Inkjet recording method

Abstract

Provided is an inkjet recording method that inhibits fuzzing well and attains good image quality (whiteness) without performing pressure bonding of the cloth. The method includes a reaction liquid attaching step and a white ink attaching step, the reaction liquid contains one or more selected from the group consisting of a polyvalent metal salt, a cationic polymer, and an organic acid as a coagulant, the white ink composition contains at least either of a white pigment and a resin particle, a main scan is performed by moving an inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to a cloth conveyance direction a plurality of times by an inkjet method, the reaction liquid and the white ink composition are attached to the same scan area of the cloth by the same main scan, the same main scan is performed a plurality of times on the same scan area, and the relationship between the total attached amount per unit area of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition attached to the same scan area is as follows: (1st pass attached amount) > (nth pass attached amount) (1st pass attached amount) + (nth pass attached amount) ≥ 20 mg / inch 2 .

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to inkjet recording methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was known to use inkjet recording methods to dye (print and dye) fabrics and to pretreat the fabrics using a reaction solution that causes the ink components to agglomerate or thicken.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing and dyeing method in which a treatment liquid composition is applied to a fabric, and then the fabric is pressed and fixed by hot pressing, and a white ink composition is applied to the fabric after the pressing and fixing by inkjet printing.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent document 1 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-186455.

[0007] While pressing and securing the fabric can sometimes suppress pilling, this process becomes cumbersome. However, pilling cannot be effectively suppressed without pressing and securing. Furthermore, pilling leads to a deterioration in image quality (whiteness). Therefore, there is a requirement for effectively suppressing pilling while maintaining good image quality (whiteness). Summary of the Invention

[0008] One embodiment of the inkjet recording method of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0009] The reaction solution adhesion step, which allows the reaction solution to adhere to the fabric; and

[0010] The ink adhesion step involves applying the white ink composition to a fabric coated with the reaction solution.

[0011] The reaction solution contains one or more selected from polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and organic acids as a coagulant.

[0012] The white ink composition contains at least one of a white pigment and resin particles.

[0013] The reaction solution adhesion step and the ink adhesion step are performed by inkjet printing.

[0014] The inkjet method involves multiple main scans to record data by moving the inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction.

[0015] The reaction solution and the white ink composition are adhered to the same scan area of ​​the fabric by using the same master scan.

[0016] Perform the same main scan multiple times on the same scanning area.

[0017] The relationship between the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area in the same scanning area through the first main scan (first pass adhesion amount) and the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area through the nth main scan (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) (nth pass adhesion amount) is as follows.

[0018] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) > (Adhesion amount in the nth stage)

[0019] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) + (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ≥ 20 mg / inch 2 . Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an inkjet recording device.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the carriage perimeter of an example of an inkjet recording device.

[0022] Symbol Explanation

[0023] 1. Inkjet recording device; 2. Inkjet head; 3. IR heater; 4. Press plate heater; 5. Heater; 6. Cooling fan; 7. Preheater; 8. Ventilation fan; 9. Carriage; 11. Press plate; 12. Ink cartridge; 13. Carriage moving mechanism; 14. Transport unit; CONT, Control unit; MS, Main scanning direction; SS, Sub-scanning direction; M, Fabric. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below are examples of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to any of the following embodiments, and includes various modifications implemented without changing the spirit of the invention. It should be noted that not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential to the present invention.

[0025] 1. Inkjet recording method

[0026] An inkjet recording method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a reaction liquid adhesion step of adhering a reaction liquid to a fabric and an ink adhesion step of adhering a white ink composition to the fabric on which the reaction liquid is adhering. The reaction liquid contains one or more selected from polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and organic acids as a coagulant. The white ink composition contains at least one of white pigments and resin particles. The reaction liquid adhesion step and the ink adhesion step are performed by an inkjet method. The inkjet method performs multiple main scans by moving the inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction. The reaction liquid and the white ink composition are adhering to the same scan area of ​​the fabric in the same main scan. The same main scan is performed multiple times on the same scan area. The relationship between the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhering to the fabric per unit area in the first main scan (first pass adhesion amount) and the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhering to the fabric per unit area in the nth main scan (n is an integer of 2 or more) (nth pass adhesion amount) is as follows.

[0027] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) > (Adhesion amount in the nth stage)

[0028] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) + (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ≥ 20 mg / inch 2

[0029] While pressing and securing the fabric can sometimes suppress pilling, this process becomes cumbersome. However, pilling cannot be effectively suppressed without pressing and securing. Furthermore, the fibers move from the moment they are wetted by the ink or reaction solution due to swelling or shrinkage caused by water absorption. This movement of the fibers causes the ink to miss its target area or the fabric's color to become insufficiently opaque, resulting in a decrease in image quality (whiteness).

[0030] In response to this, the inkjet recording method of this embodiment allows the reaction liquid and white ink composition to adhere to the fabric via the same main scan. This enables the reaction to occur immediately after the liquid adheres to the fabric, and the high adhesion amount in the first pass ensures that a sufficient amount of the liquid, which becomes more viscous after the reaction, adheres before significant lint movement. Therefore, linting can be effectively suppressed, and good image quality (whiteness) can be obtained.

[0031] The steps of the inkjet recording method of this embodiment will be described below.

[0032] 1.1 Adhesion Steps of the Reaction Solution

[0033] The inkjet recording method of this embodiment includes a reaction liquid adhesion step that allows the reaction liquid to adhere to the fabric.

[0034] 1.1.1 Attachment method

[0035] Inkjet

[0036] In the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, the reaction liquid adhesion step and the ink adhesion step described later are performed by inkjet method. The inkjet method performs multiple main scans by moving the inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction. The reaction liquid and white ink composition are adhered to the same scanning area of ​​the fabric by the same main scan, and the same main scan is performed multiple times on the same scanning area.

[0037] "Inkjet printing" refers to a recording method in which droplets of ink or the like are ejected from the nozzles of an inkjet head in an inkjet recording device and applied to a recording medium.

