AU4362800A - Pigmented compositions - Google Patents

Description

WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 - 1 PIGMENTED COMPOSITIONS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to polymer-containing pigment compositions, e.g., ink compositions, suitable for decorative and protective coatings for rigid and flexible substrates. More specifically, the present invention relates to polymers suitable for use as binders in such pigmented compositions. Background of the Invention Pigments are often used in industry to impart color to coatings applied to rigid and flexible substrates, e.g., in packaging. As used herein the term "pigment" means a particulate material that can impart color to another substance or mixture. In general, the pigments are insoluble in aqueous or organic liquids, the coloring effect being a result of their dispersion in a solid or liquid medium. In order to form smooth, high gloss coatings, pigments must be well dispersed in a liquid medium, e.g., ink formulation, and must be resistant to agglomeration. Agglomerated pigment particles can cause a rough, bumpy appearance on coated substrates, which is generally believed to be undesirable. In order to avoid agglomeration, pigments are typically ground, e.g., milled, with a polymer used for binding the pigment particles to the substrate to be coated either alone or along with a solvent for the binder polymer. Improved pigment compositions comprising pigment particles and a polymer suitable for binding the pigment particles to a substrate to be coated are desired. It is further desired that the binder polymers utilized in such compositions would be effective to inhibit the agglomeration of the pigment particles in the liquid medium in which they are dispersed.

WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -2 Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, improved pigment compositions are provided which comprise pigment particles and a binder polymer which is effective to inhibit the agglomeration of the pigment particles when dispersed in a liquid medium. The compositions of the present invention can be provided as a dispersion of the pigment particles in a liquid medium having dissolved therein the binder polymer or as a solid composition of the binder polymer and the pigment particles. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to avoid large viscosity increases of typical pigment compositions which can be caused during the grinding of the pigment particles and the binder polymer. The pigment compositions of the present invention can provide a smaller ultimate pigment particle size than obtained in conventional pigment dispersions, low viscosities even at high solids content, high gloss values in short grinding times and good thermal stability. Detailed Description The particular pigment particles used in accordance with the present invention are not critical. Typically, the pigment particles have a particle size, before grinding of from about 5 to 50 microns. Most pigments are insoluble in organic solvents and water. Exceptions are natural organic pigments, such as, chlorophyll, which are generally organosoluble. In general, the pigments may be classified as follows.

WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -3 I. Inorganic A. Metal oxides, e.g., iron, titanium, zinc, cobalt and chromium; B. Metal powder suspensions, e.g., gold and aluminum; C. Earth colors, e.g., siennas, ochers, umbers; D. Lead chromates; and E. Carbon black. II. Organic A. Animal, e.g., rhodopsin, melanin; B. Vegetable, e.g., chlorophyll, xanthophyll, indigo, flavone, carotene; C. Synthetic, e.g., phthalocyanine, lithos, toluidine, para red, toners, lakes. The compositions of the present invention typically comprise from about 1 to 99 weight percent, preferably from about 1 to 80 weight, percent based on the total weight of the composition of the pigment particles. Further details concerning suitable pigments are known to those skilled in the art. Such pigments are readily commercially available. The polymers suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are polymers which are effective to inhibit the agglomeration of the pigment particles when dispersed in a liquid medium. A typical polymer suitable for use in accordance with the present invention is a copolymer polymerized from the following monomeric moieties. As used herein, the term "copolymer" means a polymer made from two or more monomers. (a) a first monomeric moiety of a vinyl halide, e.g., vinyl chloride of the formula -CH2-CHCl-, preferably from 50 to 95 percent by weight; WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -4 (b) a second monomeric moiety of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer different from components (a), (c), and (d), preferably a vinyl ester, e.g., vinyl acetate of the formula -CH2 CH(O-CO-CH3)-, preferably from 2 to 30 percent by weight; (c) a third monomeric moiety of a sulfur-bearing acrylate or methacrylate, e.g., sulfoethylmethacrylate or a metal or amine salt thereof, preferably from 0.1 to 5 percent by weight; and (d) optionally a fourth or more monomeric moieties of one or more monoethylenically unsaturated monomers different from components (a), (b) and (c), preferably from about 0 to 20 percent by weight. The vinyl halide monomers suitable for use in accordance with the present invention include vinyl chloride, vinyl bromide and vinyl fluoride, with vinyl chloride being preferred. Such vinyl halide monomers are commercially available. The amount of vinyl halide monomer used in the copolymers of the present invention is typically from about 50 to 95 weight percent, preferably from about 55 to 80 weight percent and more preferably from about 60 to 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the monomers in the copolymer. The vinyl ester monomers suitable for use in accordance with the present invention include those having from 2 to about 16 carbon atoms in the ester group. Suitable vinyl ester monomers include, for example, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrates, vinyl pentanoates, vinyl neopentanoate, vinyl hexanoates, vinyl octanoates, vinyl 2-ethylhexanoate, vinyl nonanoates, vinyl decanoates, vinyl neoanoates, vinyl neododecanoate, and the like. Preferred vinyl esters are vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate, and the most preferred vinyl ester is WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -5 vinyl acetate. The vinyl esters suitable for use in accordance with the present invention, are commercially available. The amount of vinyl ester monomer in the copolymers of the present invention is typically from about 2 to 30 weight percent, preferably from about 3 to 15 weight percent, and more preferably from about 5 to 12 weight percent, based on the total weight of the monomers in the copolymer. The third monomeric moiety is preferably sulfoethylmeth acrylate either in the free acid form or in the salt form with a metallic element or an amine. In this regard, the weight fraction thereof should be at least 0.1 percent although an excessively large weight fraction thereof over 5 percent has no particularly advantageous effect. The monomeric moiety of this type can be introduced into the polymeric resin by the copolymerization of sulfoethylmethacrylate or derivative having an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group and a sulfonic acid group -SO3X in which X is a hydrogen atom, an atom of a metal such as alkali metals, or a protonated amine. Examples of suitable sulfoethylmethacrylate monomers or derivatives include those expressed by the following structural formula, in which X is an atom of hydrogen, an alkali metal e.g., sodium and potassium, or a protonated amine: CH2=C(CH3)-CO-O-C2H4-SO3X Other sulfur containing monomers include, for example, 2 acrylamido-2-methyl propanosulfonic acid, and sulfomethyl methacrylate. The copolymers of the present invention may comprise other monomers in addition to the monomers described above. Such additional monomers include, for example, other vinyl monomers having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule, WO 00/63308 PCT/US00/10512 -6 acrylates or methacrylates having from 3 to 20 carbon atom per molecule, acrylonitriles, methacrylonitriles, and the like. Illustrative of the other vinyl monomers include, for example, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid and itaconic anhydride, and maleate, fumarate and itaconate diesters and half esters, vinyl ethers such as methyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, propyl vinyl ethers, vinyl alcohol that is formed from the hydrolysis of vinyl esters such as vinyl acetate, and the like. Preferred optional vinyl monomers are maleic acid and maleic anhydride. Illustrative of the acrylates and methacrylates are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, the esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, and the like, e.g., bornyl, isobornyl and isonorbornyl acrylate; 3-hydroxy-1-isopropyl-2,2-dimethylpropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylpentyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentenylacryate; hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylates, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylates, hydroxyhexyl acrylates, hydroxydecyl acrylates; caprolactone acrylates, cyclohexyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, and the like. Preferred acrylates are hydroxypropyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate. The amount of the additional monomers, when employed in the copolymers of the present invention, is typically from about 0.5 to 30 weight percent and preferably from about 1 to 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the monomers and the copolymer. Further details concerning the selection, preparation, availability and amounts of the additional monomers are known to those skilled in the art.

WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -7 Suitable copolymers include, for example, those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,707,411 and 5,531,914. Such copolymers are commercially available, for example, from Union Carbide Corporation, Danbury, CT (sold as UCARMAG

