Printing inkjet ink composition and inkjet recording method

Abstract

To obtain a printing inkjet ink composition and an inkjet recording method having excellent color development and excellent intermittent ejection characteristics due to difficulty in coagulation in the ink composition. The printing inkjet ink composition of the present invention is an ink composition containing an acid dye, a water-soluble organic solvent, a lactam compound, and water, wherein the acid dye contains one or more selected from the group consisting of C.I. Acid Black 172 and C.I. Acid Black 52:1, the content of the acid dye is 10% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the ink composition, the water-soluble organic solvent contains a glycol ether compound having a standard boiling point of 195°C or higher and 290°C or lower, the lactam compound contains one or more selected from the group consisting of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinone and ε-caprolactam, and the mass ratio of the lactam compound to the glycol ether compound is 3.5 or more and 20 or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to inkjet ink compositions for printing and dyeing and recording methods. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet recording methods are not only used for recording images on media such as paper, but have also been explored for use in textile printing and dyeing. Various ink compositions and recording methods have been researched for inkjet printing and dyeing applications. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet ink composition containing an acid dye, an organic solvent, and water. The acid dye contains CI Acid Black 172 and / or CI Acid Black 52:1, and the organic solvent contains N-hydroxyethylpyrrolidone and N-ethylene-2-pyrrolidone.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-155668

[0004] However, inkjet ink compositions containing CI Acid Black 172 and / or CI Acid Black 52:1 as acid dyes suffer from the problem that if the content of these acid dyes is high, they will aggregate in the composition, resulting in poor intermittent ejection characteristics. On the other hand, if the content of these acid dyes in the inkjet ink composition is low, there is a problem of poor color development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention relates to a printing and dyeing inkjet ink composition, the ink composition comprising an acidic dye, a water-soluble organic solvent, a lactam compound, and water, wherein the acidic dye comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of CI Acid Black 172 and CI Acid Black 52:1, and the content of the acidic dye is 10% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the ink composition; the water-soluble organic solvent comprises a glycol ether compound with a standard boiling point of 195°C or higher and 290°C or lower; the lactam compound comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone and ε-caprolactam, and the mass ratio of the lactam compound to the glycol ether compound is 3.5 or more and 20 or less. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the inkjet recording method of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will now be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0008] 1. Printing and dyeing inkjet ink composition

[0009] The inkjet ink composition of this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as the "ink composition") is an ink composition containing an acid dye, a water-soluble organic solvent, a lactam compound, and water. The acid dye contains one or more selected from the group consisting of C.(CI Acid Black 172 and CI Acid Black 52:1), and the content of the acid dye is 10% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the ink composition. The water-soluble organic solvent contains a glycol ether compound with a standard boiling point of 195°C or higher and 290°C or lower. The lactam compound contains one or more selected from the group consisting of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone and ε-caprolactam, and the mass ratio of the lactam compound to the glycol ether compound is 3.5 or more and 20 or less.

[0010] According to this embodiment, an ink composition with excellent color development and excellent intermittent ejection characteristics can be obtained because it is difficult to agglomerate in the ink composition.

[0011] While the reasons for achieving such good results through this embodiment are uncertain, the inventors have made the following conjectures.

[0012] That is, inkjet ink compositions containing CI Acid Black 172 and / or CI Acid Black 52:1 as acid dyes can exhibit good black color if the content of these acid dyes is 10% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the ink composition. However, if the content of acid dyes is 10% by mass or more, there is a tendency for the acid dyes to aggregate in the composition, resulting in a decrease in intermittent ejection characteristics.

