Ink Chemistry Primer: Dye V. Pigment

[Chemyst]

[cedargirl]

That's very useful - thanks.
I've read some posts where I think people mistake precipitates in a highly saturated ink for unwanted particulates. Diluting the ink, then testing as above would differentiate these two possibilities.

[woosang]

Very very interesting

[jacksterp]

Awesome. Off to get my laser pointer

[Waski_the_Squirrel]

As I read this, I couldn't help but wonder what a centrifuge would do. I have an ancient centrifuge in my classroom.

[Chemyst]

As I read this, I couldn't help but wonder what a centrifuge would do. I have an ancient centrifuge in my classroom.

If you have particulates, you may be able to centrifuge them out. The faster your centrifuge spins, the smaller the particulates you can remove, given sufficient time.

[inky]

This is really neat. Thanks!

[Chemyst]

Image restored. Thanks to everyone who emailed to let me know the link was broken!

[naimitsu]

Very informative! Thank you for sharing, Chemyst!
I think I may be adding the laser pointer test to my ink sampling routine

[Chemyst]

Very informative! Thank you for sharing, Chemyst!
I think I may be adding the laser pointer test to my ink sampling routine

Glad to be of service!

[Chrissy]

Can I assume that all inks labelled as 'pigment based inks' would show particulates?

[migo984]

I previously missed this old thread so a delayed 'thank you' for the interesting information.
Am I correct in assuming that dye-based inks with added glittery bits would be classified as the less desirable heterogeneous solution?

[Hawk]

I'm happy a few people commented on this thread to bring it back to the forefront. This thread should be fixed to this thread since new members will gain knowledge from the information. After all not everyone is a chemist. Thanks again for the information.

[Chemyst]

Can I assume that all inks labelled as 'pigment based inks' would show particulates?

Many will. "All" is a strong word.

Dilution is a factor, as is size of the particulates.

[Chemyst]

Am I correct in assuming that dye-based inks with added glittery bits would be classified as the less desirable heterogeneous solution?

Yes, anything that has physically separate "parts" is different and thus "hetero".

[migo984]

Am I correct in assuming that dye-based inks with added glittery bits would be classified as the less desirable heterogeneous solution?

Yes, anything that has physically separate "parts" is different and thus "hetero".

Thank you for the confirmation.