T

m569) and Nippon Zean Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan (sold as MR-110). The copolymer preferably has an average degree of polymerization in the range from 200 to 800. When the average degree of polymerization thereof is too small, no sufficiently high mechanical strengths as well as durability can be imparted to the compositions formulated with the copolymer. When the average degree of polymerization thereof is too large, the coating composition formulated with the copolymer in a desired concentration may have an increased viscosity to badly affect the workability with the composition. Those skilled in the art can determine the suitable degree of polymerization. The copolymerization reaction of the comonomers can be performed by any known method including the methods of suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, solution polymerization, bulk polymerization and the like. Conventional solution polymerization techniques may be desirably utilized to form the binder polymers of this invention. Similarly, other polymerization techniques such as conventional suspension or emulsion polymerization may also be used. Thus, the process employed for making the resins of this invention is not critical, and such technology is well understood by those in the art. Suitable preparative techniques are, for example, set forth in U.S. 3,755,271. In general, and as an illustrative example, the resins of this invention may be prepared by utilizing solution polymerization, employing a solvent for the resulting resin as well as for the various components employed. Suitable solvents include, for example, the conventional ester solvents such as butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -8 isopropyl acetate, and the like, as well as the ketone solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl-n-butylketone, methyl isopropylketone, and the like. The polymerization may be carried out either batch-wise or continuously. Typically, the ratio of solvent/monomer will vary from about 0.3/1 to about 4/1, depending upon the molecular weight desired. The temperature selected may vary from about 35*C. to about 80*C., depending upon the reaction rate and resin molecular weight desired. Any oil-soluble, free radical catalyst may be used in an amount varying from about 0.01 to about 3.0%, based on the weight of the monomer. Suitable catalysts include, as illustrative examples, dibenzoyl peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, azobisbutyronitrile and diisopropylperoxy dicarbonate. Any pressure above the vapor pressure of the components of the system may be employed, pressures from about 30 to 100 psig being typical. In the preparation of a composition by using the above-described specific copolymer as a vehicle of the pigment particles, the copolymeric resin can be used in combination with other polymeric resins conventionally used in the manufacture of pigmented compositions, usually in amounts of 50 percent by weight or less. Examples of polymers suitable for such a combined use include polyurethane resins, nitrocelluloses, epoxy resins, polyamide resins and phenolic resins as well as polymers and copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters, styrene, acrylonitrile, butadiene, ethylene, propylene, vinylidene chloride, acrylamide, vinyl ethers and the like. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the composition will generally desirably include an elastomeric polymer in an amount sufficient to provide the composition with the desired properties. Many elastomeric polymers suitable for this purpose are known and may be utilized. Polyester urethanes are often preferred for high performance WO 00/63308 PCT/US00/10512 -9 applications. Suitable materials are commercially available. These materials may be, in general, described as the reaction products of polyester polyols, short chain diols, and isocyanates. These resins have excellent toughness and abrasion resistance characteristics. A wide variety of polyisocyanate crosslinkers are known and may be used. Typically, polymeric polyisocyanates are employed. As one example, it is suitable to use polymeric toluene diisocyanate (TDI) adducts. The amount of crosslinking agent used is typically about 1 to about 25 percent by weight of the amount of vinyl halide copolymer and polyurethane in the formulation. A polyisocyanate crosslinker is typically used in formulations to improve properties such as hardness, tensile strength, glass transition temperature, etc. It is surprising that similar improvements are found in formulations containing the polymers described in this invention since these polymers contain no groups considered to be reactive towards isocyanates. A variety of auxiliary agents are sometimes employed in the compositions. Such additives are known and may be employed, if desired for the particular application. For example, the compositions of the invention may be further admixed with various kinds of known additives conventionally used in pigment compositions including diluents, lubricating agents, dispersion aids, plasticizers, rust inhibitors, antistatic agents, leveling agents, wear resistant agents, film reinforcing agents and the like each in a limited amount. The compositions may be diluted with an organic solvent to impart an adequate viscosity or consistency suitable for the coating procedure. Examples of suitable organic solvents include methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene and the like. The particle size of the polymers of the present invention is typically from about 0.03 to 1.0 microns ("p"), preferably from about 0.05 to 0.5 g and more preferably from about 0.08 to 0.4 g.