[0013] On the other hand, in the ink composition of this embodiment, a glycol ether compound with a standard boiling point of 195°C or higher and 290°C or lower is contained in a specific mass ratio as a water-soluble organic solvent, and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone and / or ε-caprolactam as a lactam compound. The aforementioned glycol ether compound has good moisturizing properties, but the viscosity of such ink containing glycol ether compounds tends to increase as water evaporates. The ink composition of this embodiment contains both the aforementioned glycol ether compound and the aforementioned lactam compound, and their mass ratio in the ink composition is within a specific range. Therefore, even when water evaporates, the increase in ink viscosity can be well suppressed, and the increase in viscosity within the nozzle can also be suppressed, resulting in good ejection stability. Therefore, it is speculated that even in an ink composition containing more than 10% by mass of CI Acid Black 172 and / or CI Acid Black 52:1 as acid dyes relative to the total amount of the ink composition, the intermittent ejection characteristics will not decrease, and a good black color can be exhibited. However, the reasons are not limited to this.

[0014] Next, the various components contained in the ink composition will be explained.

[0015] 1.1. Acid dyes

[0016] The ink composition of this embodiment contains an acid dye. The acid dye contains one or more selected from the group consisting of CI Acid Black 172 and CI Acid Black 52:1. The acid dye may be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0017] From the viewpoint of obtaining an ink composition that exhibits excellent color development, is difficult to agglomerate in the ink composition, and has excellent intermittent spraying characteristics, the content of acid dye relative to the total amount of the ink composition is 10% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of obtaining an ink composition that exhibits even better color development, is even less likely to agglomerate in the ink composition, and has even better intermittent spraying characteristics, the upper limit of the acid dye content relative to the total amount of the ink composition is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, further preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less.

[0018] From the viewpoint of obtaining an ink composition with superior color development, less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and superior intermittent spraying characteristics, the acid dye preferably contains CI Acid Black 172 or CI Acid Black 52:1.

[0019] 1.2. Water-soluble organic solvents

[0020] The ink composition contains a water-soluble organic solvent. The water-soluble organic solvent contains a glycol ether compound (hereinafter also referred to as "specific glycol ether compound") with a standard boiling point (hereinafter also referred to as "BP") of 195°C or higher and 290°C or lower. It should be noted that, in this specification, the standard boiling point refers to the boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure (1013.25 hPa). Furthermore, in this specification, a glycol ether compound refers to a compound having a hydroxyl group in its structure and having one hydroxyl group of a glycol etherified. A glycol ether compound may be used alone or in combination with two or more compounds.

[0021] In this embodiment, the use of specific glycol ether compounds tends to improve the solubility of acid dyes in the ink composition. Furthermore, the presence of specific glycol ether compounds in the ink composition also allows for the good solubility of additives such as surfactants in the ink composition, thereby improving the ink's permeability to fabrics, its wettability to the printhead and flow path, and its antibacterial properties.

[0022] From the viewpoint of obtaining an ink composition that exhibits excellent color development, is difficult to agglomerate in the ink composition, and has excellent intermittent spraying characteristics, the mass ratio (lactam compound / diol ether compound) of the following lactam compound to the specific glycol ether compound is 3.5 or more and 20 or less. From the viewpoint of obtaining an ink composition that exhibits even better color development, is even less likely to agglomerate in the ink composition, and has even better intermittent spraying characteristics, the mass ratio (lactam compound / diol ether compound) is preferably 4.0 or more and 17 or less, more preferably 4.5 or more and 15.5 or less.

[0023] Examples of specific glycol ether compounds include diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (BP: 196°C), triethylene glycol monomethyl ether (BP: 248°C), triethylene glycol monobutyl ether (BP: 278°C), diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (BP: 231°C), dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether (BP: 210°C), and ethylene glycol phenyl ether (BP: 244°C).

[0024] From the viewpoint of obtaining an ink composition that has superior color development, is less prone to aggregation in the ink composition, and has superior intermittent spraying characteristics, the specific glycol ether compound preferably contains one or more of triethylene glycol monobutyl ether and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and more preferably contains triethylene glycol monobutyl ether.

[0025] From the viewpoint that an ink composition with even better color development, even less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and even better intermittent spraying characteristics can be obtained, the content of the specific glycol ether compound is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 7.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0026] 1.3. Lactam compounds

[0027] The ink composition contains a lactam compound. The lactam compound contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone and ε-caprolactam. The lactam compound may be used alone or in combination with two or more compounds.

