Cobalt Drier
CAS Number: 13586-84-0
A cobalt octoate-based primary metal drier that catalyzes the oxidative cross-linking of unsaturated oils and alkyd resins in oil-based printing inks and varnishes. Cobalt drier acts predominantly at the surface, delivering fast skin formation and tack-free times essential for high-speed sheet-fed offset presses. It is typically used in combination with auxiliary driers such as calcium or zirconium to balance surface and through-cure.
Technical Specifications
| purity | Co content: 6% or 12% (grade-dependent) |
| appearance | Violet to dark blue liquid |
Applications
- Sheet-fed offset lithographic inks
- Alkyd-based industrial coatings and varnishes
- News and commercial web offset inks
- Metal decorating inks and coatings
- Oil-based letterpress inks
Key Features
- Primary drier providing rapid surface oxidation and tack-free performance
- Available in 6% and 12% cobalt metal concentrations
- Petroleum-naphtha or mineral-spirit solvent grades available
- Must be combined with anti-skinning agent (MEKO) to prevent in-can skinning