[0038] "Performing multiple main scans by moving the inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction" refers to, for example, in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the inkjet recording apparatus shown (described later), multiple scans are performed while the carriage 9 with the inkjet head 2 moves in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (sub-scanning direction SS) of the fabric M (main scanning direction MS).

[0039] By "adhering the reaction liquid and white ink composition to the same scanning area of ​​the fabric through the same main scan," droplets of the reaction liquid and white ink can be made to contact the fabric immediately while in a nearly undried state. This allows the reaction to occur immediately after the liquid adheres to the fabric, enabling the liquid, which becomes more viscous after the reaction, to adhere to the fabric before significant lint movement. For this type of adhesion, it is preferable, for example, that the nozzle face (not shown) of the inkjet head 2 has multiple nozzle rows arranged along the main scanning direction MS, with multiple nozzles arranged along the sub-scanning direction SS. These multiple nozzle rows are configured such that they at least partially overlap when projected along the main scanning direction MS, allowing each nozzle row to eject the reaction liquid and white ink composition. This allows the reaction liquid and white ink composition to be ejected and adhered to the same position (same scanning area) of the fabric in the sub-scanning direction through the same main scan.

[0040] In the case of "multiple master scans on the same scanning area", the master scan that allows the reaction liquid and white ink composition to adhere is passed over the same area of ​​the fabric multiple times. The more scans, the more times (more passes) the reaction liquid or ink can be adhered to the desired area, tending to result in a higher image quality of the recorded material.

[0041] It should be noted that the number of times the inkjet head passes over an area when recording on any area is also called a "pass". For example, if four main scans are performed on the same area to adhere the white ink composition and the reaction liquid, the number of passes is called 4 passes, etc. For example, if the length of one sub-scan in the sub-scanning direction SS is 1 / 4 of the length of the nozzle array in the sub-scanning direction SS, four scans are performed on a rectangular scanning area that is one sub-scan length in the sub-scanning direction SS and extends along the main scanning direction MS. The number of scans in this case is called the number of scans or passes, etc. The number of scans is 2 or more, preferably 4 or more, more preferably 8 or more. In addition, the number of scans is preferably 20 or less, more preferably 15 or less, further preferably 13 or less, and particularly preferably 10 or less.

[0042] Adhesion amount relationship

[0043] In the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, the relationship between the total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition attached to the fabric per unit area (first pass attachment amount) in the same scanning area through the first main scan and the total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition attached to the fabric per unit area through the nth (n is an integer of 2 or more) main scan (nth pass attachment amount) is as follows.

[0044] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) > (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ... (1)

[0045] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) + (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ≥ 20 mg / inch 2 ……(2)

[0046] Under the condition that the relationship between (1) and (2) above is satisfied, a sufficient amount of the liquid with increased viscosity after reaction can be adhered to the fabric immediately after the fibers are wetted by the ink or reaction solution. As a result, fuzzing can be well suppressed and good image quality (whiteness) can be obtained.

[0047] In the relationship in (1) above, the amount of the first pass is preferably 1.2 times or more than the amount of the nth pass, more preferably 1.4 times or more, even more preferably 1.6 times or more, particularly preferably 1.8 times or more, and even more particularly preferably 2.0 times or more. This tends to better suppress fuzzing and achieve better image quality (whiteness). There is no particular upper limit; the amount of the first pass can be less than 10 times, less than 8 times, less than 6 times, less than 4 times, or less than 3 times the amount of the nth pass.

[0048] In the relationship in (2) above, the combined amount of the first-stage adhesion and the nth-stage adhesion is preferably 22 mg / inch. 2The above, more preferably 24 mg / inch 2 The above is further preferred to be 26 mg / inch. 2 The above is particularly preferred at 28 mg / inch. 2 The above is preferred, with 30 mg / inch being the most ideal. 2 That's all. Therefore, it tends to better suppress fuzzing and achieve better image quality (whiteness). There is no specific upper limit; it can be 50 mg / inch. 2 The following can also be 40 mg / inch. 2 The following can also be 35mg / inch 2 the following.

[0049] The preferred adhesion amount for the first stage is 10 mg / inch. 2 The above, more preferably greater than 10 mg / inch 2 Further preferred is 12 mg / inch 2 The above is further preferred to be 14 mg / inch. 2 The above, especially preferred, is 16 mg / inch. 2 The above is preferred, with an even higher optimal value of 18 mg / inch. 2 The above, especially preferred, is 20 mg / inch. 2 The above describes the process. When the first-pass coating amount is within the above range, it tends to better suppress fuzzing and achieve better image quality (whiteness). There is no particular upper limit to the first-pass coating amount; it can be 50 mg / inch. 2 The following can also be 40 mg / inch. 2 The following can also be 30mg / inch. 2 The following can also be 25mg / inch 2 the following.

[0050] In addition, the amount of the nth layer of adhesion is preferably less than 20 mg / inch. 2 More preferably less than 18 mg / inch 2 Further preferred is less than 16 mg / inch 2 Furthermore, a concentration of less than 14 mg / inch is preferred. 2 Especially preferred is less than 12mg / inch 2 More specifically, a concentration of less than 10 mg / inch is preferred. 2 The following applies. When the amount of the nth pass is within the above range, it tends to better suppress fuzzing and achieve better image quality (whiteness). There is no particular limit to the lower limit of the amount of the nth pass, which can be 2 mg / inch. 2 The above can also be 4 mg / inch. 2The above can also be 6 mg / inch. 2 The above can also be 8mg / inch 2 above.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the first and nth stages of adhesion, the ratio of the amount of white ink composition per unit area to the amount of reaction liquid per unit area is preferably 0.5 to 1.5, more preferably 0.7 to 1.3, and even more preferably 0.9 to 1.1.