[0028] In this embodiment, a lactam compound is used, which can effectively suppress the aggregation of acid dyes and also effectively suppress the tendency of ink viscosity to increase even when moisture evaporates.

[0029] From the viewpoint that an ink composition with superior color development, less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and superior intermittent spraying characteristics can be obtained, the lactam compound preferably contains 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone.

[0030] From the viewpoint that an ink composition can be obtained that has even better color development, is even less likely to agglomerate in the ink composition, and has even better intermittent spraying characteristics, the mass ratio of the lactam compound to the acid dye (lactam compound / acid dye) is preferably 0.9 or more and 2.1 or less.

[0031] From the viewpoint that an ink composition can be obtained that has even better color development, is even less likely to agglomerate in the ink composition, and has even better intermittent spraying characteristics, the content of the lactam compound relative to the total amount of the ink composition is preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 12% by mass or more and 23% by mass or less.

[0032] 1.4. Water

[0033] The ink composition contains water.

[0034] Examples of suitable water include pure water such as ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltration water, reverse osmosis water, and distilled water, as well as ultrapure water, which is designed to remove ionic impurities. Furthermore, since the formation of mold or bacteria can be inhibited when the treatment solution composition is stored for extended periods, water sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation or the addition of hydrogen peroxide is preferred.

[0035] The water content, relative to the total amount of the ink composition, is preferably 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less. By keeping the water content within the above range, the increase in viscosity of the ink composition can be suppressed.

[0036] 1.5. Water-soluble organic solvents other than specific glycol ether compounds

[0037] The ink composition may also contain other water-soluble organic solvents besides glycol ether compounds with a standard boiling point above 195°C and below 290°C. These other water-soluble organic solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] Other water-soluble organic solvents include, for example, glycerol; diols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol; diol monoethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether; and alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, isobutanol, n-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, and tert-pentanol.

[0039] Diols can function as humectants. Additionally, glycol monoethers can function as penetrants.

[0040] From the viewpoint of obtaining ink compositions with superior color development, less tendency to agglomerate in ink compositions, and superior intermittent ejection characteristics, it is preferable to include glycols as other water-soluble organic solvents, and more preferably to include glycerol and / or triethylene glycol.

[0041] As another water-soluble organic solvent, glycerol is further preferred. Glycerol has superior moisturizing effects, thus tending to result in ink compositions with better color development, less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and better intermittent spraying characteristics. Furthermore, the mass ratio of the lactam compound to glycerol (lactam compound / glycerol) is preferably 3.5 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 5.0 or more and 15 or less. With the above mass ratio of glycerol and lactam compound, there is a tendency to better suppress the increase in ink viscosity even during water evaporation. It should be noted that the presence of glycerol makes viscosity adjustment of the ink composition easier and also helps to prevent freezing.

[0042] From the viewpoint that an ink composition with even better color development, even less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and even better intermittent spraying characteristics can be obtained, the content of other water-soluble organic solvents relative to the total amount of the ink composition is preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less.

[0043] 1.6. Surfactants

[0044] The ink composition may contain surfactants. Surfactants may be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0045] Surfactants have the function of reducing the surface tension of ink compositions and adjusting the wettability with recording media. Examples of surfactants include acetylenic diol surfactants, silicone surfactants, and fluorinated surfactants.

[0046] Examples of acetylenol surfactants include: Sufynol (registered trademark) 104, 104E, 104H, 104A, 104BC, 104DPM, 104PA, 104PG-50, 104S, 420, 440, 465, 485, SE, SE-F, 504, 61, DF37, CT111, CT121, CT131, CT136, TG, GA, and DF110D (manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.); OLFINE (registered trademark). Trademarks) B, Y, P, A, STG, SPC, E1004, E1010, PD-001, PD-002W, PD-003, PD-004, EXP.4001, EXP.4036, EXP.4051, AF-103, AF-104, AK-02, SK-14, AE-3 (manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.); ACETYLENOL (registered trademark) E00, E00P, E40, E100 (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0047] Examples of organosilicon surfactants include polysiloxane compounds such as polyether-modified organosiloxanes. Commercially available polyether-modified organosiloxanes include, for example, BYK-306, BYK-307, BYK-333, BYK-341, BYK-345, BYK-346, BYK-348 (manufactured by BYK Chemicals Japan Co., Ltd.), KF-351A, KF-352A, KF-353, KF-354L, KF-355A, KF-615A, KF-945, KF-640, KF-642, KF-643, KF-6004, KF-6020, X-22-4515, KF-6011, KF-6012, KF-6015, and KF-6017 (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

[0048] Examples of fluorinated surfactants include fluorinated modified polymers. For example, BYK-340 (manufactured by BYK Chemicals Japan Co., Ltd.) can be cited.

[0049] From the viewpoint that an ink composition with superior color development, less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and superior intermittent ejection characteristics can be obtained, the content of surfactant relative to the total amount of ink composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less.

[0050] 1.7. Amines

[0051] The ink composition may contain amines. Amines may be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0052] Amines can function as pH adjusters. Examples of amines include diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and triisopropanolamine.

[0053] From the viewpoint that an ink composition with superior color development, less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and superior intermittent ejection characteristics can be obtained, the content of amines relative to the total amount of the ink composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less.

[0054] 1.8. Other Pigments

[0055] In order to achieve the desired effect of the present invention, the ink composition may also contain other colorants besides CI Acid Black 172 and CI Acid Black 52:1, such as reactive dyes, direct dyes, pigments and disperse dyes.

[0056] From the viewpoint that an ink composition with superior color development, less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and superior intermittent ejection characteristics can be obtained, the content of other pigments is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0057] 1.9. Other ingredients

[0058] Ink compositions may contain various additives commonly used in ink compositions, such as urea compounds, sugars, preservatives, fungicides, solubilizers, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, oxygen absorbers, rust inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, and chelating agents. Additives may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0059] From the viewpoint that an ink composition with superior color development, less tendency to agglomerate in the ink composition, and superior intermittent ejection characteristics can be obtained, the total content of additives is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0060] 1.10. Physical properties of ink compositions

[0061] In group 20, the viscosity of the ink composition is preferably 1.5 mPa·s or more and 15 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1.5 mPa·s or more and 7.0 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 1.5 mPa·s or more and 5.5 mPa·s or less.

[0062] From the viewpoint of achieving appropriate wetting and spreading properties to the recording medium, the upper limit of the surface tension of the ink composition at 25°C is preferably 40 mN / m or less, more preferably 38 mN / m or less, further preferably 35 mN / m or less, even more preferably 32 mN / m or less, and particularly preferably 30 mN / m or less. Similarly, from the same viewpoint, the lower limit of the surface tension is preferably 15 mN / m or more, more preferably 20 mN / m or more, even more preferably 25 mN / m or more, and even more preferably 27 mN / m or more. It should be noted that in this specification, the surface tension can be measured using a surface tension meter CBVP-Z (trade name, manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) as the surface tension when the composition wets a platinum plate at room temperature and pressure.

[0063] If the surface tension of the ink composition is within the above range, the ejection stability and initial filling properties in inkjet recording can be improved.

[0064] 1.11. Method for manufacturing ink composition

[0065] The ink composition can be prepared by mixing acid dyes, water-soluble organic solvents, lactam compounds, water, and other water-soluble organic solvents, surfactants, amines, other pigments, and other components in any order, and then filtering as needed to remove impurities and foreign matter. As a method of mixing the components, one can use a method of sequentially adding each component to a container equipped with a stirring device such as a mechanical stirrer or a magnetic stirrer and stirring and mixing them. As a filtration method, examples include centrifugal filtration and filter filtration.

