Compositions and methods for selecting ink-jet inks exhibiting reduced puddling

摘要

A method of selecting a dye for use with a spreading vehicle can comprise the steps of evaluating a first dye having polar atoms and a second dye having polar atoms to determine a first polarity index and a second polarity index, respectively; and selecting the first dye or the second dye for inclusion in the spreading vehicle based upon a comparison of the first polarity index and the second polarity index. Further, a method of evaluating a dye and formulating an ink-jet ink can comprise the steps of providing a spreading ink-jet ink vehicle; selecting a dye to be evaluated for inclusion in the spreading ink-jet ink vehicle; determining the ratio of polar atoms to carbon atoms within the dye; selecting a desired polarity index ratio range; and admixing the dye with the spreading ink-jet ink vehicle if the ratio is within the desired polarity index ratio range. Additionally, an ink-jet ink composition exhibiting reduced orifice plate puddling can comprise an ink-jet ink vehicle containing 7% to 15% by weight of a 1,2-hexanediol solvent in the absence of added surfactant; and an effective amount of a dye having a normalized polarity index from about 7 to 12.