GB1603062A

GB1603062A - Ink composition

Info

Publication number: GB1603062A
Application number: GB11803/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Whittaker Corp
Current assignee: Whittaker Corp
Priority date: 1977-03-28
Filing date: 1978-03-23
Publication date: 1981-11-18
Also published as: JPS6221032B2; BE865206A; FR2385782A1; SE437997B; AU515542B2; SE7803316L; DE2812364C2; NO781044L; PL205552A1; FR2385782B1; IT1103082B; CH639413A5; NL7803273A; ES468239A1; JPS53123210A; AU3446878A; DE2812364A1; NZ186690A; IT7809390A0; DK133078A

Abstract

A high solids printing ink suitable for jet (inkjet) printing onto coated, untreated, stiff or flexible metal, glass, plastic and most other substrates contains in each case up to 10 per cent by weight of colorant and of an electrolyte, up to 80 per cent by weight of a resin or resin mixture, and a solvent or solvent mixture.

Description

(54) AN INK COMPOSITION (71) We, WHITTAKER CORPORATION. a corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of California. United States of America, of 10880 Wilshire Boulevard. Los Angeles. California 91)024. United States of America, do hereby declare the invention. for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to an ink composition suitable for use in jet printing operations.

Although the concept of recording an experimental event using jet of ink dates back to Lord Kelvin in the 1800's, it has only been within the past 20 years that commercial devices using '*Ink Jet Printing" principle have been available. A number of different electronically controlled ink jet approaches have been taken in the effort to develop commercial devices.

With both economic and environmental pressures affecting the cost of printing systems using high speed, relatively noisy mechanical mechanisms and other problems associated with them. because of these problems, printers based on "ink jet principle" are becoming more and more acceptable everyday.

There are basicallv three ink droplet generating approaches: (1) high frequency. pressurized and electrostatically deflected systems; (2) low frequency, pressurized, electrostatically gated and deflected systems, and (3) low to medium frequency, non-pressurized impulse or ink on demand systems.

Inks suitable for use in the ink jet printing system, or ink jets as they will be referred to hereinafter, have been developed which work satisfactorily on a limited number of substrates. The main reason for this limitation is lack of sufficient amount of binder in an ink to give suitable printing. adhesion and other end use properties.

In order to operate satisfactorily in an ink jet printing system, an ink must display a consistent drop break-up length. drop velocity and drop charge under set machine operating conditions. To achieve these ends the ink must meet strict requirements with regards to viscosity, resistivity. solubility. and compatibility of components, stability and anti-skinning properties and must redissolve in a suitable solvent for rapid clean-up of the machine components with a minimum of effort.

It has been determined that on an ink jet printer, described in U.S. Patent Specifications Nos. 3,465,350 and 3.465.351. inks with viscosity of 20 cps. will perform satisfactorily depending upon the type of nozzle used. However, inks with lower viscosities perform much better. The resistivity of the ink may be as high as 10,000 ohm cm. for satisfactory operations.

It is also important that, in an ink jet printing system where ink is recirculated, before ink is reused. it must be brought to its original form by adding exact amounts of solvents and ingredients lost while recirculating.

Also, printing inks must possess satisfactory printability for intended utility, to meet the requirements which may vary for each specific type of substrate and printing apparatus.

Particularly the printing inks for non-contact printing are subject to a number of limitations incurred by the printing machine.

It is an object of this invention to provide an ink with film-forming resin for use in ink jet printing on a wide variety of substrates which combines properties necessary for satisfactory operation of the ink in the printing apparatus with the properties necessary for obtaining and preserving a satisfactory printed image on the particular substrate in question.

In this Specification the term "resin" as applied to the present invention means a resinous andlor polymeric material capable of forming a film.

In presently available commercial inks, for ink jet printing, the printability characteristics are generally determined by their solvent composition. However, in general, printing characteristics of any type of printing ink are determined by its resin composition. In ink compositions of the present invention, printing characteristics and end use properties are determined by their vehicle components and solvents which may play a supporting role of penetration of inks into substrates.

According to the present invention there is provided an ink composition suitable for use in jet printing operations comprising a solution of the following components: (a) a resin as hereinbefore defined or blend of resins in a total amount between 10 and 80 weight percent of the ink composition; (b) a colouring material in an amount below 10 weight percent of the ink composition; (c) an electrolyte in an amount of up to 10 weight percent of the ink composition; (d) a solvent or blend of solvents to give a desired viscosity, of 1.50 cp to 25.0 cp at 77"F.

It is to be understood that the ink composition of the invention must contain finite amounts of Components (a). (b), (c) and (d). Preferably the total amount of resin or blend of resins is between 15 and 50 weight percent of the ink composition and the ink composition preferably has a viscosity of 1.75 cp. to 25.0 cp. at 770F.

Although jet printing inks contain a colourant, a solvent and a binding agent in common with conventional inks, certain functions are required of these components in jet printing inks in addition to those required in conventional inks and, in particular, the ink jet printing of coated or virgin metal substrates such as aluminium, steel and tinned steel can imposes particular functional requirements on these components. The achievement of a satisfactory balance of the functional requirements of the ink by appropriate compounding is, in essence, the subject matter of this invention and it is for this reason that the special functions required of the various ink components in metal printing jet inks are discussed herein in some detail.

The properties of the resins and the characteristics which are imparted to the ink by the resin are of paramount importance in the present invention. It has been previously pointed out that the overall ink composition must be of very low viscosity. Satisfactory results are readily obtainable with inks having a viscosity as high as 20 cps. at 77"F., and it is possible to operate with ink having a viscosity approaching 25 cps. at 770F, although the jet printing process becomes increasingly difficult to control as the ink viscosity increases. A viscosity of 2-5 cps. is considered to give optimum results. Since the resin component tends to increase the viscosity of the solvent medium, it is therefore necessary to have resin which in solvents at high weight percent having very low viscosity to prevent an undesirable viscosity build-up as a result of compounding.

The resin component of a jet printing ink suitable for printing on coated or virgin metal must also meet a variety of requirements. Of primary importance is the ability of the resin to adhere to the coated or virgin metal surface on which the ink is printed and to maintain this strong adhesion under widely varying conditions of humidity and temperature. When the ink is applied to the metal surface. it must "wet" or adhere to-a coated or virgin metal surface, even in the presence of some moisture, and must exhibit a high degree of moistureproofness, not only to maintain adhesion to the metal but also to protect the dye or other colouring material, which may be water-sensitive, from the effects of moisture which may make the dye bleed into surrounding areas.

The resin component must also be very readily soluble in the solvent medium to form a stable, low viscosity solution that effective amounts can be dissolved in the solvent without unduly increasing the viscosity of the composition. Similarly, the electrolytic component must also be effective at concentrations well below its solubility limit in order to achieve the desired drop deflection characteristics without danger of precipitation and plugging of the system.

A further requirement of the resin is that it should have sufficient solvent-release so that a desired rate of drying is obtained on a given substrate. In order to be effective in a formulation of a jet printing ink for a given substrate, the solvent medium must readily dissolve sufficient amounts of the resin component, the dye or other colouring material and electrolyte to achieve the desired level of adhesiveness, conductivity and visual impact of the ink composition. Further, since some degree of evaporation of solvent will occur in the ink supply and ink return systems, thereby, increasing the solids concentration in ink the solvent should have sufficient power to prevent precipitation in this situation.

Although evaporation of the solvent from the ink supply and return systems is generally undesirable, it is important that the solvent evaporate at the desired rate from the printed image area in order to leave the printed image smearproof and moistureproof in the required time after the printing operation is carried out. The solvent must achieve a satisfactory balance in evaporative properties between these opposed objectives.

Depending upon the type of substrate on which the ink is to be printed, it is advantageous to use a solvent which will penetrate the wax or other coating on substrates to enhance adhesion and rub resistance of the ink.

This invention relates to ink compositions which have excellent adhesion on various substrates. The ink composition may be prepared by adding a suitable electrolyte to an ink vehicle which comprises, as the essential component, a resin or blend of resins dissolved in a solvent or blend of solvents to give a viscosity preferably in a range of 1.5 cp. to 12 cp., and which is compatible with fatty oils; and various oils, resins, resinous varnishes solvents, etc., conventionally used as printing ink materials and further, if necessary, by milling with and dispersing pigments, extenders and/or auxiliary agents in the resulting components.

Furthermore. the preparation of the ink composition of this invention is subject to no critical limitation as to the starting materials and blending method, other than that the vehicle component should contain a suitable electrolyte. Conventional raw materials employed in liquid printing inks such as fatty oils, resin, resin varnishes, solvents, etc., can be freely incorporated at optimal quantities depending upon intended end use of the ink composition.

Colouring Components - There are no significant limitations in use of any colouring matter. only limitation being that it must be compatible with the resin and electrolyte and solvent(s) used. Some of the dyes which are suitable for colouring are basic dyes, acid dyes, reactive dyes dye bases, disperse dyes, pigments and fluorescent compounds visible under UV radiation. There is the limit that the amount of colouring material must be below 10 weight percent of the ink composition.

