Encapsulated dye particle

摘要

A method for stabilizing a dye in an ink comprising the dye and a vehicle is provided. The ink is intended for printing on a print medium, which may comprise a variety of surfaces. The method comprises: (a) providing at least one dye moiety (molecule or monomer); (b) encapsulating the dye moiety in a transparent polymeric matrix to form an encapsulated dye particle that provides a barrier to protect the dye moiety; and (c) incorporating the encapsulated dye particle in the ink. The dye moiety is substantially water-insoluble. Consequently, the method of the present invention enables the use of hydrophobic colorants in a hydrophilic vehicle. A hydrophobic film thus forms on the print medium upon drying.