Functional Nano-Color Latex Particles for Inkjet Printing: Synthesis Strategies, Functionalization Techniques, and Advanced Applications

In modern times, there has been a strong interest in the synthesis of latex particles for futuristic polymer colloid dispersion in the growth of the nanotechnology industry. Functional color latexes (FCL) are synthetic polymer suspension carriers for coloring moieties, with precisely tuned material behavior and properties to suit a particular purpose, attributed to the incorporation of selective functional groups or molecules. Various color latexes have been developed using delicate polymerization techniques such as miniemulsion, microemulsion, suspension, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer, and in situ, endowing FCLs with indoor formaldehyde-CO2 removal, antimicrobial activity, self-healing, structural color, anticounterfeiting, rewritable ability, fluorescence, self-cleaning, UV protection, and thermal stability beyond chromatic performance. Over the past few decades, FCL deposition technologies on numerous substrates have enabled widespread applications in smart textiles, flexible electronics, structurally colored coatings, packaging, and functional printing. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of FCLs' improvement in the borderless application field and their association with synthesis-modification strategies, with attention to their role in intensifying ink properties and empowering digital printing pathways. Future perspectives are concluded by optimizing particle design and determining the appropriate synthesis method to enable feasible production of high-performance latex inks.