Ink is not really a chemical compound that can be named using a combination of elements. The structure of ink is rather complex as it contains a whole number of solvents, dyes, resins, pigments, lubricants and various other materials. Because of this, it is not possible to give a chemical formula for ink. The many components of ink all serve an important purpose to control the flow and thickness of the ink when it leaves the pen and to uphold its appearance when it dries on paper.
The individual formulas of different types of ink can vary but they all tend to include the same four components: Colorants, vehicles (also known as binders), additives and carrier substances. Once they have been mixed, inks can fall into one of four categories: Aqueous, liquid, paste and powder.
Nowadays, the novelty of filling up a writing pen with ink from an inkwell as died out. Fountain pens are still used but almost always only on formal occasions where neat handwriting and ink is required. The disposable ball point pen has taken over the market because they are cheap to produce, and therefore cheap to buy in bulk unlike fountain pens which can require several expensive refills. Ballpoint pens are also very convenient to use.
The word ink is now most commonly used to describe printer ink in home printing systems. Most homes, schools and businesses now have their own ways of printing which has resulted in printer ink buying becoming a part of daily life, just as purchasing inkwell ink was fifty years ago.
There is an urban legend that states ingesting ink can be harmful to humans, colloquially known as 'ink poisoning'. This is true to a certain extent, as some inks from those in your printer to ink in a ballpoint pen could be hazardous to your health. As you will not be able to know which ink is harmful and which ones aren't, it is best to avoid ingesting ink at all costs.
The individual formulas of different types of ink can vary but they all tend to include the same four components: Colorants, vehicles (also known as binders), additives and carrier substances. Once they have been mixed, inks can fall into one of four categories: Aqueous, liquid, paste and powder.
Nowadays, the novelty of filling up a writing pen with ink from an inkwell as died out. Fountain pens are still used but almost always only on formal occasions where neat handwriting and ink is required. The disposable ball point pen has taken over the market because they are cheap to produce, and therefore cheap to buy in bulk unlike fountain pens which can require several expensive refills. Ballpoint pens are also very convenient to use.
The word ink is now most commonly used to describe printer ink in home printing systems. Most homes, schools and businesses now have their own ways of printing which has resulted in printer ink buying becoming a part of daily life, just as purchasing inkwell ink was fifty years ago.
There is an urban legend that states ingesting ink can be harmful to humans, colloquially known as 'ink poisoning'. This is true to a certain extent, as some inks from those in your printer to ink in a ballpoint pen could be hazardous to your health. As you will not be able to know which ink is harmful and which ones aren't, it is best to avoid ingesting ink at all costs.
