Abstract As an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture,inkpad production techniques have been selected as a national intangible cultural heritage,and its development process reflects the deep integration of cultural connotation and chemical technology. This paper summarizes the differences in chemical composition between traditional inkpad (containing natural ingredients such as cinnabar,castor oil,and mugwort fibers) and modern stamp pad ink (containing synthetic colours,solvents,polymers,surfactants,etc.). Research indicates that the formulation of traditional inkpad embodies the ancient people’s simple knowledge of material properties (such as the relatively stable chemical nature of cinnabar,the appropriate surface tension and viscosity of castor oil,etc.),while modern stamp pad ink demonstrates the optimization of practical performance through chemistry science. The content of the paper not only provides an interdisciplinary teaching case for high school chemistry courses but also enhances students’ identification with traditional culture through a dialogue between traditional culture and modern technology. Furthermore,it guides students to understand the role of scientific and technological advancements in promoting social progress from a chemical perspective.
RAN Li-Nan. Culture and Chemical Composition of Traditional Inkpad and Modern Stamp Pad Ink[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2026, 47(15): 1-6.
