Encapsulation of C.I. Pigment blue 15:3 using a polymerizable dispersant via emulsion polymerization

A novel polymer-encapsulated C.I. Pigment blue 15:3 dispersion has been developed through emulsion polymerization approach by a polymerizable dispersant. The encapsulation process involves three steps: predispersing C.I. Pigment blue 15:3 using allyloxy nonyl-phenoxypropanolpolyoxyethyleneetherammonium sulfonate (ANPS) as dispersant and emulsifer, emulsifying with the addition of comonomers, and polymerizing comonomer and ANPS. The character of polymer-encapsulated pigment has been examined in detail using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and contact angle analysis (CAA). Results indicate that a polymer encapsulation layer is formed on the surface of pigment and the thickness of the encapsulation layer can be modulated by changing the amount and the structure of comonomer. The polymer-encapsulated pigment dispersion has enhanced stabilities to centrifugal force, temperature, pH value and electrolytes.