I am trying to formulate an ink that is composed of PMMA dissolved in anisole and some percentage of DMSO. My typical inks have been using 120kDa PMMA at a concentration of 40mg/mL in anisole with 10% DMSO. However, my inks seem to always get clogged in the nozzle or when the drops are deposited, I experience the coffee ring effect. Can anyone offer advice?
Thanks
I think that the PMMA used has relatively a high average molecular mass & this will result in an increase in viscosity hindering the smooth release of ink.
Anisole is a good choice of medium for ink on the account of its safety in inhalation. At 10%, the concentration of DMSO seems to be high so a decrease of it may be worth trying.
Inks are formulated through several trials usually until one arrives at the best "recipe" taking into consideration many factors such as homogeneity, reproducible results, cost, and ease of handling.
Nizar Matar, Thanks for your reply! I reduced the percentage of DMSO and used a lower MW polymer (15kDa) which now seems to jet really well at a much higher concentration. Unfortunately, now the printed product begins to crack after a few days have passed. I'll keep working on different formulas!
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