Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The invention includes colorless compounds having a central core and at least two arms extending from the core. The core can comprise one or more atoms. The at least two arms have the formula ##STR1## In such formula, Z is a segment of one or more atoms; j is an integer from 1 to about 300 and can be different at one of the at least two arms than at another of the at least two arms; Q is an alkyl or aryl group and can vary amongst different alkyl and aryl groups within the colorless compound; and n is an integer greater than 1 and can be different at one of the at least two arms than at another of the at least two arms. In other aspects, the invention encompasses phase change inks incorporating the above-described colorless compound as toughening agent, and methods of printing with such phase change inks. The invention further includes a solid ink comprising a colorant and a colorless compound of the formula ##STR2## In such formula, X is a single atom corresponding to N or O; Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 are substituents comprising one or more atoms, and can be the same as one another or different from one another; and j is an integer from 1 to about 50.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim