Today, let's look at how ink becomes so bright through fluorescent pigments. What is the science behind it?

1. What is a fluorescent pigment for ink?
Fluorescent pigment is a pigment that can absorb invisible ultraviolet light and emit visible light. In layman's terms, it is a pigment that "looks to be glowing". It is not like luminous powder: it needs to absorb light first and then release it slowly; it is "instantly glowing", as long as there is ultraviolet light or a strong light source, it can immediately "shine on the stage".Adding fluorescent pigments to ink--"fluorescent ink". This kind of ink is often used in printing, packaging, advertising, labels, stationery, and other fields, which can make the pattern more eye-catching and vibrant.
2. How does fluorescent pigment glow?
There are complex optical principles hidden in fluorescent pigments.1. Absorb ultraviolet light: The molecules in fluorescent pigments can absorb ultraviolet light (UV) or short-wave visible light (such as blue light).
2. Energy conversion: The absorbed energy helps the electrons of the pigment molecules jump to a high-energy state.
3. Release visible light: These electrons cannot stay in a high-energy state for a long time, and will quickly return to a low-energy state while releasing energy (This is the visible light we see with our naked eyes, usually bright yellow, green, orange, pink, etc)
It is a "light absorption-luminescence" process that creates its characteristic of "shining" under fluorescent lights and ultraviolet lights.
3. Types of fluorescent pigments for inks:
(Common fluorescent pigments for inks)1. Thermoplastic fluorescent pigments (Thermoplastic Fluorescent Pigment)Applicable to plastic inks and solvent-based inks. The characteristics are large particles, high brightness, and bright colors. This type of pigment is generally coated with phenolic resin or polyester resin, suitable for solvent systems, not easy to dissolve, and has good migration resistance. Common colors include: fluorescent yellow, fluorescent orange, fluorescent red, fluorescent green, fluorescent powder, etc.
2. Aqueous Fluorescent Pigment
Suitable for water-based inks and water-based coatings, especially for applications with high environmental requirements. The color is slightly weaker than solvent-based, but more environmentally friendly. This pigment is mostly used in environmentally friendly packaging, children's products, stationery printing and other fields.
4. Application scenarios of fluorescent inks:
The inks with fluorescent pigments are not just "good-looking", they have many practical applications in life:1. Printing advertisements:
Fluorescent pigments are sensitive to ultraviolet rays and are prone to fading under long-term sunlight. Therefore, they are not suitable for long-term outdoor exposure.
2. Stationery:
The most familiar one may be the fluorescent pen! Whether taking notes or marking key points, it can "highlight" and help us quickly grasp the key points.
3. Clothing printing:
Many trendy T-shirts, sportswear, and sneakers are printed with fluorescent inks, which are very cool under the lights at night and are especially popular among young people.
4. Toy packaging:
To attract children's attention, fluorescent ink is often used for local printing on toy packaging, such as logos, lightning patterns, special effects graphics, etc.
5. What should be paid attention to when using fluorescent pigments with ink?
Although fluorescent pigments are beautiful, there are also some points to note in actual applications:1. Relatively poor light resistance:
The chromophore of fluorescent pigments is sensitive to ultraviolet rays and is easily faded under long-term sunlight. Therefore, it is not suitable for long-term outdoor exposure.
2. Limited heat resistance:
Most fluorescent pigments have heat resistance below 200℃, and excessively high temperatures can easily cause the pigments to degrade and discolor.
3. Not resistant to migration:
Some fluorescent pigments may have migration problems in certain resin systems, which will affect the stability of the ink. Therefore, it is particularly important to choose an ink formula that is compatible with it.
4. Pay attention to moisture and light protection during storage:
Fluorescent pigments should be sealed and stored in a cool and dry place to avoid moisture or direct sunlight to extend service life and maintain color stability.
6. Environmental protection trend of fluorescent pigments:
As environmental regulations become more and more stringent, the production of fluorescent pigments is also being optimized. Nowadays, the mainstream fluorescent pigments on the market have achieved the following:* No heavy metals;
* No formaldehyde;
* No harmful aromatic amines;
* Can be applied to EU REACH, ROHS, EN71 and other safety regulations.
Water-based fluorescent pigments and degradable fluorescent systems will become new research and development hotspots in the industry.
Where can you buy Fluorescent pigments in bulk?
Fluorescent pigments emit bright, visible light under ultraviolet or other light sources and are widely used in various applications, including fluorescent coatings, stationery, textiles, plastics, advertising signage, and electronic displays. As a professional Daylight fluorescent pigment ingredients. supplier and manufacturer, Wanlong Chemical Co., LTD. has nearly 10 years of experience in supplying and exporting fluorescent pigment ingredients from China. You can confidently purchase fluorescent powder from Wanlong Chemical Co., LTD. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will get back to you within 1 business day.
If you have needs please contact us.
Established in 1989, Wanlong Chemical Co., LTD. has been focusing on polymer synthesis and fine chemical intermediates research and development and production for nearly 40 years, and has developed three business systems - polymer materials, organic dyes and chemical intermediates, including Fluorescent pigment powder. We offer wholesale prices for bulk purchases, even for small quantities, and offer a free sample to potential customers. If you have needs please contact us.
Post time: 2025-05-14 15:13:10
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