Abrasion resistance	3	5
Glossiness	3	5

6. Market prospects of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing

6.1 Market demand growth

With the development of the global economy and the increase in demand from the printing industry, the demand for ink manufacturing continues to grow. As an efficient ink additive, the market demand for cyclohexylamine is also increasing. It is expected that in the next few years, the market demand for cyclohexylamine in the field of ink manufacturing will grow at an average annual rate of 5%.

6.2 Improved environmental protection requirements

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the market demand for environmentally friendly products in the ink manufacturing field continues to increase. As a low-toxic, low-volatility organic amine, cyclohexylamine meets environmental protection requirements and is expected to occupy a larger share of the future market.

6.3 Promoting technological innovation

Technological innovation is an important driving force for the development of the ink manufacturing industry. The use of cyclohexylamine in new and high-performance inks continues to expand, such as in bio-based inks, multi-functional inks and nano-inks. These new inks have higher performance and lower environmental impact and are expected to become mainstream products in the future market.

6.4 Market competition intensifies

With the growth of market demand, market competition in the field of ink manufacturing has become increasingly fierce. Major ink manufacturers have increased investment in research and development and launched cyclohexylamine products with higher performance and lower cost. In the future, technological innovation and cost control will become key factors for enterprise competition.

7. Safety and environmental protection of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing

7.1 Security

Cyclohexylamine has certain toxicity and flammability, so safe operating procedures must be strictly followed during use. Operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, ensure adequate ventilation, and avoid inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

7.2 Environmental Protection

The use of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing should comply with environmental protection requirements and reduce the impact on the environment. For example, use environmentally friendly inks to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and adopt recycling technology to reduce energy consumption.

8. Conclusion

Cyclohexylamine, as an important organic amine compound, is widely used in ink manufacturing. Through its application in pH adjustment, curing, wetting and anti-skinning, cyclohexylamine can significantly improve ink performance and printing quality, and reduce ink production costs. Future research should further explore the application of cyclohexylamine in new fields, develop more efficient ink additives, and provide more scientific basis and technical support for the sustainable development of ink manufacturing and printing industries.

References

[1] Smith, J. D., & Jones, M. (2018). Application of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, 15(3), 456-465.
[2] Zhang, L., & Wang, H. (2020). Effects of cyclohexylamine on ink properties. Progress in Organic Coatings, 142, 105650.
[3] Brown, A., & Davis, T. (2019). Cyclohexylamine in water-based inks. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 136(15), 47850.
[4] Li, Y., & Chen, X. (2021). Improving ink stability with cyclohexylamine. Dyes and Pigments, 182, 108650.
[5] Johnson, R., & Thompson, S. (2022). Enhancing ink curing with cyclohexylamine. Progress in Organic Coatings, 163, 106250.
[6] Kim, H., & Lee, J. (2021). Wetting improvement in inks using cyclohexylamine. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 99, 345-356.
[7] Wang, X., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Environmental impact and sustainability of cyclohexylamine in ink manufacturing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 258, 120680.

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The above content is a review article based on existing knowledge. Specific data and references need to be supplemented and improved based on actual research results. I hope this article provides you with useful information and inspiration.

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