Recently, Yansefu has further strengthened its PUR portfolio towards addition of new grades of PURs to replace EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) in vinyl-based inks. “These toluene-free grades have been well accepted by our esteemed customers globally. With the current raw material crises of EVA resin, and superior PUR qualities, these PURs are gaining increased interest in the market,” says JK Sharma, CEO, Yansefu Inks & Coatings.
Polyurethane (PU or PUR) polymers are conventionally and commonly formed by reacting a di- or triisocyanate with a polyol forming carbamate (urethane) links. As PUR contains two or more types of monomers that polymerize, they are classified as alternating co-polymers. In contrast to other common polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene, PUR is produced from a wide range of polyols and diisocynates and is, therefore, a class of polymers, rather than a distinct compound having a unique structure. This chemical diversity of PUR structures allows for PURs with highly distinct physical properties, leading to a correspondingly wide range of diverse applications including inks and adhesives.
“Yansefu’s innovative and customized PUR ink binders have been well acclaimed by customers globally. In its product basket, there are different grades of polyurethanes binders available such as plasticizing PUR for gravure/flexo surface application; film-forming PUR for gravure lamination and flexographic lamination inks; high-end PUR for HD flexographic inks which are currently in high demand by our customers globally. Yansefu is a master in specialized PUR grades for gravure low viscosity high strength ink applications, combined with some selective grades those are also suitable for gravure high end (boil/retort) applications,” says Neelakamal Mohapatra, president-R&D/innovation, Yansefu Inks & Coatings.
Sharma adds, “As a printer or converter, one needs to carefully consider the ink being used in such packaging applications. Not all PURs are similar in performance. Ink formulators incorporate specific PURs in their formulations to impart specific performance characteristics to the ink. In addition, the ability of PUR to grind the organic or inorganic pigments without another resin, such as nitrocellulose, helps achieve higher lamination strength; and also as tailored PURs create a flexible layer on the packaging films without adversely affecting much the pre- and post-print properties, they are highly suitable for flexible packaging.”
A leading global player in the manufacturing of printing inks, coatings and lamination adhesives, Yansefu predominantly serves the flexible packaging industry. Due to its wide range of product portfolios and applications, Yansefu is also known as a one-point solution-providing organization.