[0066] 2. Inkjet recording method

[0067] The inkjet recording method of this embodiment uses the ink composition of this embodiment. Preferably, the inkjet recording method includes a step of using an inkjet method to eject the ink composition from an inkjet head and adhere it to a fabric. That is, the recording method of this embodiment is a recording method that ejects the ink composition by inkjet and adheres it to a recording medium, which is fabric. Specifically, it includes a transport step of transporting the recording medium including fabric, and a recording step of recording the ink composition onto the recording medium. Alternatively, the recording method of this embodiment can also be a dyeing method where the recording medium includes fabric. In a dyeing method, in addition to the recording step, a heating step and a washing step may also be included.

[0068] The printing and dyeing method can be an inkjet printing and dyeing method that involves filling an ink composition into an inkjet device. Examples of inkjet devices include, for instance, on-demand inkjet devices. On-demand inkjet devices include those employing the inkjet printing and dyeing method, which use a piezoelectric element disposed in the printhead, and those employing the inkjet printing and dyeing method, which use heat energy generated by a heater or the like, which is a heating resistor element disposed in the printhead.

[0069] 2.1 Conveying Process

[0070] The transport process is the process of transporting the recording medium, including fabric. Examples of units that transport the recording medium include, for instance, transport units known in inkjet printing.

[0071] 2.2. Record the process

[0072] The recording process is the process of recording an ink composition onto a recording medium. When using an inkjet method, the ink composition is ejected onto at least a portion of the recording medium, i.e., the surface of the fabric (the image forming area), causing it to adhere to the recording medium and form an image. It should be noted that the ejection conditions can be appropriately determined based on the physical properties of the ejected ink composition.

[0073] 2.3. Heating process

[0074] Following the recording process, the printing and dyeing method may further include a heating process that heats the recording medium to which the ink composition is adhered. This heating process allows for better application of the dye to the fibers constituting the fabric. Examples of heating methods include high-temperature steam coating, high-pressure steam coating, and hot-melt coating.

[0075] In the heating process, the surface of the ink composition adhering to the recording medium may or may not be pressurized. Examples of heating methods that do not involve pressurizing the surface of the ink composition adhering to the recording medium include oven drying, i.e., conveyor ovens and intermittent ovens. This heating process further improves the productivity of the recorded material. Alternatively, examples of heating methods that also involve pressurizing the surface of the ink composition adhering to the recording medium include hot pressing and wet cover drying. It should be noted that in this embodiment, pressurization refers to applying pressure by bringing a solid into contact with the recording medium.

[0076] The temperature during heat treatment is preferably 80°C or higher and 150°C or lower, more preferably 90°C or higher and 110°C or lower. When the temperature during heat treatment is within the above range, there is a tendency to better apply the dye to the fibers constituting the fabric.

[0077] 2.4. Cleaning Procedure

[0078] Following the heating process, the printing and dyeing method may further include a cleaning step to clean the recording medium to which the ink composition adheres. This cleaning step effectively removes acid dyes that have not been applied to the fibers. The cleaning step can be performed, for example, using water.

[0079] This allows for the production of printed materials and other recordings that have images derived from ink compositions formed on recording media, including fabrics.

[0080] 2.5. Recording medium

[0081] Examples of recording media include absorbent recording media, low-absorbency recording media, non-absorbent recording media, and fabric. Fabric is preferred.

[0082] In this embodiment, a low-absorbency or non-absorbent recording medium refers to a medium in the Bristow method with a water absorption of 10 mL / m³ from the start of contact until 30 msec. 2 The following is the medium being recorded. The Bristol method is the most widely used method for determining liquid absorption over a short period of time and is also adopted by the Japan Pulp and Paper Technology Association (JAPAN TAPPI). Detailed information about the test method is provided in Standard No. 51 "Paper and Paperboard - Liquid Absorbency Test Method - Bristol Method" of the JAPAN TAPPI Pulp and Paper Test Methods 2000 edition.

