With the continuous improvement of environmental protection requirements, water-based inks have been widely used in packaging printing, label printing, and publishing printing due to their low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and environmentally friendly characteristics. However, water-based inks often face system stability issues in practical use, among which changes in pH value are one of the important factors affecting their performance. In this context, the application of buffering agents has become a key link in optimizing water-based ink formulations, and ADA (3- [N-morpholino] propanesulfonic acid), as a commonly used buffering substance, has gradually gained attention in this field.

ADA powder

1、 The influence of pH value on the performance of water-based ink

Water based ink is mainly composed of water-soluble resins, pigments, dispersants, wetting agents, and additives. Among them, alkali soluble acrylic resin is a common film-forming substance, and its dissolution and stability depend on the pH environment of the system. Usually, this type of resin can maintain good solubility within the pH range of 8.0-9.5. If the pH value decreases, the resin may undergo deionization, resulting in increased viscosity, decreased fluidity, and even precipitation or flocculation phenomena. In addition, pH changes may also lead to plate blocking and uneven color during the printing process. Therefore, maintaining the pH stability of ink during storage and use is an important measure to ensure its printing suitability and product quality.

2、 Basic characteristics of ADA buffer

ADA (3- [N-morpholino] propanesulfonic acid) is an organic buffering agent with good buffering capacity in the pH range of 6.0-7.2. Although this range is slightly lower than the alkaline range commonly used in water-based inks, in some formulations, it can be used in combination with other alkaline components to assist in maintaining the acid-base balance of the system.

ADA has good water solubility, stable chemical structure, is not easily decomposed, and is not easily volatile at room temperature. These characteristics enable it to effectively slow down pH drift and reduce performance fluctuations caused by environmental changes or component reactions during long-term storage. Meanwhile, ADA is colorless and odorless, with minimal impact on the color and odor of ink, making it suitable for printing scenes with high sensory requirements.

3、 The practical application effect of ADA in water-based ink

Adding ADA to the actual formula can help improve the storage stability of ink. Especially under high temperature or long-term storage conditions, ammonia or organic amine pH regulators in ink may evaporate, leading to a decrease in pH. The presence of ADA can alleviate this process, delay resin precipitation and viscosity changes.

In addition, in certain types of water-based inks, such as functional inks that require control of reaction rates or maintenance of specific ionic environments, ADA can serve as an auxiliary buffering component to participate in system regulation. Its low ionic strength also helps to reduce interference with conductivity or charge distribution, making it suitable for some special printing processes.

Desheng New Materials: Focusing on the production and supply of ADA buffering agents

In the supply chain of water-based ink raw materials, the quality of biological buffering agents directly affects the stability of the product. Desheng New Materials is a professional enterprise engaged in the production of ADA buffering agents, with mature synthesis processes and quality control systems. Its products are widely used in industry, scientific research, and materials fields. The company is committed to providing customers with stable ADA buffer raw materials and supporting their technological development and application optimization in water-based inks and other fields.