[0052] The total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition adhering to the fabric per unit area (total penetration) through the first to nth main scans (n ​​being an integer of 2 or more) in the same scanning area is preferably 80 mg / inch. 2 The above, more preferably 90 mg / inch 2 The above is further preferred to be 100 mg / inch. 2 That's all. There is no specific upper limit to the total dosage; it can be 150 mg / inch. 2 The following can also be 130 mg / inch. 2 Below, it can also be 110 mg / inch. 2 the following.

[0053] Droplet hit time difference

[0054] In the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, the time difference between the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhering to the same scanning area through the same master scan is preferably within 3.0 seconds, more preferably within 2.0 seconds, further preferably within 1.0 second, particularly preferably within 0.5 seconds, and even more particularly preferably within 0.3 seconds. When this time difference is within the above range, the liquid with increased viscosity after reaction can be adhering to the fabric more immediately after it is wetted by the ink or reaction liquid, before the lint moves significantly. Therefore, it tends to better suppress linting and obtain better image quality (whiteness).

[0055] It should be noted that "the time difference between the reaction liquid and the white ink composition that are attached to the same scanning area by the same master scan" refers to the time difference from when the reaction liquid is attached to the predetermined area of ​​the fabric by the same master scan until the white ink composition is attached to the predetermined area.

[0056] 1.1.2 Reaction Solution

[0057] The reaction solution contains one or more of the following as a coagulant: polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and organic acids.

[0058] The following describes the components contained in the reaction solution.

[0059] coagulant

[0060] The reaction solution contains one or more coagulants selected from polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and organic acids. The coagulant has the function of agglomerating at least one of the components, such as white pigments and resin particles, contained in the white ink composition, by acting on their dispersibility. The degree of dispersion agglomeration caused by the coagulant varies depending on the type of coagulant and the constituent material, and can be adjusted. Through such agglomeration, for example, the color rendering and fixing properties of the image can be improved.

[0061] Polyvalent metal salts are compounds composed of divalent or higher metal ions and anions. Examples of divalent or higher metal ions include calcium, magnesium, copper, nickel, zinc, barium, aluminum, titanium, strontium, chromium, cobalt, and iron ions. Among these metal ions constituting polyvalent metal salts, at least one of calcium ions and magnesium ions is preferred from the perspective of excellent agglomeration properties of ink components.

[0062] The anions constituting polyvalent metal salts are either inorganic or organic ions. That is, the polyvalent metal salts in this invention are substances composed of inorganic or organic ions and a polyvalent metal. Examples of such inorganic ions include chloride ions, bromide ions, iodide ions, formate ions, nitrate ions, sulfate ions, and hydroxide ions. Examples of such organic ions include organic acid anions, such as carboxylate ions.

[0063] Specific examples of the aforementioned polyvalent metal salts include: calcium carbonate (such as heavy calcium carbonate and light calcium carbonate), calcium formate, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium chloride, magnesium carbonate, barium sulfate, barium chloride, zinc carbonate, zinc sulfide, aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, copper nitrate, calcium acetate, magnesium acetate, aluminum acetate, calcium propionate, magnesium propionate, aluminum propionate, calcium lactate, magnesium lactate, and aluminum lactate. These polyvalent metal salts can be used alone or in combination with two or more. Among these, considering sufficient solubility in water, at least one of magnesium sulfate, calcium formate, calcium nitrate, aluminum lactate, and calcium propionate is preferred. It should be noted that these metal salts may contain hydrated water in their raw material form.

[0064] Examples of cationic polymers (cationic resins) include: cationic polyurethane resins, cationic olefin resins, cationic amine resins, and cationic surfactants.

[0065] As a cationic polyurethane resin, commercially available products can be used, such as: Hydron CP-7010, CP-7020, CP-7030, CP-7040, CP-7050, CP-7060, CP-7610 (trade name, manufactured by Dai Nippon Ink Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.); Superflex 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650 (trade name, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.); polyurethane emulsions WBR-2120C, WBR-2122C (trade name, manufactured by Taisei Fine Chemicals Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0066] Cationic olefin resins are resins that contain olefins such as ethylene and propylene in their structural backbone. Well-known cationic olefin resins can be appropriately selected and used. Furthermore, cationic olefin resins can also be in an emulsion state dispersed in a solvent containing water, organic solvents, etc. Commercially available cationic olefin resins can be used, such as ArrowBaseCB-1200 and CD-1200 (trade name, manufactured by Unitika Co., Ltd.).

[0067] As a cationic amine resin, any resin containing amine groups in its structure is acceptable, and well-known cationic amine resins can be appropriately selected. Examples include polyamine resins, polyamide resins, and polyallylamine resins. Polyamine resins are resins containing amine groups in their main resin backbone. Polyamide resins are resins containing amide groups in their main resin backbone. Polyallylamine resins are resins with a structure derived from allyl groups in their main resin backbone.

[0068] In addition, examples of cationic polyamine resins include UNISENCE KHE103L (hexamethylenediamine / epimylohydrin resin, with a pH of approximately 5.0, a viscosity of 20-50 mPa·s, and a solids concentration of 50% by mass) and UNISENCE KHE104L (dimethylamine / epimylohydrin resin, with a pH of approximately 7.0, a viscosity of 1-10 mPa·s, and a solids concentration of 20% by mass) manufactured by SENKA Corporation. In addition, specific examples of commercially available cationic polyamine resins include: FL-14 (manufactured by SNF Corporation); ARAFIX 100, 251S, 255, 255LOX (manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Co., Ltd.); DK-6810, 6853, 6885; WS-4010, 4011, 4020, 4024, 4027, 4030 (manufactured by Starlight PMC Co., Ltd.); PAPYOGEN P-105 (manufactured by SENKA Corporation); Sumirez Resin 650(30), 675A, 6615, SLX-1 (manufactured by Taoka Chemical Co., Ltd.); Catiomaster (registered trademark) PD-1, 7, 30, A, PDT-2, PE-10, PE-30, DT-EH, EPA-SK01, TMHMDA-E (manufactured by Yokkaichi Synthetic Co., Ltd.); Jetfix 36N, 38A, 5052 (manufactured by Satoda Chemical Company).

