JAVA PLUMS AND BLOWN CASTOR OIL AS MAIN COMPONENTS OF

OIL-BASED BALLPEN INKS

Why use Java Plum?

Java Plums are commonly found in the Philippines which makes it
an efficient substitute to the main component of oil-based
ballpen inks. Other research studies used berries as their dye;
but berries are seldom grown in Philippines and, Baguio
strawberries are only grown in season.
Java Plum extract have stains that function similarly as dyes
making it a good colourant to the ink.

When are the fruiting seasons of Java Plums?

Mid-may to mid-june

Average production of Java Plums

700 fruits/tree

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the
castor plant. Castor seeds can be collected year-round, but seeds
are best collected from May to August.

Common Uses: Food and Preservatives

Medicine (Over-the-counter drugs as a
laxative)
Safety: Castor seed contains ricin, a toxic protein.
Heating during the oil extracting process denatures
and deactivates the protein. (for 2 hrs).

Where do Castor Plants commonly found?

Castor plants are native in Africa, but can also be found in the
Philippines. (Local name: Tangan-tangan)

Why use Castor Oil?

Castor oils contain Ricinoleic Acid (12-hydroxy-9-octadeceroic
acid) , obtained by hydrolysis of castor oil is a light colored
liquid with a ricinoleic content of approximately 90%. This
product is most noted for its use in coatings, plastics, personal
items, inks and cosmetics.

What type of Castor Oil should be used?

Blown/Oxidized Castor Oil
Blown castor oils are prepared by bubbling air
through the oil at elevated temperatures. This
process increases viscosity and specific gravity.
These oils are used primarily as plasticizers for
lacquers, inks, adhesives and leathers.

How to oxidize Castor oil

Castor oil can be oxidized by blowing
air/oxygen into it at temperature of 80-1300c,
with or without catalyst to obtain oils of varying
viscosity. The process is called Oxidative
Polymerization. This increases the viscosity and
specific gravity of oil.

**Plasticizers used to make the dried film of printing ink more flexible.
**Viscosity (in oil) - is an oils resistance to flow and shear. It is the single most critical physical
property of the oil as it affects both the wear rate and the fuel efficiency. Water is a low viscosity
fluid; syrup is a high viscosity fluid. With oil, like syrup, as you increase the temperature, the
viscosity lowers, meaning it flows faster, or more easily.
**Thixotropy a property of fluid such as printing inks that describes its false body, or a
consistency, thickness and viscosity that decreases with the application of stress or other forces.

Example of Thixotropy Promoters

SUBSTANCE

EXAMPLE

Finely dispersed silicid

acid
Modified sheet miza

Aerosil

Hydrated castor oil

Thicatol ST

Bentone

INKS

Printing inks are: (according to viscosity)

o Liquid inks - used in gravure and flexo printing.
o Paste inks - letter press and lithography
Inks are basically made up of:
o
o
o
o

Colourant (dye) Java plum extract

Vehicle (varnish) castor oil/gum arabic
Solvent - rubbing alcohol
Additives glycerides, salts,
(Optional: Vinegar for preservation.)

RESEARCH PLAN
1.)

Preparing/Gathering of Materials
Gathering of Java Plums
Castor oil (if possible: blown/oxidized castor oil) P250.00 @
Mercury Drug Store
Gum Arabic (for stabilization, optional)
Rubbing Alcohol
Other additives (glycerides, salts, vinegars)
Tools (mortar and pestle, pliers, syringe)

2.)

Extraction of Java Plum

Using mortar and pestle

3.)

Mixing/Adding of other additives

4.)

Preparation/Preservation
Stored in an ink jar
Can be refrigerated

5.)

Transfer of ink to the cartridge of the pen

Using pliers and syringe

COMPLETE STEPS IN:

www.instructables.com/id/Refill-aballpen-or-gel-pen-with-fountainpen-n/Step6/put-everything-backtogether