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The Curious Bag
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Ink for inkjet printers contains far more than just color. This water-based substance includes a finely balanced mix of compounds that ensure that the ink performs as expected.
Inkjet Printing
The PC Magazine encyclopedia describes inkjet printing as the process of spraying tiny drops of ink from a printer's ink cartridge onto paper. Inkjet printers may employ either continuous spray or thermal "drop on demand" technologies to distribute a cartridge's ink supply.
Water
According to High Tech Gadgets, the ink in an inkjet cartridge may contain up to 90 percent water to keep the ink in liquid form. Purer water yields smoother ink consistency.
Pigments
Pigments give inkjet ink its color. Black ink cartridges require only black ink, while color cartridges may hold up to four different pigment colors.
Co-solvents, Humectants, and Surfactants
Co-solvents and humectants prevent the ink from getting sticky, drying or freezing due to a change in water content or temperature. Surfactants assure an even ink consistency as well.
Antimicrobial Agents
Antimicrobial agents added to the ink mixture keep fungus and bacteria from growing in or underneath the ink.
Source:
PCMag.com: PC Magazine Encyclopedia: Definition of Inkjet Printer
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