[0069] Examples of polyallylamine resins include: polyallylamine hydrochloride, polyallylamine amide sulfate, allylamine hydrochloride-diallylamine hydrochloride copolymer, allylamine acetate-diallylamine acetate copolymer, allylamine acetate-diallylamine acetate copolymer, allylamine hydrochloride-dimethylallylamine hydrochloride copolymer, allylamine-dimethylallylamine copolymer, polydiallylamine hydrochloride, polymethyldiallylamine hydrochloride, polymethyldiallylamine amide sulfate, polymethyldiallylamine acetate, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride, diallylamine acetate-sulfur dioxide copolymer, diallyl methyl ethyl ammonium ethyl sulfate-sulfur dioxide copolymer, methyl diallylamine hydrochloride-sulfur dioxide copolymer, diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride-sulfur dioxide copolymer, diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride-acrylamide copolymer, etc.

[0070] Examples of preferred organic acids include, for instance, poly(meth)acrylic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, pyranone carboxylic acid, pyrrolic carboxylic acid, furan carboxylic acid, pyridine carboxylic acid, coumaric acid, thiophene carboxylic acid, nicotinic acid, or derivatives of these compounds or their salts. One organic acid may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination. It should be noted that metal salts of organic acids are included in the aforementioned metal salts.

[0071] It should be noted that in this specification, "(meth)acrylic acid" means acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and "(meth)acrylate" means acrylate or methacrylate.

[0072] A single coagulant can be used alone, or two or more can be used in combination.

[0073] The lower limit of the coagulant content relative to the total mass of the reaction solution is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, further preferably 3% by mass or more, particularly preferably 4% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the coagulant content relative to the total mass of the reaction solution is preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, further preferably 8% by mass or less, particularly preferably 7% by mass or less, and even more preferably 6% by mass or less.

[0074] surfactants

[0075] The reaction solution may contain a surfactant. Surfactants can be used to reduce the surface tension of the reaction solution and to adjust and improve, for example, its permeability to fabrics. As surfactants, any of the following can be used: nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants; furthermore, they can be used in combination. Additionally, among surfactants, alkyne surfactants (alkynyldiol surfactants), organosilicon surfactants, and fluorinated surfactants are more preferred; organosilicon surfactants and alkyne surfactants are even more preferred.

[0076] As an alkyne surfactant (alkynyldiol surfactant), there are no particular limitations; examples include: Sufynol 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, DF110D (trade name, manufactured by Air Products and Chemicals Inc.); Olfine B, Y, P, A, STG, SPC, E1004, E1010, PD-001, PD-002W, PD-003, PD-004, PD-005, EXP.4001, EXP.4036, EXP.4051, EXP.4123, EXP.4200, EXP.4300, AF-103, AF-104, AK-02, SK-14, AE-3 (trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.); ACETYLENOL E00, E00P, E40, E100 (trade name, manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0077] There are no particular limitations on the type of organosilicon surfactant, but polysiloxane compounds are preferably examples. There are also no particular limitations on the type of polysiloxane compound, but examples include polyether-modified organosilicon compounds. Commercially available examples of this polyether-modified organosiloxane include: BYK-306, BYK-307, BYK-333, BYK-341, BYK-345, BYK-346, BYK-348 (trade names, manufactured by BYK Corporation); KF-351A, KF-352A, KF-353, KF-354L, KF-355A, KF-615A, KF-945, KF-640, KF-642, KF-643, KF-6020, X-22-4515, KF-6004, KF-6011, KF-6012, KF-6015, KF-6017 (trade names, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0078] As a fluorinated surfactant, fluorinated modified polymers are preferred. For example, BYK-340 (trade name, manufactured by BYK Chemical Japan Co., Ltd.) can be cited.

[0079] Surfactants can be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0080] In the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, the reaction solution preferably further contains a surfactant with an HLB value of 10 or higher. When the surfactant has an HLB value of 10 or higher, it is preferable to adjust the permeability of the reaction solution into the fabric, making it easier for the reaction solution to remain near the fabric surface. This further enhances the reactivity with the ink, resulting in better suppression of fuzzing and a tendency to obtain better image quality (whiteness).

[0081] In this specification, "HLB" (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value) is a numerical value representing the hydrophilic / hydrophobic balance of a compound. Here, the HLB value is the value calculated by the Griffin method, which can be obtained by the following equation (3).

[0082] HLB value = 20 × total formula weight of hydrophilic part / molecular weight ... (3)

[0083] The following are specific examples of surfactants with an HLB value of 10 or higher based on the Griffin process.

[0084] Examples of alkyne surfactants (alkynyldiol surfactants) with an HLB value of 10 or higher include: Olfine E1010 (HLB value 12), E1020 (HLB value 15-16), EXP.4200 (HLB value 10-13), and EXP.4123 (HLB value 10-13) [trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.].

[0085] Examples of silicone surfactants with an HLB value of 10 or higher include: BYK-348 (HLB value 11) [trade name, manufactured by BYK Corporation]; KF-6011 (HLB value 14.5), KF-6013 (HLB value 10), KF-6043 (HLB value 14.5), KF-643 (HLB value 14), KF-640 (HLB value 14), KF-351A (HLB value 12), and KF-354L (HLB value 16) [trade name, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.]. [Manufactured by Silicone Corporation]; FZ-2105 (HLB value 11), L-7604 (HLB value 13), FZ-2104 (HLB value 14) [trade name, manufactured by Toray D. Corning]; SILWETL-7604 (HLB value 13), SILWETL-7607N (HLB value 17), SILWETFZ-2104 (HLB value 14) or SILWETFZ-2161 (HLB value 20) [trade name, manufactured by Unicar Corporation of Japan], etc.

[0086] Surfactants with an HLB value of 10 or higher are more preferably silicone-based or alkyne-based surfactants, and more preferably silicone-based surfactants. When such surfactants are present, the penetration of the reaction solution into the fabric can be more effectively adjusted, and the reaction solution tends to remain more readily near the fabric surface. This further enhances the reactivity with the ink, resulting in better suppression of fuzzing and a tendency to achieve better image quality (whiteness).

