DeCAL 4286 is a low molecular weight carboxylated acrylic copolymer with the capacity to carry very high levels of pigment and to provide maximum color development properties at these loadings. To obtain the full benefits of DeCAL 4286, it is essential to use the highest possible pigment binder ratios and the highest possible pigment loading.

Chemical Family: Carboxylated Acrylic Copolymer

Functions: Binder & Resin, Gloss Enhancer

Compatible Substrates & Surfaces: Paper

Compatible Polymers & Resins: Polyesters, Styrene Acrylics

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Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

CASE Ingredients Functions
Technologies

Features & Benefits

Crosslinking

DeCAL 4286 is a carboxylated acrylic polymer therefore improvements in water and solvent resistance can be achieved via crosslinking through the free carboxyl groups in the polymer. Typical crosslinkers include Zirconium compounds, UF and MF resins and carbodiimides.

Applications & Uses

Compatible Polymers & Resins
Compatible Substrates & Surfaces
Applications
  • DeCAL 4286 should be used as the sole resin component of pigment grinding bases that are subsequently to be used as the basis for water-based flexographic inks using other vehicles in the let-down stage.
  • Bases prepared on DeCAL 4286 are free flowing systems at 60 - 70 seconds on a B4 Ford Cup at 20°C. Optimum results will be achieved with the most efficient grinding equipment.
  • DeCAL 4286 may be used as sole ink binder where very good resolubility is required or simply as a modifier to improve the resolubility of more hydrophobic inks.
  • DeCAL 4286 is also suited for use as binders and modifiers for other systems such as waterbased paints and coatings for use in the art and craft, and paper coatings industries. The polymer can act as a gloss promoter in waterbased paint systems, whilst also being suitable for use in temporary protective and removable coating applications.

Properties

Physical Form
Appearance
Clear solution
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
pH8.0
Solid Content30.0%
Viscosity (at 25°C, 20 rpm)500.0mPa.sBrookfield RVT
Density (at 25°C)1.0g/cm³
Acid Value (as 100%)80.0%
Initial Softening Point70.0°C
Glass Transition Temperature35.0ºC
Neutralizing AgentAmmonia
Compatibility

Bases:

Pigment Type Phthalo v Carbon Black Lake Red C Lithol Red Cu Ferro Violet Cu Ferro Blue Diarlide Yelow
Pigment 50 35.5 44 37.5 36 42 43
DeCAL 4286 17.6 14.8 21 29.5 30 28 36
Water 32.4 49.7 35 33 34 30 21
Pigment:binder 9.5:1 8:1 7:1 4:1 4:1 5:1 4:1
% Solids 55.3 39.9 50.4 6.4 46 50.5 53.7
Ford B4 Visc, secs 62 70 62 68 65 63 61

Inks (prepared from the above):

Pigment Type Phthalo v Carbon Black Lake Red C Lithol Red Cu Ferro Violet Cu Ferro Blue Diarlide Yelow
% Base 30 42.3 34 40 41.7 35.7 34
DeCAL 4201 (acrylic ‘let down’ binder) 16 12.7 15.3 14 14 16 15.7
30% PE Wax Emulsion 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Water 47 38.1 43.5 39 37.4 41.4 57.5
MEA 1 0.9 1.2 1 0.9 0.9 0.9

To demonstrate the benefits of base grinding using DeCAL 4286, the above inks made on the DeCAL 4286 bases were compared with similar inks made using just DeCAL 4201. As shown below using a dedicated ink grinding resin such as DeCAL 4286 provides significant improvements in color strength:-

  • Phthalo blue: 10% stronger
  • Carbon black: 18% stronger
  • Lake red C: 2% stronger
  • Lithol red: 17% stronger
  • Cu ferro violet: 48% stronger
  • Cu ferro blue: 33% stronger

DeCAL 4286 is compatible with virtually all pigments suitable for water applications. DeCAL 4286 is compatible with most resins used in waterbased systems. This includes all acrylics, vinyl acetate, stirene acrylic and polyester resins. Some maleics and high acid value resins can be more difficult. DeCAL 4286 does not have a high tolerance for organic solvents due to its hydrophilic nature. The addition of alcohols, glycols and glycol ethers above 20% may result in precipitation of the resin.

Stability

DeCAL 4286 bases show excellent stability with time. Good agitation is required when preparing inks from DeCAL 4286 bases. Improvements in stability can be achieved through the incorporation of a suitable sequestering agent such as DeCAL 9203 to remove any trace metal ions. This should be added directly to the DeCAL 4286 prior to addition of the pigment at a level of around 1% on the total base formula.

Packaging & Availability

Country Availability
Regional Availability
  • Canada
  • USA