What pigments are used in printer ink?

[Chekhonte]

I seem unable to find information on what is used as the pigment in colored printer ink. I'm curious if traditional pigments are used like cadmium, cobalt, etc. Do any of you guys know?

[aardvark baguette]

Good question. Most of my searching only turns up offset printing stuff.

This is as close as I could get:

Title:

Potassium N-methyl-N-oleoyl taurate as a dispersant in pigmented ink jet inks

Document Type and Number:

United States Patent 5985017

Abstract:

An ink jet printing method is described. It comprising the steps of: providing an ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals; loading the printer with ink receptive substrates; loading the printer with an aqueous ink jet ink, said ink A) comprising a pigment, an aqueous carrier and potassium N-methyl-N-oleoyl taurate; and having a surface tension of 20 to 60 dynes/cm at 25

[morphsci]

Are you talking about ink-jet printer inks? Most are dye-based and mostly use organic pigments. Some "long-life" inks are pigment based.

[Chekhonte]

Thanks for that info, I was talking about ink jet printers. Organic inks are no good for me. I was hoping that some of the pigments would survive the ceramics firing process like traditional pigments would but it looks like no dice.

[morphsci]

Thanks for that info, I was talking about ink jet printers. Organic inks are no good for me. I was hoping that some of the pigments would survive the ceramics firing process like traditional pigments would but it looks like no dice.

I do believe the Epson archival inks are pigment based.

[Chekhonte]

curious, I may have to pick some up and give them a try.