Organic Bentonite Rheology Additives for Printing Inks

Organic Bentonite for Printing Ink Systems

Organic bentonite (organoclay) is widely used as a rheology modifier in solvent-based printing inks. It improves viscosity structure, stabilizes pigment dispersion, and enhances anti-sagging and anti-spattering performance.

Different ink systems require different rheology behaviors. The BT-series organic bentonite products are designed to meet the performance demands of offset printing, news inks, letterpress, and gravure printing systems.

BT-184 / BT-185 – Low Viscosity Offset & News Ink Systems

BT-184 and BT-185 are commonly used in offset printing inks and news inks, especially where smooth flow and low viscosity are required.

Key performance features:

• Provides low-viscosity system stability
• Improves ink flow and transfer during printing
• Enhances leveling and surface uniformity
• Maintains stable suspension of pigments
• Helps improve print consistency and color strength

These grades are suitable for high-speed printing applications where smooth ink behavior is essential.

BT-381 – Anti-Spattering for Letterpress & Gravure Inks

BT-381 is designed for letterpress and gravure ink systems where flying ink (spattering) and bleeding issues must be controlled.

Key performance features:

• Effectively reduces ink spattering during high-speed printing
• Improves image clarity and reduces bleeding
• Suitable for aromatic solvent systems such as toluene and xylene
• Can be directly added as dry powder without polar activators
• Works in medium to high polarity solvent blends
• High-speed dispersion and grinding compatibility

BT-381 is particularly effective in fast-running printing lines requiring stable ink behavior.

BT-883 – Self-Activated High-Efficiency Dispersing Grade

BT-883 is a high-efficiency, self-activating organic bentonite designed for grinding-stage addition.

Key performance features:

• Easy dispersion without pre-activation
• Can be added directly during milling/grinding stage
• Achieves particle fineness below 5 microns after full dispersion
• Improves anti-settling and storage stability
• Suitable for a wide range of solvent-based ink systems

BT-883 is ideal for manufacturers seeking efficient production and simplified processing steps.

Summary: Optimized Rheology Control for Ink Systems

The BT-series organic bentonite products provide tailored solutions for different printing ink systems:

• BT-184 / BT-185 → Offset and news ink viscosity control
• BT-381 → Anti-spattering for gravure and letterpress inks
• BT-883 → High-efficiency self-activated dispersion system

These products help ink formulators achieve better print stability, improved flow behavior, and higher production efficiency