Solo eft Component - There is no significant limitation on the type of solvent which is used in the ink composition. the only limit being the effect on machine components, that is the solvent material chosen will be one having the desired viscosity. Some solvents which are suitable for these ink compositions comprise one or more alcohols, ketones, ethers, esters, hydrocarbons. glycols or glycolethers. The solvent material may comprise water. Further examples of solvents are: halogenated compounds, aldehydes, ether alcohols, acids and nitriles. Of course solvent selection will depend upon type of resin or blend of resins selected and the rate of evaporation required and type of substrate being printed and if penetration in the substrate is desired or not.

Variables which determine the rate at which a non-contact ink of the present invention will dry will depend upon evaporation rate of solvent material present and solvent release characteristics of the resin material present in an ink composition. Thus, it is possible to formulate an ink composition with a very fast drying rate by using very fast evaporating solvents.

In order that droplets of ink injected from the printer may receive and hold an appropriate electrical charge. the ink composition must be conductive. Conductivity of the ink composition is checked by its low resistance to electric current; ink compositions with resistivity of up to 10,000 ohm cm. are suitable.

It has been found that some of the ink compositions of this invention will have a resistivity within operable range without the necessity of adding an electrolyte (c). In general, however. it has been found that optimum results are obtained if an electrolyte is added to the ink. Preferred electrolvtes for the ink composition of this invention are acids, preferably organic acids, bases, preferably organic bases, salts of (preferably organic) acids and (preferably inorganic) bases, salts of organic bases and inorganic acids; e.g. inorganic acids, salts, alkali bases which are soluble in solvents. Some examples of electrolytes (c) are paratoluene sulphonic acid, the sodium salt of paratoluene sulphonic acid, sodiumpropionate, dimethylamine hydrochloride triethanolamine, magnesium chloride and ammonium formate.

Resin Component - The resin component is of paramount importance in ink compositions of this invention. depending upon the type of substrate and end use properties required of the printing substrate. A suitable resin or blend of resins is selected from the following type of resins: Synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural resins, that is both polymerization as well as polycondensation and polyaddition products, are suitable. In principle, all resins customary in the printing ink and paint industry, such as are, for example, described in the lacquer raw material tables of Karstne (4th edition. Hanover, 1967) and in Wagner and Sarx's work on lacquer resins (4th edition, Munich, 1959) may be used.

The following, for example, are suitable resins: shellac resins, colophony and derivatives thereof, hydrogenated colophony, di- or polymerized colophony, as calcium or zinc salt, with colophony esterified with mono-or polyvalent alcohols; with resinifiers such as acrylic acid and butane diol or maleic acid and pentaerythritol modified colophony resin; the soluble phenol resins modified with colophony, rosin modified phenolic resins and resins based on acrylic compounds, phenolic polymers, maleinate resins, alkyd resins, oil-free alkyd resins, rosin modified maleic resins, rosin modified fumaric resins, styrene maleic anhydride resins, styrolated alkyd resins, vinyl toluene modified alkyd resins, alkyd resins with synthetic fatty acids, linseed oil alkyd resins, ricinene alkyd resins, castor oil alkyd resins, soy oil alkyd resins, coconut oil alkyd resins, rosin, tall oil and fish oil alkyd resins, acrylic resins, acrylated alkyd resins, also oils, e.g. vegetable oils, and oil varnishes. Also suitable are terpene resins, e.g. phenol modified terpene resins, polyvinyl resins, e.g.

polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetals, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl ether, copolymers and graft polymers with various vinyl monomers, polyacrylic resins, acrylate resins, acrylonitrile resins' polystyrenes, polyisobutylenes, polyesters, e.g. those based on phthalic acid. maleic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, etc.; urea formaldehyde resins, melamine formaldehyde resins, naphthalene formaldehyde resins furane resins, ketone resins. aldehyde resins, polurethanes (especially urethane primary-products that cure only at elevated temperature), epoxide resins (especially resin-curer mixtures that cure only at elevated temperature) and precondensates thereof.

Suitable too are primary products of unsaturated polyester resins, dialkylphthalateprepolymers, hydrocarbon resins, polyolefins such as polyethylene wax or polypropylene wax, indene and cumaronindene resins, carbamide and sulphonamide resins, polyether resins. polyamide and polyester resins, triazine resins, silicone resins, polycarbonate resins, rubber and derivatives thereof, for example, cyclorubber and chlorinated rubber; chiefly, however. cellulose derivatives such as cellulose esters (nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate and the like), and especially cellulose ethers. for example, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose. propionitrile cellulose, ethyl cellulose and benzylcellulose.

The corresponding derivatives of other polysaccharides can also be used.

There are disclosed below by way of example only a limited number of embodiments of the invention herein presented it is possible to produce still other embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed.

