Patent attributes
The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods of generating epoxide group-functionalized latex particulates in a liquid suspension, as well as compositions and methods of preparing ink-jet inks. Steps of the methods can include forming an emulsion including a continuous hydrophilic phase and a discontinuous hydrophobic phase, wherein the discontinuous hydrophobic phase includes a plurality of monomers. The plurality of monomers can comprise epoxide group-forming monomers and support-forming monomers. Other steps include copolymerizing the monomers to form precursor latex particulates dispersed within the hydrophilic phase, and reacting the precursor latex particulates with a base to form epoxide group-functionalized latex particulates. These latex particulates can be used in a wide variety of applications, including in ink-jet ink printing applications.