WO 00/63308 PCTIUSOO/10512 -10 In accordance with the present invention, the polymers have an Inherent Viscosity of less than about 2.0, preferably from about 0.2 to 1.0 and more preferably from about 0.2 to 0.8. As used herein, the term "Inherent Viscosity" means the inherent viscosity determined using a Ubbelohde viscometer according to the ASTM D1243 procedure. Further details concerning the measurement of Inherent Viscosity are known to those skilled in the art. The glass transition temperatures ("Tg") of the polymers of the present invention are typically at least about 40*C, preferably at least about 50*C and more preferably at least about 70*C. The compositions of the present invention typically comprise from about 1 to 99 weight percent, preferably from about 20 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition, of the polymer. Further details concerning suitable polymers are known to those skilled in the art. Such polymers are readily commercially available. The compositions comprising the polymers of the invention have a variety of end uses, in general as pigment dispersions, ink compositions, coating compositions and adhesives. They can be formulated into products such as, for example, coatings (both rigid and flexible), sealants and adhesives. Further details concerning end uses, other ingredients typically contained in coating and adhesion formulations, such as, for example, surfactants, pigments, colorants, crosslinkers, e.g., phenolics, etc., are known to those skilled in the art. For ink coatings in particular, pigment concentrates are commonly prepared with about a 1:1 weight ratio of pigment to binder polymer, with the addition of a suitable solvent, i.e., liquid medium, for the binder polymer. The pigment dispersions are typically prepared by WO 00/63308 PCTIUSOO/10512 - 11 shearing or grinding the pigment and the polymer, e.g., a 3-roll mill or sand mill. The liquid medium can be provided in a low viscosity form to be pourable, e.g., water-like, or a high viscosity for, e.g., dough-like consistency, which would not flow except under shear. Likewise, the liquid medium can be provided in intermediate viscosity forms. The pigment compositions may also be provided in a solid form, e.g., a solid matrix of polymer and pigment (known in the art as a chip). In making the solid form of the composition, pigment can be added to the molten polymer of this invention on a heated heat two-roll mill or banbury mixer, or the like. Further details of such techniques are known to those skilled in the art. The pigment concentrate is often diluted with clear binder polymer solution to produce the required color hue and opacity needed for ink compositions. The diluted ink composition may contain a pigment to binder polymer solution ratio of as little as 0.1 or less. The substrates to which the compositions can be applied are not limited and include, for example, wood, metal, glass, ceramic, plastic and paper. The ink compositions prepared in the above described manner can be applied to the surface of a substrate in the form of films, tapes, sheets, foils, plates and the like of various kinds of materials without particular limitations including synthetic resins such as polyesters, polyolefins, cellulose acetates, polycarbonates and the like. The coating procedure with the ink or coating compositions can be performed by any known methods conventionally used to apply coatings and inks. In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an ink composition which comprises from about 10 to 20 weight percent, e.g., about 15 weight percent, of the polymer of the present invention or combination thereof with another polymer, about 10 to 20 weight percent, e.g., about 13.5 weight percent, of a pigment, from about 2 to WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -12 10 weight percent, e.g., about 4.5 weight percent, of a plasticizer and from about 40 to 70 weight percent, e.g., about 48.0 weight percent methyl ethyl ketone and 19.0 weight percent methyl isobutyl ketone, of one or more solvents. Further details of ingredients contained in ink compositions and the amounts thereof are known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the pigment compositions can achieve high gloss levels, e.g., greater than 80, more preferably greater than 90, for a 60* gloss measurement using a 60* gloss meter with gloss readings taken on cast films on Leneta paper at 1:1 pigment to polymer ratio diluted to contain 50 weight percent cyclohexaneone with grinding times of about 20 to 60 minutes. Moreover, preferably, the 60* gloss readings as described above are at least 60, more preferably at least 70, with a grinding time of 15 minutes or less. In another preferred aspect of this invention, there is provided a solvent-free ink, coating, or casting. About 1 to 40 weight percent of the polymer of this invention is dissolved in about 60 to 90 weight percent of a strongly-solvating monomer such as, for example, methyl methacrylate, i.e., as the liquid medium, to form a syrup. A pigment, i.e., colorant is added and dispersed, e.g., milled, in the syrup. Syrups comprised of the polymer of this invention dissolved in acrylic monomers are often highly efficient in dispersing colorants. Another suitable monomer for this purpose is tetrahydrofural acrylate. Other suitable monomers can be determined by those skilled in the art. In this aspect of the invention, the monomer is subsequently polymerized to form a solid alloy. Polymerization can be accelerated by addition of peroxide catalyst or the addition of a photoinitiator and exposure to ultraviolet light or electron beam radiation. Syrups containing about 20 to 30 percent of the polymer of this invention and 70 to 80 weight percent methyl methacrylate, preferably cure to a WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -13 water-clear solid having a single glass transition temperature, indicating excellent compatibility. Optionally, weakly-solvating monomers such as trimethylolpropane triacrylate can be used combinations with a strongly-solvating monomer such as methyl methacrylate. Syrups containing about 20 to 30 weight percent of the polymer of this invention in methyl methacrylate monomer typically have viscosity of 1400 to about 30,000 cP. at 25*C. Examples The following examples are representative of this invention, and not in limitation thereof. The following abbreviations were used in the examples: VCl-vinyl chloride VAc-vinyl acetate SEMA-sulfoethyl methacrylate HAA-hydroxyalkyl acrylate VOH-vinyl alcohol MA-maleic acid AMPS-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid MEK-methyl ethyl ketone I.V.-Inherent Viscosity EXAMPLE 1 General Polymerization Procedure - Vinyl Chloride Copolymers The vinyl chloride copolymers were produced via continuous solution polymerization in a stainless steel stirred tank reactor. Vinyl chloride and the other monomers used, as well as the solvent, were pre-mixed and fed continuously to the reactor. The free radical initiator, diisopropylperoxydicarbonate, was also fed continuously as WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 - 14 an acetone solution, at a rate necessary to maintain constant conversion. Product solution was continuously withdrawn from the reactor. The temperature in the reactor was maintained at 50*C.