The following compositions illustrating the invention are expressed in parts by weight and were prepared by conventional procedures: Example 1.

poly ketone-base synthetic resin exhibiting a viscosity of V on the Gardner-Holdt scale and a softening point of 117"C sold as "Krumbhar Resin K -1717 HMP" by Lawter Chemicals Inc., Chicago, Illinois 50.00 methyl ethyl ketone 50.00 methanol 40.00 pamtoluene sulphonic acid 2.00 methyl violet base 2.00 144.00.

Example 2.

non-oxidizing polyester exhibiting a viscosity of S-X on the Gardner Holdt scale and a melting point of 75 - 85"C sold as "Arochem 650" by Ashland Chemical Company, Columbus, Ohio 41.40 methanol 41.40 methyl ethyl ketone 16.00 paratoluene sulphonic acid 1.00 auramine base 0.20 100.00.

Example 3.

non-oxidizing polyester exhibiting a viscosity of S-X on the Gardner Holdt scale and a melting point of 75 - 85"C sold as "Arochem 650" by Ashland Chemical Company, Columbus, Ohio 24.00 methanol 24.00 methyl ethyl ketone 40.00 paratoluene sulphonic acid 5.00 auramine base 7.00 100.00 Example 4.

non-oxidizing polyester exhibiting a viscosity of S-X on the Gardner Holdt scale and a melting point of 75 - 85"C sold as "Arochem 650" by Ashland Chemical Company. Columbus, Ohio 30.50 methanol 30.50 methyl ethyl ketone 25.00 paratoluene sulphonic acid 0.80 auramine base 0.20 raw castor oil 13.00 100.00.

Example 5.

"Krumbhar 1717 HMP" 59.40 paratoluene sulphonic acid 5.40 methyl ethyl ketone 40.50 methanol 76.50 isopropyl alcohol 130.50 312.30.

Example 6.

"Krumbhar 1717 HMP" 21.87 paratoluene sulphonic acid 1.99 methyl ethyl ketone 14.91 methanol 2X.l5 isopropyl alcohol 20.00 135.()().

Example 7.

"Krumbhar 1717 HMP" 50.00 methyl | ethyl ketone methanol 40.00 paratoluene sulphonic acid 2.00 ethyl violet base 144.00.

Example 8.

"Pentalyn 856" 35.00 methyl ethyl ketone 35.()() methanol 70.00 m-benzen-di sulphonic acid 0.5() methyl violet base 1.00 141.50.

"Pentalyn 856" is an aqueous alkali soluble high wetting thermoplastic resin sold by Hercules Incorporated. Wilmington. Delaware, U.S.A.

Example 9.

"Krumbhar 1717 HMP" 15.00 isopropvl alcohol 36.00 methanol 25.70 methyl ethyl ketone 14.00 MgCl2 2.00 rhodamine base FB 0.80 Petrex acid SS 70 A" 2.50 96.00.

Petrex acid SS 7()A" is a synthetic, resinous polybasic acid of terpene origin sold by Hercules Incorporated. Wilmington, Delware, U.S.A.

Example 10.

Triazine-ftrmaldehyde resin sold as Uformite-336' by Rohm & Haas Chemical Corp.. Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania 41.00 methyl ethyl ketone 86.00 heptanone 13.00 paratoluene sulphonic acid 2.00 victoria blue base 1.00 143.00.

Although the actual individual viscosity values of the specific examples of jet ink compositions recited above are not stated they all have viscosity values of 1.50 to 25.0 cp. at 77 F by virtue of the specified proportions of the ingredients used.

The foregoing jet ink compositions provide excellent adhesion to virtually any substrate as demonstrated in more than 500 hours of life tests, excellent rub resistance. excellent thermotropic properties under steam processing and pasteurization, and excellent resistance to water.

Pentalvn'', "Petrex", iUformite". "Krumbhar" and "Arochem" are Trade Marks.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. An ink composition suitable for use in jet printing operations comprising a solution of the following components: (a) a resin as hereinbefore defined or blend of resins in a total amount between 10 and 80 weight percent of the ink composition; (b) a colouring material in an amount below 10 weight percent of the ink composition; (c) an electrolyte in an amount of up to 10 weight percent of the ink composition; (d) a solvent or blend of solvents to give a desired viscosity of 1.50 cp. to 25.0 cp. at 77"F.

2. An ink composition according to Claim 1, wherein the total amount of resin or blend of resins is between 15 and 50 weight percent of the ink composition.

3. An ink composition according to Claim 1 or Claim 2. wherein the ink composition has a viscosity of 1.75 cp. to 25.0 cp. at 77 F.