[0083] Non-absorbent or low-absorbent recording media can be classified based on the wettability of their recording surface relative to water. Specifically, the recording medium can be characterized by measuring the rate of decrease in contact angle when a 0.5 μL drop of water is placed on its recording surface; that is, by comparing the contact angle at 0.5 ms and 5 seconds after contact. More specifically, as a property of the recording medium, non-absorbency of a non-absorbent recording medium refers to a decrease rate of less than 1%, and low absorbency of a low-absorbent recording medium refers to a decrease rate of 1% or more but less than 5%. Absorbency, on the other hand, refers to a decrease rate of 5% or more. It should be noted that the contact angle can be measured, for example, using a portable contact angle measuring instrument such as the PCA-1 (trade name: Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.).

[0084] Examples of absorbent recording media include media with high ink permeability, such as cloth, ordinary paper and inkjet paper, as well as art paper, coated paper and cast-coated paper used in general offset printing, and media with low ink permeability.

[0085] Examples of low-absorbency recording media include coated paper with a coating layer on its surface for receiving oil-based inks. Examples of coated papers include art paper, coated paper, and matte paper substrates.

[0086] Examples of non-absorbent recording media include plastic films without an ink-absorbing layer, media coated with plastic on a paper or other substrate, and media with a plastic film bonded to it. Examples of plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

[0087] In addition to the recording media mentioned above, metal plates such as iron, silver, copper and aluminum, as well as recording media such as glass with non-absorbent or low-absorbent inks can also be used.

[0088] Examples of raw yarns for fabrics include blends of silk, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, polyamide, and polyurethane; natural fibers such as rayon; and synthetic fibers. Fabrics can be composed of one type of fiber or a blend of two or more fibers. Fabrics can be made from the fibers listed above into any form, such as woven fabrics, woven fabrics, or nonwoven fabrics.

[0089] The recording medium, including the fabric, can be the fabric itself, but preferably a medium in which the fabric has been pretreated with a treatment liquid composition containing resin particles. Pretreatment of the fabric tends to yield printed materials with superior rubbing fastness. Pretreatment of the fabric using a treatment liquid composition containing resin particles can be performed using any method known to the public.

[0090] As a treatment fluid composition, it typically contains a paste, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, a water-soluble agent, and water. Additionally, depending on the application, it may also contain silica.

[0091] Examples of pastes include natural gums such as guar gum and locust bean gum; starches; seaweeds such as sodium alginate and sea lettuce; plant peels such as pectic acid; cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and etherified carboxymethylcellulose; processed starches such as roasted starch, alpha starch, carboxymethyl starch, carboxyethyl starch, and hydroxyethyl starch; processed natural gums such as silazane gum and locust bean gum; seaweed derivatives; synthetic pastes such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylate; and emulsions.

[0092] As a surfactant, the surfactant contained in the above-mentioned ink composition can be used. Alternatively, nonionic surfactants such as diisopropyl polyoxyethylene ether can also be used.

[0093] Examples of pH adjusters include sodium m-benzenesulfonate, ammonium salts such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium tartrate.

[0094] Examples of water-soluble additives include urea, dimethylurea, thiourea, N-methylthiourea, and alkylurea of ​​dimethylthiourea.

[0095] As for water, refer to the water contained in the ink composition described above.

[0096] The treatment liquid composition can be prepared by mixing the components in any order and performing filtration as needed to remove impurities, foreign matter, etc. As a method of mixing the components, one can use a method of sequentially adding the components to a container equipped with a stirring device such as a mechanical stirrer or a magnetic stirrer and then stirring and mixing them. As a filtration method, examples include centrifugal filtration and filter filtration.

[0097] Examples of methods for adhering a treatment liquid composition to fabric include, for instance, impregnation coating methods that immerse the fabric in the treatment liquid composition, roller coating methods that apply the treatment liquid composition using a padding roller or roller coater, jet coating methods that jet the treatment liquid composition using a jetting device, and inkjet coating methods that jet the treatment liquid composition using an inkjet method. These coating methods can be used individually to adhere the treatment liquid composition to the fabric, or two or more methods can be combined to adhere the treatment liquid composition to the fabric.

