A Study on the Optimal Conditions for Producing Pearlescent Powder from Mussel Shells for use in Printing Inks

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to study the optimal conditions to produce pearlescent powder from mussel shells in printing ink mixing. This study is an experimental study. By taking the discarded mussel shells in mixed sizes. The structure of the mussel shells was changed, and the conditions were adjusted for fine grinding, and it was mixed with media ink and tested for glitter visibility from the sample. Studies have shown that when mussel shells are soaked in potassium hydroxide. The optimal soaking period for deforming mussel shells is 6 days and baked in a dryer at 250 degrees Celsius. The duration is 60 minutes, respectively. When taking the mussel shells, grind them with a scoop and analyze the size of the pearlescent powder. It was found that pearl sparkling powder was between 8.246 and 58.078 micrometers, with the largest size of pearl sparkling powder being 16.81 micrometers. When the pearl sparkle powder was mixed with 3 types of medium printing inks, namely medium gravure ink (A), medium screen printing ink (B), and medium offset printing ink (C). It was found that the 10:2 ratio of 10:2 medium screen printing ink to pearlescent powder (B1) had the most optimal printing properties and was tested for glitter visibility from the sample. The combination of A3, B1 and B2 has a high level of visual acuity evaluation. The average values were 4.10, 4.10, and 3.90 respectively.