[0087] The lower limit of the surfactant content relative to the total mass of the reaction solution is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 0.4% by mass or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the surfactant content relative to the total mass of the reaction solution is preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, particularly preferably 0.8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.6% by mass or less. When the surfactant content is within the above range, there is a tendency to easily and preferably adjust the permeability of the reaction solution into the fabric.

[0088] organic solvents

[0089] The reaction solution may contain organic solvents. Examples of organic solvents include esters, alkylene glycol ethers, cyclic esters, amides, alcohols, and polyols.

[0090] Examples of esters include: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, methoxybutyl acetate, and other diol monoacetates; and ethylene glycol diacetates, diethylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol diacetate, dipropylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol acetate propionate, ethylene glycol acetate butyrate, diethylene glycol acetate butyrate, diethylene glycol acetate propionate, diethylene glycol acetate butyrate, dipropylene glycol acetate propionate, propylene glycol acetate butyrate, dipropylene glycol acetate butyrate, dipropylene glycol acetate propionate, and other diol diacetates.

[0091] As alkylene glycol ethers, they can be monoethers or diethers of alkylene glycols, preferably alkyl ethers. Specific examples include: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monoethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, tripropylene glycol monobutyl ether, etc., alkylene glycol monomethyl ether, etc. Monoalkyl alcohol ethers; and alkylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether butyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dibutyl ether, triethylene glycol methyl ether butyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol diethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dibutyl ether, propylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol diethyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol diethyl ether, tripropylene glycol dimethyl ether, etc.

[0092] Examples of cyclic esters include β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, ε-caprolactone, β-butyrolactone, β-valerolactone, γ-valerolactone, β-caprolactone, γ-caprolactone, δ-caprolactone, β-heptanelactone, γ-heptanelactone, δ-heptanelactone, ε-heptanelactone, γ-octanelactone, δ-octanelactone, ε-octanelactone, δ-nonanolactone, ε-nonanolactone, ε-decanolactone, and other cyclic esters (lactones), as well as compounds of these cyclic esters in which the hydrogen atom of the methylene group adjacent to the carbonyl group is replaced by an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0093] Examples of amides include cyclic amides and non-cyclic amides. Examples of non-cyclic amides include alkoxyalkyl amides.

[0094] Examples of cyclic amides include lactams. Examples of lactams include 2-pyrrolidone, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-propyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-butyl-2-pyrrolidone, and other pyrrolidone derivatives.

[0095] Examples of alkoxyalkylamides include: 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide, 3-methoxy-N,N-diethylpropionamide, 3-methoxy-N,N-methylethylpropionamide, 3-ethoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide, 3-ethoxy-N,N-diethylpropionamide, 3-ethoxy-N,N-methylethylpropionamide, 3-n-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide, 3-n-butoxy-N,N-diethylpropionamide, 3-n-butoxy-N,N-methylethylpropionamide. 3-n-propoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide, 3-n-propoxy-N,N-diethylpropionamide, 3-n-propoxy-N,N-methylethylpropionamide, 3-isopropoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide, 3-isopropoxy-N,N-diethylpropionamide, 3-isopropoxy-N,N-methylethylpropionamide, 3-tert-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide, 3-tert-butoxy-N,N-diethylpropionamide, 3-tert-butoxy-N,N-methylethylpropionamide, N,N-dimethylisobutyramide, etc.

[0096] Examples of alcohols include compounds in which one hydrogen atom of an alkane is replaced by a hydroxyl group. Preferably, the alkane has 10 or fewer carbon atoms, more preferably 6 or fewer carbon atoms, and even more preferably 3 or fewer carbon atoms. The alkane has 1 or more carbon atoms, preferably 2 or more. The alkane can be straight-chain or branched. Examples of alcohols include methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, 2-butanol, tert-butanol, isobutanol, n-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol and tert-pentanol, 2-phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, phenoxypropanol, etc.

[0097] Polyols are substances that have two or more hydroxyl groups in their molecules. Polyols can be classified into, for example, alkyldiols and polyhydroxy compounds.

[0098] Regarding alkyldiols, examples include compounds in which alkanes are substituted with two hydroxyl groups. Examples of alkyldiols include 1,2-alkyldiols, which are compounds in which alkane are substituted with hydroxyl groups at the 1 and 2 positions, and other alkyldiols besides 1,2-alkyldiols.

[0099] Examples of 1,2-alkyldiols include: ethylene glycol, propane-1,2-diol (propylene glycol), 1,2-butanediol (1,2BD), 1,2-pentanediol (1,2PD), 1,2-hexanediol (1,2HD), 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 3-methyl-1,2-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,2-pentanediol, 4-methyl-1,2-pentanediol, and 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-alkyldiol. -Pentanediol, 3-ethyl-1,2-pentanediol, 4-ethyl-1,2-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,2-hexanediol, 4-methyl-1,2-hexanediol, 5-methyl-1,2-hexanediol, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-hexanediol, 3,5-dimethyl-1,2-hexanediol, 4,5-dimethyl-1,2-hexanediol, 3-ethyl-1,2-hexanediol, 4-ethyl-1,2-hexanediol, 3-ethyl-4-methyl-1,2-hexanediol, etc.

[0100] Other examples of alkyldiols include: 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butylenediol (also known as 1,3-butanediol), 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 2,4-pentanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 2-methylpentane-2,4-diol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, etc.

[0101] Examples of polyhydroxy compounds include condensates formed by the intermolecular condensation of two or more alkyl diols with hydroxyl groups, and compounds having three or more hydroxyl groups.

[0102] Examples of condensates obtained by intermolecular condensation of two or more alkyl diols through hydroxyl groups include: monoalkylene glycols such as diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; dialkylene glycols such as triethylene glycol and tripropylene glycol.