4. The composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises phenolic polymer.

5. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. Example 9. "Krumbhar 1717 HMP" 15.00 isopropvl alcohol 36.00 methanol 25.70 methyl ethyl ketone 14.00 MgCl2 2.00 rhodamine base FB 0.80 Petrex acid SS 70 A" 2.50 96.00. Petrex acid SS 7()A" is a synthetic, resinous polybasic acid of terpene origin sold by Hercules Incorporated. Wilmington, Delware, U.S.A. Example 10. Triazine-ftrmaldehyde resin sold as Uformite-336' by Rohm & Haas Chemical Corp.. Philadelphia. Pennsylvania 41.00 methyl ethyl ketone 86.00 heptanone 13.00 paratoluene sulphonic acid 2.00 victoria blue base 1.00 143.00. Although the actual individual viscosity values of the specific examples of jet ink compositions recited above are not stated they all have viscosity values of 1.50 to 25.0 cp. at 77 F by virtue of the specified proportions of the ingredients used. The foregoing jet ink compositions provide excellent adhesion to virtually any substrate as demonstrated in more than 500 hours of life tests, excellent rub resistance. excellent thermotropic properties under steam processing and pasteurization, and excellent resistance to water. Pentalvn'', "Petrex", iUformite". "Krumbhar" and "Arochem" are Trade Marks. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. An ink composition suitable for use in jet printing operations comprising a solution of the following components: (a) a resin as hereinbefore defined or blend of resins in a total amount between 10 and 80 weight percent of the ink composition; (b) a colouring material in an amount below 10 weight percent of the ink composition; (c) an electrolyte in an amount of up to 10 weight percent of the ink composition; (d) a solvent or blend of solvents to give a desired viscosity of 1.50 cp. to 25.0 cp. at 77"F.

resins comprises rosin modified phenolic resin.

6. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises rosin modified maleic resin.

7. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises rosin modified fumaric resin.

S. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises polyester.

The The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises rosin.

1(). The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises urea formaldehyde resin.

11. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises melamine formaldehyde resin.

12. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises rubber resin.

13. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins compiiscs polyketone.

14. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises silicone resin.

15. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend ot resins comprises acrylic resin.

16. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises cellulosic polymer.

17. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises triazine resin.

18. The composition according to 'iny one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises polyvinyl resin.

19. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises polyvinylidene chloride.

20. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises epoxy resin.

21. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises terpene resin.

2. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises phenol modified terpene resin.

23. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises alkyd resin.

24. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises polyamide resin.

25. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises urethane resin.

26. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises hydrocarbon resin.

27. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises shellac resin.

8. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises vegetable oil.

'9. The composition according to any preceding Claim, wherein an acid electrolyte is present.

30. The composition according to Claim 29, wherein the acid electrolyte is paratoluene sulphonic acid.

31. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 28. wherein an alkaline electrolete is present.

2. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 28, wherein triethanolamine is present as electrolyte.

33. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 28. wherein a salt of an acid and a base is present as electrolyte.

34. The composition according to Claim 33, wherein the salt is the sodium salt of paratoluene sulphonic acid.

35. The composition according to Claim 33, wherein the salt is magnesium chloride.

36. The composition according to Claim 33. wherein the salt is ammonium fomlate.

37. The composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the colouring material Is an acid dyestuff.

38. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 36, wherein the colouring material is a reactive dyestuff.

39. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 36, wherein the colouring material is a disperse dyestuff.

40. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 36, wherein the colouring material is a basic dyestuff.

41. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 36, wherein the colouring material is a dye base.

42. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 36, wherein the colouring material is a pigment.

43. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 36, wherein the colouring material is a fluorescent compound visible under UV radiation.

44. The composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one alcohol.

45. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one ether.

46. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one ketone.

47. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one hydrocarbon.

48. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one ester.

49. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one glycol.

50. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one glycol ether.

51. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises water.

52. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one halogenated compound.

53. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one aldehyde.

54. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one ether alcohol.

55. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one acid.

56. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 43, wherein the solvent material comprises at least one nitrile.

57. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 or any one of Claims 29 to 56, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises acrylonitrile resin.

58. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 or to any one of Claims 29 to 56, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises polyether resin.

59. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 or to any one of Claims 29 to 56, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises chlorinated polyolefine.

60. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 or to any one of Claims 29 to 56, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises polycarbonate resin.

61. The composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 or to any one of Claims 29 to 56, wherein the resin or blend of resins comprises styrene maleic anhydride

62. The composition according to Claim 1 substantially as herein described and exemplified.