60*C. while the pressure was kept between 90-110 psig. The product solution was stripped of unreacted vinyl chloride monomer. Aqueous sodium carbonate was added to the acetone solution in a twofold excess based on the sulfonic acid. This converted the free sulfonic acid to the sodium salt prior to precipitation. The polymer was then recovered from solution by precipitation with an isopropanol/water mixture, filtered, and dried in a fluid bed drier. Vinyl Chloride Copolymers Weight Percent of Comonomer in Polymer Polymers VCI Vac SEMA VOH HAA MA I.V. available from Union Carbide Corporation UCARMAGTm 85 13 2 0.40 569

UCAR

TM

VYHH 86 14 0.50

UCAR

TM

VAGH 90 4 6 0.53

UCAR

T M VAGF 81 4 15 0.56

UCAR

TM VMCH 86 13 1 0.50

UCARMAG

T

m 82 4 ( 14 ) 0.56 5271 1 Sum of HAA and MA equals 14 weight percent.

WO 00/63308 PCT/US00/10512 - 15 - EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of Pigment Dispersions Dry pigment was dispersed in solvent borne solutions of vinyl resins using the recipes shown in Table 1. The relative rate of dispersion was determined by gloss measurement and microscopic examination of thin cast films on glass plates. The dry vinyl resin was first dissolved in MEK solvent. The resin solution was charged to a stainless steel beaker on a homo dispersator. The dry pigment was added with slow agitation and allowed to wet out for five minutes A portion of this mix was added to a stainless steel grinding vessel, together with an equal weight of zirconium oxide grinding media. The vessel contained equal volumes of liquid dispersion, media and head space. Charged grinding vessels were placed in a holding block and agitated on a Red Devil paint shaker. Samples of the undiluted grind were taken after various time intervals and smeared on glass sides for microscopic measurement of particle size. Additional samples of grind were diluted 1:1 with cyclohexanone solvent and cast on Leneta paper for gloss measurement using a #12 wire wound rod. Cyclohexanone slows the drying rate and allows the film to level. Table 1 shows that, when compared to pigment concentrates using other vinyl copolymers, lithol rubine red pigment dispersions containing Polymer 569 required significantly less grinding time to develop high gloss and develop a higher ultimate gloss. It is also shown that the rate of particle size reduction of the pigment was faster and the ultimate particle size was smaller.

WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -16 Table 1 Gloss and Pigment Particle Size vs Grinding Time Rubine Red Pigment Concentrates Prepared Using Various Grinding Vehicles Pigment Grind - Parts by Weight UCARMAG 15 UCAR VYHH 15 UCAR VYHH with added 15 dispersant* UCAR VMCH 15 UCAR VAGH 15 Rubine Red Pigment 15 15 15 15 15 methyl Ethyl Ketone 70 70 70 70 70 Total Grind 100 100 100 100 100 Cyclohexanone ** 100 100 100 100 100 Comparative Values*** Grinding time 20 * Gloss 15 5-min 17 5 6 coag. 4 25-min 45 14 10 13 55-min 54 18 15 19 Grinding time 60 0 Gloss 60 5-min 54 28 30 coag. 24 25-min 97 56 48 52 55-min 103 67 59 67 WO 00/63308 PCTIUSOO/10512 -17 TABLE 1 (Continued) Grinding time Average Particle Size 2 (measurement microns) 5-min 3 5 12 coag. 5 25-min 1 2 5 2 55-min 1 2 2 2 * 5% BK 101 based on pigment ** Post added to facilitate drawdown on Leneta paper *** commercial Rubine red dispersion cut 1:1 with cyclohexanone for gloss measurement Table 2 shows that Lithol Rubine Red concentrates made using