[0103] Compounds having three or more hydroxyl groups are compounds with an alkane or polyether structure as their backbone and having three or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of compounds having three or more hydroxyl groups include glycerol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,5-hexanetriol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, pentaerythritol, and polyoxypropylene triol.

[0104] Organic solvents can be used alone or in combination with two or more.

[0105] Relative to the total amount of the reaction solution, the reaction solution preferably contains 1.0% by mass or more of an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher, more preferably 3.0% by mass or more of an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or more of an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher. When the amount of organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher is within the above range, keeping the inkjet head nozzle moist ensures good ejection reliability. This is useful in the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, where the reaction solution and white ink composition adhere to each other during the same main scan, and agglomerates are easily formed in the nozzle.

[0106] It should be noted that examples of organic solvents with a standard boiling point above 280°C include glycerol and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether. It should also be noted that organic solvents with a standard boiling point above 280°C are also referred to as humectants.

[0107] From the viewpoint of easily adjusting viscosity and surface tension, the reaction solution preferably contains one or more of the following: alkyl glycols, polyhydroxy compounds, and alkylene glycol ethers; more preferably, it contains alkyl glycols, condensates obtained by intermolecular condensation of two or more alkyl glycol molecules with hydroxyl groups, and alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers as organic solvents.

[0108] The content of organic solvent relative to the total amount of the reaction solution is preferably 5 to 30% by mass, more preferably 8 to 25% by mass, even more preferably 10 to 23% by mass, and particularly preferably 12 to 20% by mass.

[0109] water

[0110] The reaction solution may contain water. Examples of water include pure water such as ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltration water, reverse osmosis water, and distilled water; and ultrapure water, which has had ionic impurities removed as much as possible. In addition, when using water that has been sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation or the addition of hydrogen peroxide, the growth of bacteria and fungi can be inhibited during long-term storage of the reaction solution.

[0111] The water content relative to the total amount of the reaction solution is preferably 40% by mass or more, more preferably 45% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 60% by mass or more. There is no particular upper limit to the water content; for example, relative to the total amount of the reaction solution, it is preferably 90% by mass or less, more preferably 85% by mass or less, and more preferably 90% by mass or less.

[0112] Other ingredients

[0113] The reaction solution may contain additives such as pH adjusters, preservatives / mildew inhibitors, rust inhibitors, chelating agents, viscosity modifiers, solubilizers, and antioxidants, as needed. When such additives are present, their content relative to the total amount of the reaction solution is preferably 0.1–5% by mass, more preferably 0.1–3% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1–1% by mass.

[0114] In addition, the reaction solution may contain pigments or other colorants, but the content is preferably 0.2% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or less, with a lower limit of 0% by mass, relative to the total mass of the reaction solution. The reaction solution preferably does not contain colorants.

[0115] Manufacturing method

[0116] The reaction solution is obtained by mixing the above components in any order and removing impurities by filtration or other methods as needed. As a method for mixing the components, it is preferable to add the materials sequentially to a container equipped with a stirring device such as a mechanical stirrer or magnetic stirrer and then mix them by stirring. As a filtration method, centrifugal filtration, filter filtration, etc., can be performed as needed.

[0117] physical properties

[0118] From the viewpoint of balancing recording quality and the reliability of the reaction solution for inkjet recording, the surface tension of the reaction solution at 25°C is preferably 10 mN / m or more and 40 mN / m or less, more preferably 20 mN / m or more and 35 mN / m or less. The surface tension can be measured, for example, by using an automatic surface tension meter CBVP-Z (trade name, manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) to confirm the surface tension when the ink wets a platinum plate at 25°C.

[0119] The viscosity (at 20°C, for example) of the reaction solution and the white ink composition described later is preferably 4.0 mPa·s or higher, more preferably 4.5 mPa·s or higher, and even more preferably 5.0 mPa·s or higher. This results in a higher viscosity before the reaction, which tends to better suppress fuzzing and achieve better image quality (whiteness). It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of balancing recording quality with the reliability of the reaction solution for inkjet recording, the upper limit of this viscosity is preferably 15 mPa·s or lower, more preferably 10 mPa·s or lower, and even more preferably 8 mPa·s or lower. Viscosity can be measured, for example, using a viscoelasticity tester MCR-300 (trade name, manufactured by Pysica) at 20°C.

[0120] Furthermore, the viscosity (for example at 20°C) of the equal-volume mixture of the reaction solution and the white ink composition described later is preferably 50 mPa·s or more, more preferably 70 mPa·s or more, and even more preferably 90 mPa·s or more. When the viscosity of the mixture is within the above range, the fuzz can be fixed better, and therefore there is a tendency to better suppress fuzzing and obtain better image quality (whiteness).

[0121] 1.1.3 Cloth

[0122] Examples of fabrics used in the inkjet recording method of this embodiment include cloth, clothing, or other apparel. Cloths include textiles, woven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics. Clothing or other apparel includes sewn T-shirts, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, tote bags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, bedspreads, wallpaper, and other furniture; as well as fabric before and after cutting, which are components before sewing. Examples of their forms include long forms rolled into a roll, forms cut to a predetermined size, and forms in the shape of an finished product.

[0123] Materials that make up fabrics include, for example, natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, polyamide, and polyurethane; and biodegradable fibers such as polylactic acid, or blends of these fibers.

[0124] Among these materials, the fabric is preferably cotton or a cotton-blend fabric. Such fabrics have excellent water absorption but are prone to fuzzing, thus making them more susceptible to problems with pilling and image quality (whiteness). In view of this, the inkjet recording method of this embodiment can effectively suppress pilling and achieve good image quality (whiteness) even when using such fabrics.

[0125] There are no particular restrictions on the basis weight of the fabric, which can be more than 1.0 oz and less than 10.0 oz, preferably more than 2.0 oz and less than 9.0 oz, more preferably more than 3.0 oz and less than 8.0 oz, and even more preferably more than 4.0 oz and less than 7.0 oz.

