Precipitated barium sulfate, commonly known as blanc fixe or synthetic barium sulfate, is widely used in the production of inks. It serves several purposes:

Opacifying Agent: Barium sulfate is added to inks to provide opacity or whiteness. It helps to improve the brightness and covering power of the ink, ensuring a more vibrant and uniform appearance on various substrates.

Extender: Precipitated barium sulfate acts as an extender in ink formulations. It helps to increase the volume of ink without significantly affecting its viscosity. By using barium sulfate as an extender, ink manufacturers can achieve cost savings by reducing the amount of expensive pigments needed.

Rheology Modifier: The addition of precipitated barium sulfate can help adjust the rheological properties of the ink, such as viscosity and flow behavior. This allows ink manufacturers to optimize the ink's performance during printing, ensuring smooth ink flow and preventing issues like bleeding or feathering.

Chemical Inertness: Barium sulfate is chemically inert and non-reactive with other ink components, making it compatible with various ink formulations. It does not interact with dyes, pigments, or other additives, ensuring stability and consistency in the ink's color and performance over time.

Overall, the use of precipitated barium sulfate in ink production contributes to improved print quality, enhanced optical properties, and cost-effective formulation.