UCARMAG

Th 569 exhibit uniquely low viscosity after grinding. Carboxy-functional copolymer VMCH, which contains 1% maleic acid comonomer, had such high interaction with the rubine red pigment, that it coagulated when used as the sole polymer in the grinding medium. Other polymers produced substantially higher post grind viscosity than UCARMAG Th 569. Accordingly UCARMAG Th 569 can offer manufactures of pigment concentrates improved productivity and cost savings.

WO 00/63308 PCT/USO0/10512 -18 TABLE 2 Effect of Polymer Composition in Grinding Vehicle Pigment Grind - Parts by Weight

UCARMAG

T

m 569 15 UCAR VYHH 15 UCAR VYHH with 15 added dispersant* UCAR VMCH 15 UCAR VAGH 15 Lithol Rubine Red 15 15 15 15 15 Pigment methyl Ethyl 70 70 70 70 70 Ketone 100 100 100 100 100 Viscosity before 54 94 124 Coag. 86 grinding, cP Viscosity after 100 1200 810 - 1050 grinding 55 minutes cP * 5% BK 101 based on pigment Brookfield RVT Viscometer, 100 rpm, 21 spindle As used herein, the term "Viscosity" means the viscosity of a composition having 15 weight parts polymer, 15 weight parts Lithol Rubine Red Pigment and 70 weight parts Methyl Ethyl Ketone measued using a Brookfield RVT Viscometer with a No. 21 spindle at 100 RPM at 25*C. Preferably the Viscosity after grinding for 55 minutes is less than 700 cP, more preferably less than 200 cP. As used herein, the term "Viscosity Retention Factor" means the Viscosity measured after 55 minutes of grinding divided by the Viscosity WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -19 measured before grinding. Preferably, the Viscosity Retention Factor is about 5 or less, more preferably about 3 or less and most preferably about 2 or less. Table 3 shows the viscosity and gloss properties of inks prepared by diluting the UCARIAG 569 /red pigment concentrate with various types of clear vinyl resin lacquers, each at 16% solids in MEK solvent. In these examples, 3-parts of the UCARMAG 569 /red pigment concentrate was first diluted with 8-parts of UCARMAG 569 lacquer, followed by 8-parts of a second vinyl lacquer. The ratio of UCARMAG 569 to other polymer was 57.5 to 42.5. A vehicle comprised of all-UCARMAG 569 was the benchmark: (3 parts of red concentrate diluted with 16 parts of UCARMAG 569). In the second series of dilutions, 3-parts of the UCARMAG 569/red pigment concentrate was diluted with 16 parts of various vinyl lacquers, so that the ratio of UCARMAG 569 to other polymer was 15 to 85. All of the resulting inks had a solids content of 18% and a pigment to binder ratio of 0.15. TABLE 3 Properties of formulated inks Parts by Weight Pigment 3 3 3 concentrate (30% solids ("nv") UCARMAG 569 16 8 0 lacquer (16% nv) WO 00/63308 PCT/USOO/10512 -20 Table 3 (Continued) Diluting 8 16 polymer lacquer (16% nv) Percent 0 42.5 85 diluting polymer in the polymer portion of the ink Pigment to 0.15 0.15 0.15 binder ratio in ink Percent solids 18 18 18 of ink Polymer Ratio in the Ink Vehicle - solids UCARMAG 100 57.5 57.5 57.5 58 57.5 15 15 15 15 15 569 UCARMAG 42.5 85 527 VYHH 42.5 85 VMCH 42.5 85 VAGH 43 85 VAGF 42.5 85 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Ink Properties 200 Gloss * 84 83 74 100 64 69 2 2 C 2 2 60* Gloss * 99 96 87 99 81 87 17 8 C 17 13 Viscosity cP 65 111 37 190 40 55 14 42 C 57 75 C=coagulated WO 00/63308 PCT/US00/10512 -21 It is apparent from Table 3 that UCARMAG 569 lacquer can be used to dilute the pigment concentrate in a wide variety of proportions while maintaining high gloss and low viscosity. All of the other vinyl lacquers tested could be used at only partial dilutions, and only after first diluting with the UCARMAG 569 lacquer. The VMCH lacquer may gel in the ink when added at high concentrations, but it can be successfully added at moderate concentrations. In moderate concentrations, it increased ink viscosity, but maintains excellent gloss. UCARMAG 527 which, like VMCH, also contains maleic acid comonomer, showed a similar but less pronounced increase in viscosity, indicating a bridging interaction with the pigment components and the carboxylic acid groups. Inks prepared from UCARMAG 569 (See Table 3) had very good adhesion to commercially important substrates used in flexible and rigid packaging. Data are shown in Table 4. The ink prepared using the all UCARMAG 569 based recipe in Table 3 was cast at 18 % solids in MEK using a #12 wire wound rod and allowed to dry. Tape adhesion was tested by using method ASTM D 3359-87 with Scotch brand 610 tape.

WO 00/63308 PCT/US00/10512 -22 Table 4 Adhesion of Formulated ink Substrate Adhesion Aluminum foil very good No removal Corona treated oriented very good No removal polypropylene Corona treated oriented good Trace removal after polyethylene wrinkling Corona treated oriented very good No removal polyester Inks cast on substrate using No. 12 wire wound rod Tape test; ASTM D 3359-87 using Scotch brand 610 tape Table 5 illustrates that UCARMAG 569 could be used successfully with a variety of typical colorants use in the graphic arts industry. All compositions in the series showed low viscosity and brilliant gloss. Table 5 Polymer 569 / Pigment Concentrates with Various Process Colors Pigment Grind - Parts by Weight UCARMAG 569 15 15 15 15 Lithol rubine red (1) * 15 Pthalo blue-rd (2) * 15 Pthalo blue-gr (3) * 15 Diarylide yellow (4) * 15 Methyl ethyl ketone 70 70 70 70 Total Grind 100 100 100 100 Viscosity of Pigment Concentrate cP 100 40 214 437 WO 00/63308 PCT/US00/10512 - 23 TABLE 5 (CONTINUED) Properties of Ink (18% nv in MEK) ** 60 Gloss 99 115 113 141 20 * Gloss 84 100 103 170 Viscosity cP 65 42 57 59 * Sun Chemical (1) SUNBRITE RUBINE 57:1 (2) SUNFAST BLUE 15:2 (3) SPECTRA PAC E BLUE 15:4 (4) SPECTRA PAC E YELLOW 14 ** 3 parts pigment concentrate diluted with 16 parts of Polymer 569 lacquer in MEK at 16% nv Cast on polyester film using #12 ww rod Although the invention has been described with respect to specific aspects, those skilled in the art will recognize that other aspects are intended to be within the scope of the claims which follow.

Claims (15)

1. A composition comprising, (a) from about 1 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition, of pigment particles; and (b) from about 1 to 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition, of a polymer effective to inhibit the agglomeration of the pigment particles when dispersed in a liquid medium: characterized in that the polymer is effective to provide a Viscosity Retention Factor of 5 or less.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the polymer is effective to provide a Viscosity Retention Factor of 3 or less.

3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition has a Viscosity of 700 centipoises or less.

4. The composition of claim 3 wherein the composition has a Viscosity of 200 centipoises or less.

5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the polymer is polymerized from a monomer having a sulfonic acid group or a derivative thereof.

6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the monomer is selected from the group consisting of 2-acrylamido-2 methylpropanesulfonic acid, sulfoethyl methacrylate, sulfomethyl methylacrylate, and mixtures thereof. WO 00/63308 PCTIUSO0/10512 - 25

7. The composition of claim 5 wherein the polymer is polymerized from a vinyl halide, a vinyl ester and a monomer having a sulfonic acid group or a derivative thereof.

8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is a solid.

9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is a dispersion of the pigment particles in the liquid medium.

10. The composition of claim 9 wherein the liquid medium is a solvent for the polymer.

11. The composition of claim 9 wherein the liquid medium is a monomer.

12. The composition of claim 1 wherein the pigment particles have a particle size of from about 1 to 8 microns.

13. The composition of claim 1 wherein the pigment particles have a particle size of from about 1 to 4 microns.

14. A coating made from the composition of claim 1.

15. A coated substrate comprising a substrate having coated thereon a coating made from the composition of claim 1.