Ultrasound assisted organic pigment dispersion: advantages of ultrasound method over conventional method

Abstract

Purpose

The present work aims to deal with ultrasound-assisted organic pigment (phthalocyanine blue and green) dispersion and its comparison with the conventional approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Ultrasound is expected to give beneficial results based on the strong shear forces generated by cavitational effects. The dispersion quality for preparation using an ultrasound-based method has been compared with dispersion obtained using high-speed dispersion mill. Effects of different operating parameters such as probe diameter and use of surfactants on the physical properties of dispersion and the colour strength have been investigated. Calculations for the energy requirement for two approaches have also been presented.

Findings

The use of sodium dodecyl sulphate and Tween 80 surfactants shows better performance in terms of the colour properties of dispersion prepared in water and organic solvent, respectively. Ultrasound gives better dispersion quality as compared to the conventional approach.

Originality/value

The present work presents a new approach of ultrasound-assisted dispersion of phthalocyanine blue and green pigments. Understanding into the effect of surfactants and type of solvent also presents new important design-related information.

Citation

Badgujar, N.P., Bhoge, Y.E., Deshpande, T.D., Bhanvase, B.A., Gogate, P.R., Sonawane, S.H. and Kulkarni, R.D. (2015), "Ultrasound assisted organic pigment dispersion: advantages of ultrasound method over conventional method", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 44 No. 4, pp. 214-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-04-2014-0033