[0126] Furthermore, the fabric is preferably a fabric with fibers fraying from the fiber bundles constituting the fabric, and the fibers having a length of 50 μm or more in the vertical direction between the surface of the fiber bundles and the tips of the fibers. Such fabrics are more prone to pilling and image quality (whiteness) problems. In view of this, the inkjet recording method of this embodiment can effectively suppress pilling and obtain good image quality (whiteness) even when using such a fabric.

[0127] The aforementioned length can be measured using known means, such as a digital microscope (Keyence, VHX-5000), and preferably by calculating the average (arithmetic mean) of multiple hairs (e.g., 10 points) as the aforementioned length.

[0128] It should be noted that a "fiber bundle" refers to a bundle of multiple fibers with a cross-section that is approximately circular. Additionally, "fuzz" refers to the ends of short fibers that stand upright on the surface of a fiber bundle; the ends of short fibers existing inside the fiber bundle are not called fuzz.

[0129] In addition, cloth can be L ＊ For colored fabrics with a color depth of 70 or less. For colored fabrics that have been pre-dyed using dyes, etc., the color depth is indicated by L in the colored portion. ＊ When the value is below 70, the color of the fabric itself can sometimes be observed at the adhesion of the white ink composition, making it easier to produce image quality (whiteness) problems. In view of this, the inkjet recording method of this embodiment can effectively suppress fuzzing and obtain good image quality (whiteness) even when using such fabrics.

[0130] It should be noted that L ＊ L represents ＊ a ＊ b ＊ Lightness in a color space. L ＊ The value can be measured using a known colorimeter, such as Spectrolino (Gretag). L ＊ The value can be below 60 or below 50.

[0131] Examples of dyes used to pre-color fabrics include water-soluble dyes such as acid dyes and basic dyes; disperse dyes using dispersants (surfactants); and reactive dyes. Methods for coloring fabrics using dyes can be based on known methods, depending on the fabric's material and form.

[0132] 1.2 Ink Adhesion Steps

[0133] The inkjet recording method of this embodiment includes an ink adhesion step that allows a white ink composition to adhere to a fabric to which the above-mentioned reaction solution has been applied.

[0134] 1.2.1 Attachment method

[0135] In the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, the aforementioned reaction liquid adhesion step and ink adhesion step are performed by inkjet method. The inkjet method performs multiple main scans by moving the inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction. The reaction liquid and white ink composition are adhered to the same scanning area of ​​the fabric by the same main scan, and the same main scan is performed multiple times on the same scanning area.

[0136] Furthermore, in the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, the relationship between the total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition attached to the fabric per unit area (first pass attachment amount) in the same scanning area through the first main scan and the total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition attached to the fabric per unit area through the nth (n is an integer of 2 or more) main scan (nth pass attachment amount) is as follows.

[0137] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) > (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ... (1)

[0138] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) + (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ≥ 20 mg / inch 2 ……(2)

[0139] The application method in the ink application step is the same as that in the aforementioned reaction solution application step, so the description is omitted.

[0140] 1.2.2 White ink composition

[0141] The white ink composition contains at least one of a white pigment and resin particles.

[0142] The following describes the components contained in the white ink composition.

[0143] White pigments and resin particles

[0144] The white ink composition contains at least one of a white pigment and resin particles. These components preferably have the effect of agglomeration upon contact with the aforementioned reaction solution.

[0145] It should be noted that in this specification, the term "white" when referring to white ink compositions, white pigments, etc., does not refer only to pure white, but to any area that can be visually recognized as white, and also includes colors that are slightly tinted or achromatic, or colors with a glossy finish. For example, it is preferable to use L in CIELAB. ＊ For 80 and above, a ＊ and b ＊ Each color is within ±10. Further optimization is achieved with L. ＊ For 90 and above, a ＊ and b ＊ Each color is within ±50.

[0146] White pigment

[0147] Examples of white pigments include: CI pigment white 1 (basic lead carbonate), CI pigment white 4 (zinc oxide), CI pigment white 5 (a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate), CI pigment white 6 (titanium dioxide), CI pigment white 61 (titanium dioxide containing other metal oxides), CI pigment white 7 (zinc sulfide), CI pigment white 18 (calcium carbonate), CI pigment white 19 (clay), CI pigment white 20 (mica titanium), CI pigment white 21 (barium sulfate), CI pigment white 22 (gypsum), CI pigment white 26 (magnesium oxide and silicon dioxide), CI pigment white 27 (silicon dioxide), and CI pigment white 28 (anhydrous calcium silicate). Among these, CI pigment white 6, which has excellent color development and hiding power, is preferred.

[0148] The average particle size of the white pigment is preferably 100 nm or more and 500 nm or less, more preferably 50 nm or more and 450 nm or less, and even more preferably 200 nm or more and 400 nm or less. With an average particle size within this range, the inkjet head tends to have consistent ejection stability. Furthermore, it tends to improve opacity. It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, in this specification, "average particle size" refers to the volumetric particle size distribution as the particle size at a cumulative distribution of 50 vol%. The average particle size is measured using the dynamic light scattering method or laser diffraction method described in JIS Z8825. Specifically, a particle size analyzer based on the dynamic light scattering method (e.g., MicrotracUPA manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0149] White pigment can be used alone or in combination with two or more types.

[0150] When white pigment is present, its content relative to the total amount of the white ink composition is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 2 to 25% by mass, further preferably 4 to 20% by mass, particularly preferably 6 to 15% by mass, and even more particularly preferably 8 to 12% by mass. When the content of white pigment is within the above range, it tends to better suppress fuzzing and obtain better image quality (whiteness).

[0151] White pigments can be dispersed using pigment dispersants before use. Alternatively, white pigments can be oxidized or sulfonated using ozone, hypochlorous acid, fuming sulfuric acid, etc., to create self-dispersible pigments, which can then be dispersed before use.

[0152] Pigment dispersants function to disperse pigments in inks. Pigment dispersants can be water-soluble substances, but preferably not completely water-soluble. It is believed that by partially or completely binding or adsorbing onto the pigment, the surface hydrophilicity of the pigment is increased, thereby dispersing the pigment. There are no particular limitations on the type of pigment dispersant.