[0098] After the treatment liquid composition is applied to the fabric, the fabric with the treatment liquid composition applied is preferably heated and dried as needed. As a drying method, the heating step described above can be used.

[0099] Example

[0100] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" refers to parts by mass.

[0101] 1. Preparation of inkjet ink composition

[0102] (Examples 1-7 and Comparative Examples 1-6)

[0103] According to the composition described in Table 1 or 2, each component was added to a mixing container, mixed and stirred with a magnetic stirrer for 2 hours, and then filtered through a membrane filter with a pore size of 5 μm to obtain the inkjet ink compositions of the examples and comparative examples.

[0104] It should be noted that in Tables 1 and 2, the mass ratio (lactam compound / diol ether compound) represents the mass ratio of the lactam compound to the diol ether compound, the mass ratio (lactam compound / glycerol) represents the mass ratio of the lactam compound to the glycerol compound, and the mass ratio (lactam compound / acid dye) represents the mass ratio of the lactam compound to the acid dye.

[0105] The values ​​in Tables 1 and 2 represent mass percent. Water was used, and was added at 100% mass percent for each ink.

[0106] In addition, the components shown in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows.

[0107] [Acid dyes]

[0108] ·ABk172…CI Acid Black 172 (Commercially Available)

[0109] • ABk52:1…CI Acid Black 52:1 (commercially available)

[0110] ·ABk1…CI Acid Black 1 (Commercially Available)

[0111] [Water-soluble organic solvents]

[0112] • Triethylene glycol monobutyl ether (BP: 278℃)

[0113] Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (BP: 231℃)

[0114] [Other water-soluble organic solvents]

[0115] • Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (BP: 194℃)

[0116] • Glycerin (BP: 290℃)

[0117] • Triethylene glycol (BP: 288℃)

[0118] [Lactam compounds]

[0119] ·1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone

[0120] ε-caprolactam

[0121] [Other lactam compounds]

[0122] N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone

[0123] [surfactants]

[0124] ·PD-002W…OLFINE (registered trademark) RD-002W (trade name, Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0125] [Amines (pH adjusters)]

[0126] Triethanolamine

[0127] [Table 1]

[0128]

[0129] [Table 2]

[0130]

[0131] 2. Preparation of the treatment solution composition

[0132] Five parts by weight of diisopropyl polyoxyethylene ether (30 mol of ethylene oxide in the structure), five parts by weight of etherified carboxymethyl cellulose, 100 parts by weight of urea, and 10 parts by weight of sodium isobenzenesulfonate were thoroughly mixed. Then, while adding 1000 parts by weight of deionized water in small increments, the mixture was stirred at 60°C for 30 minutes. Next, 30 parts by weight of sodium carbonate were added to the still-stirring solution, and the mixture was stirred for another 10 minutes. The resulting solution was then filtered through a membrane filter with a pore size of 10 μm to obtain the treatment solution composition.

[0133] 3. Production of printed and dyed materials

[0134] 3.1. Production of fabrics coated with the treatment solution composition

[0135] The above-obtained treatment liquid composition was coated onto a fabric (100% silk, weighing 90g / m²). 2 The fabric is dried by squeezing it with a 20% pick-up rate using a rolling mill, thereby obtaining a fabric with the treatment liquid composition attached.

[0136] 3.2. Printing and Dyeing

[0137] The inkjet ink compositions from Examples 1-17 and Comparative Examples 1-6 were respectively filled into ink cartridges of an inkjet printer PX-G930 (trade name, Seiko Epson Corporation). Then, at a resolution of 1440 × 720 dpi and an ink ejection rate of 100% duty, each ink composition was applied to a fabric coated with the aforementioned processing liquid composition in a close-packed pattern to record an image. It should be noted that a "close-packed pattern" refers to a pattern of all pixel recording points for the smallest recording unit area defined by the recording resolution.

