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Stability studies and degradation mechanisms of thermochromic offset prints

Thermochromic printing inks are nowdays used in a wide range of different applications, from packaging, commercial printing, protected documents, ceramics to textiles. Their poor stability when exposed to UV radiation limits their stability in external conditions. The stability of polymeric products towards oxidation and hydrolysis is one of the important factors. In this study, one thermochromic offset printing ink was printed on two different papers (wood free coated and wood free uncoated). The prints were exposed to accelerated aging and biodegradation test in order to understand the mechanisms of prints degradation in different environments. All the samples were evaluated for changes by FT-IR spectroscopy and colorimetric properties. FTIR spectroscopy showed higer changes and degradation during biodegradation test (mostly in the case of uncoated paper), implying higer rate of ink binder hydrolysis and oxidation compared to accelerated aeging test. Colorimetric measurements showed higer stability of thermochromic print on uncoated paper during UV degradation.

thermochromic offset ink, coated paper, uncoated paper, accelerated aging, biodegradation, FTIR, colorimetric properties

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