Abstract

The art of writing and printing requires ink which can be of natural or synthetic origin. Synthetic inks owing to their merits have an edge over natural inks. However, Volatile Organic Compounds and the non-degradable nature of synthetic ink pose a threat to the individual engaged with it and the environment. Thus to overcome these issues this study was carried out with the objective to synthesize natural inks from the flowers of Flame of forest (Butea monosperma, Papilonaceae), Common lantana (Lantana camara, Verbenaceae), and berries of Malabar spinach (Basella alba, Basellaceae). The natural ink was synthesized by using water as a solvent, with vinegar as an additive. The synthesized natural inks’ physical properties revealed free-flowing, non-clogging nature and drying time in the range of 5-7 sec. to 2-4 sec. for cardboard and paper respectively. The exposure of these inks to solar radiation for two weeks revealed no colour change in Flame of forest and, Common lantana however faint colour change in Malabar spinach. No ink residue falling off on the sticky transparent tape indicates good adhesion by these inks and no ink residue falling off at all either after various rubbing times indicates the inks does not worn off. The results obtained in this study indicate that the flowers and berries of these plants have the properties of the ink and the ink synthesized from them can be used for commercial purposes. The synthesized inks are eco-friendly, devoid of chemicals, and degradable. The inks synthesized from the Flame of forest, and Common lantana perhaps may be reported for the first time.

Key Words: Ink, Natural ink, Flame of forest, Common lantana, Malabar spinach