[0138] After steaming and coating the fabrics with recorded images at 100°C for 20 minutes, they were washed at 55°C for 10 minutes with an aqueous solution containing 0.2% by mass of laccaseol STA (manufactured by Meisei Chemical Co., Ltd., a surfactant) and then dried to obtain the printed and dyed products.

[0139] 4. Evaluation of printed and dyed products

[0140] 4.1. Color Developing Properties

[0141] The color development of each printed and dyed material was evaluated. Specifically, the OD value of the image of each printed and dyed material was measured using a colorimeter (Gretag Macbeth Spectrolino, manufactured by X-Rite). Based on the obtained OD values, the color development was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0142] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0143] A: OD value above 1.45

[0144] B: OD value above 1.40 and below 1.45

[0145] C: OD value below 1.40

[0146] 4.2. Intermittent Recording Characteristics

[0147] The inkjet ink compositions from Examples 1-17 and Comparative Examples 1-6 were respectively filled into ink cartridges of an inkjet printer PX-G930 (trade name, Seiko Epson Corporation). Then, in a constant temperature chamber at 35°C and 20% RH, the ink compositions were ejected from all nozzles, and confirmation patterns of the landing positions were recorded. The confirmation patterns confirmed that all ink compositions were ejected normally.

[0148] Next, a 5-minute no-ink-ejection scan was performed, i.e., a dry run. During this period, no rinsing was performed, and vibration to the point of no ink ejection, i.e., micro-vibration, was applied during the dry run. Then, the ink composition was ejected from all nozzles, and the landing position was recorded. The intermittent ejection characteristics were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria, confirming whether there was any ejection from the nozzles or any deviation (distortion) in the landing position. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0149] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0150] A: There were no unexploded nozzles, and the landing position was not off.

[0151] B: There are no unsprayed nozzles, but there is a deviation in the landing position.

[0152] C: There are nozzles that did not spray, and there are nozzles that have deviated from their landing position.

[0153] [Table 3]

[0154]

[0155] [Table 4]

[0156]

[0157] As shown in Tables 3 and 4, it can be seen that the ink composition according to this embodiment can produce an ink composition with excellent color development and excellent intermittent spraying characteristics because it is difficult to agglomerate in the ink composition.

[0158] Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 14 and 15 with Examples 12 and 13 shows that when the mass ratio of the lactam compound to glycerol (lactam compound / glycerol) is 3.5 or more and 20 or less, an ink composition with superior color development and superior intermittent ejection characteristics can be obtained.

Claims

1. A printing and dyeing inkjet ink composition, characterized in that, It contains acid dyes, water-soluble organic solvents, lactam compounds, and water. The acid dye contains one or more selected from the group consisting of CI Acid Black 172 and CI Acid Black 52:

1. The content of the acid dye relative to the total amount of the ink composition is 10% by mass or more, and the water-soluble organic solvent contains a glycol ether compound with a standard boiling point of 195°C or higher and 290°C or lower. The lactam compound contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone and ε-caprolactam. The mass ratio of the lactam compound to the glycol ether compound is 3.5 or more and 20 or less. The glycol ether compound with a standard boiling point above 195°C and below 290°C is any one or more of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, and ethylene glycol phenyl ether.

2. The inkjet ink composition for printing and dyeing according to claim 1, wherein, As a water-soluble organic solvent other than the aforementioned glycol ether compound, it contains glycerol. The mass ratio of the lactam compound to the glycerol is 3.5 or more and 20 or less.

3. The inkjet printing ink composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mass ratio of the lactam compound to the acid dye is 0.9 or more and 2.1 or less.

4. The inkjet ink composition for printing and dyeing according to claim 1, wherein, The content of the lactam compound is 5.0% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the ink composition.

5. The inkjet ink composition for printing and dyeing according to claim 1, wherein, The content of the glycol ether compound is 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the ink composition.

6. An inkjet recording method, characterized in that, Use the ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The inkjet recording method according to claim 6, wherein, This includes the process of using inkjet printing to eject the ink composition from an inkjet head and adhere it to the fabric.

Images