Smog megacities can be turned into ink
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Ink for printers is widespread all over the world, because they are needed for printers, copiers, they are used not only in offices, but also at home. And ink production is very lucrative for many companies. Produce modern ink based on solvent, color pigment, various additives (surfactants, preservatives, modifiers, etc.). But some scientists are sure that the basis for ink can be soot, which is abundant in the polluted air of megacities.
A graduate of the International Research Laboratory, which is considered the center of the digital avant-garde, Anirudh Sharma noted that such large manufacturers of printing devices, cameras, computers, etc., like Canon or HP, have approximately 70% of the sales from the sale of ink for printers, photocopiers or MFP. The production of ink is associated with complex chemical processes and companies receive 400% of the profits from their sale, but Sharma's invention can radically change the situation.
People do not even realize that the ink they are buying is made of simple materials, and they can be prepared on their own, but the cost of such ink will be several times lower.
Sharma devised a way to produce ink from soot when he came to his native city, where residents no longer pay attention to smog. But Sharma at that moment thought about whether it was possible to use soot from the air to produce ink and use them for printing devices. Then a demo version of the device collecting soot was developed - the device collected soot from a burning candle that accumulated in a syringe adapted for the system. Also, Sharma changed the cartridge of the HP inkjet printer. New inks from carbon black include directly, soot, alcohol and oil (Sharma used olive). According to the developer, such ink is quite suitable for printing resolution of 96 dots per inch.
The principle of operation of the device is based on the same ones that operate in conventional chimneys to reduce the amount of carbon particles entering the air.
Powdered black soot separates from other impurities in the air and is the basis for future ink.
Now black ink differs unevenly, but Sharma is sure that after a little refinement of ink will get a rich black color, which will be no worse than those produced by standard technology and used everywhere.
Also, before ink enters the market and becomes available for purchase, they must undergo all necessary checks. Sharma noted that his ink will be able to compete with well-known brands of ink, for example, from HP.
Sharma has already made some calculations and noted that carbon is needed to refill the ink cartridge, which is emitted by chimneys (by burning coal, peat, natural gas), cars, factories, etc.
The latest models of the diesel engine will be able to fill the cartridge in about an hour. A chimney will cope with this task in just 10 minutes.
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