High-Performance Carbon Blacks for Flexo, Gravure & Offset
Offset Inks
Where Offset Is Used
Magazines
Newspapers
Catalogues Commercial print
Folding cartons
Why Flexo Is Used
Consistent print quality
Ideal for paper-based substrates
Works with oil-based, heatset, and coldset chemistries
Industry Problems
Rheology instability → poor gloss
Rub-off issues (insufficient film strength)
Slow wetting in oil-based binders
High emulsification in sheetfed
Tint strength inconsistency leading to color mismatch
Fundamental Requirements From Carbon Black
Medium particle size→Prevents cell plugging
Low structure→Low viscosity, fast drying
Oxidized surfaces→Avoid cell scratches
Clean morphology→For premium packaging
Stable undertone→Smooth film
What Carbon Black Must Deliver
Balance between yield value & flow
Long-term rheology stability at 30–50°C
High rub resistance
High tinting strength for lower pigment loading
Smooth ink-water balance control
How ISTAR Series Solve It
NOBLEX®
Engineered for offset rheology
ONYX GEMS®
Engineered for offset rheology
EMPIREX®
Fast-wetting oxidized blacks for faster milling
Product Name
Product Description
Datasheet
SDS
NOBLEX®
A balanced-structure carbon black series optimized for rheology stability, gloss control and tint consistency in printing ink systems. It supports reliable flow and colour consistency during long production runs.
ONYX GEMS®
An ultra-fine, gas-black–inspired carbon black series offering very high jetness, narrow particle size distribution and strong UV absorption. Designed for applications requiring deep optical density, blue undertone and uniform appearance at lower pigment loadings.
EMPIREX®
A furnace carbon black series delivering balanced reinforcement, controlled rheology and reliable dispersion across coatings, plastics, rubber and inks. It provides stable colour strength, manageable viscosity and consistent processing, prioritising formulation robustness over extreme jetness or conductivity.
TDS
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SDS
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