Gel pen refill ink is what ester?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the composition of gel pen refill ink, specifically focusing on the type of ester used and the materials that prevent ink evaporation. Participants explore the challenges of obtaining detailed information about these proprietary substances and consider alternative approaches to understanding their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in using neutral pen and ink to refill gel pens, questioning the compatibility of different inks.
  • There is mention of an oil-fill plug that prevents ink evaporation, with some participants suggesting that lithium ester might be relevant.
  • One participant seeks lipid-related data for gel pen refills, indicating a desire for more information on the materials used.
  • Another participant suggests that obtaining proprietary information from producers may be difficult, proposing trial and error or analytical approaches as alternatives.
  • Clarification is offered regarding the clear gel used in gel pens, which prevents drying and leaking while moving with the ink.
  • Research findings are shared, indicating that the gel may contain silicon grease and lithium ester, with a suggestion that vaseline grease could potentially be a substitute.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact composition of gel pen ink or the feasibility of substitutes. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the materials and their properties.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the proprietary nature of the gel pen formulations, which may restrict access to detailed information. The discussion also reflects varying levels of understanding and clarity among participants.

proshenn
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I want to try to use neutral pen and ink to fill with all the gel pen refill

But oil-fill plug, what won't and you want to use ink compatible?

Oil is the plug at the end pen ink, back or prevent ink evaporation.

Google queries to be only lithium ester, but not too much formula
 
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proshenn said:
I want to try to use neutral pen and ink to fill with all the gel pen refill

But oil-fill plug, what won't and you want to use ink compatible?

Oil is the plug at the end pen ink, back or prevent ink evaporation.

Google queries to be only lithium ester, but not too much formula
Your post makes no sense. Please try to post it so that people can understand it.

Thank you.
 
proshenn said:
how to obtain information on lipid-related data for a gel pen refills?

This is mot likely a proprietary information and you will have a hard time trying to get it from the producer. The only other options are either trial and error or a systematic analytical approach. Typically both much more costly than buying a new pen when necessary.
 
Ah, I think he's asking about the clear gel they use in the gel pens. It prevents ink from drying out or leaking but moves with the ink as it gets used.

proshenn, you could try searching for patents on the material used this way. But the exact formula may be something the company doesn't prefer to make common knowledge.
 
@proshenn

Did some research and found some information.

Have you seen these
http://www.astm.org/DIGITAL_LIBRARY/JOURNALS/FORENSIC/PAGES/JFS13944J.htm
which states that it is a silicon grease plug - see below **

http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/archive/ci/31/i09/html/09lw.html
giving some inkling (pun ) to what is in the ink

**
http://www.mg-pen.net/key-blue-gel-pens-66/384.html
Lithium ester mostly polyorganosiloxane substances, not miscible with water, is oily, high temperature stability, -20 ℃ does not freeze, 80 ℃ without overflow, evaporation, follower excellent thixotropic fluidity
I do wonder if plain old vasoline grease be a suitable substitute..

Hope that helps you out for further investigation.
 
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