[0153] Pigment dispersants are polymeric compounds. Examples of such dispersants include: poly(meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid-acrylonitrile copolymer, (meth)acrylic acid-(meth)acrylate copolymer, vinyl acetate-(meth)acrylate copolymer, vinyl acetate-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer, vinylnaphthalene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer, styrene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer, styrene-(meth)acrylic acid-(meth)acrylate copolymer, styrene-α-methylstyrene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer, styrene-α-methylstyrene-(meth)acrylic acid-(meth)acrylate copolymer, and other acrylic resins and their salts.

[0154] In addition, examples of pigment dispersants include: maleic acid resins and their salts such as styrene-maleic acid copolymers, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, vinyl naphthalene-maleic acid copolymers, and vinyl acetate-maleic ester copolymers; polyurethane resins and their salts, whether or not they have cross-linked structures; polyvinyl alcohols; and vinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymers and their salts.

[0155] It should be noted that acrylic resins, besides polymers of acrylic monomers as described above, can also be copolymers of acrylic monomers with other monomers. For example, vinyl acrylate resins, which are copolymers of vinyl monomers with other monomers, are also called acrylic resins. Additionally, styrene resins, which are copolymers of styrene monomers and acrylic monomers, are also included in the category of acrylic resins, for example, in the aforementioned styrene resins. Furthermore, the term "acrylic resin" also includes its salts or esters.

[0156] Commercially available pigment dispersants include: X-200, X-1, X-205, X-220, X-228 (manufactured by Starlight PMC); NOPCOSPERSE (registered trademark) 6100, 6110 (manufactured by S.N.C.); JONCRYL 67, 586, 611, 678, 680, 682, 819 (manufactured by BASF); DISPERBYK-190 (manufactured by BYK Chemicals Japan Co., Ltd.); N-EA137, N-EA157, N-EA167, N-EA177, N-EA197D, N-EA207D, E-EN10 (manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0157] Commercially available dispersants for acrylic pigments include: BYK-187, BYK-190, BYK-191, BYK-194N, and BYK-199 (manufactured by BYK Chemical Co., Ltd.); ARON A-210, A6114, AS-1100, AS-1800, A-30SL, A-7250, and CL-2 (manufactured by Toa Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

[0158] Commercially available polyurethane pigment dispersants include: BYK-182, BYK-183, BYK-184, BYK-185 (manufactured by BYK Chemical Co., Ltd.); TEGO Disperse 710 (manufactured by Evonic Tego Chemi Co., Ltd.); Borchi (registered trademark) Gen1350 (manufactured by OMB Borschers Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0159] Pigment dispersants can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The total content of pigment dispersants relative to 100% by mass of a white ink composition is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, further preferably 1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 1.5% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less. A pigment dispersant content of 0.1% by mass or more tends to ensure the dispersion stability of the white pigment. Furthermore, if the pigment dispersant content is 30% by mass or less, it tends to suppress the viscosity of the white ink composition to a lower level.

[0160] Furthermore, the weight-average molecular weight of the pigment dispersant is preferably 500 or higher. Using such a pigment dispersant tends to result in less odor and further improved dispersion stability of white pigments.

[0161] When using a pigment dispersant to disperse white pigment, the ratio of white pigment to pigment dispersant is preferably 10:1 to 1:10, more preferably 4:1 to 1:3.

[0162] resin particles

[0163] Resin particles function as fixing resins, which improve the adhesion of inks to fabrics. Resin particles are mostly processed in the form of emulsions, but can also be in powder form.

[0164] Examples of resin particles include those comprising polyurethane resins, acrylic resins (including styrene-acrylic resins), fluorene resins, olefin resins, rosin-modified resins, terpene resins, ester resins, amide resins, epoxy resins, vinyl chloride resins, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate resins. Polyurethane resins, acrylic resins, olefin resins, and ester resins are preferred. Furthermore, one type of resin particle may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0165] Polyurethane resins are a general term for resins containing urethane bonds. Polyurethane resins can include polyether-type polyurethane resins that contain ether bonds in addition to urethane bonds, ester-type polyurethane resins that contain ester bonds in the main chain, and carbonate-type polyurethane resins that contain carbonate bonds in the main chain. In addition, commercially available polyurethane resins can be used, such as: Superflex460, 460s, 840, E-4000 (trade name, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.); RESAMINE D-1060, D-2020, D-4080, D-4200, D-6300, D-6455 (trade name, manufactured by Dai Nippon Seika Co., Ltd.); TAKELACWS-5100, WS-6021, W-512-A-6 (trade name, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals Polyurethane Co., Ltd.); Sancure 2710 (trade name, manufactured by LUBRIZOL Co., Ltd.); PERMARIN UA-150 (trade name, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0166] Acrylic resins are a general term for polymers obtained by polymerizing acrylic monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylates as at least one component. Examples include resins obtained from acrylic monomers and copolymers of acrylic monomers with other monomers. Examples include acrylic-ethylene resins, which are copolymers of acrylic monomers and vinyl monomers. Additionally, examples of vinyl monomers include styrene.

[0167] Acrylamide and acrylonitrile can also be used as acrylic monomers. As resin emulsions made from acrylic resins, commercially available products can be used, such as FK-854 (trade name, manufactured by Chuo Riko Kogyo Co., Ltd.); Mowinyl 952B and 718A (trade name, manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemical Co., Ltd.); Nipol LX852 and LX874 (trade name, manufactured by Zeon Corporation of Japan).

[0168] Styrene-acrylic resins are copolymers obtained from styrene monomers and (meth)acrylic monomers, such as styrene-acrylic acid copolymers, styrene-methacrylic acid copolymers, styrene-methacrylic acid-acrylate copolymers, styrene-α-methylstyrene-acrylic acid copolymers, and styrene-α-methylstyrene-acrylic acid-acrylate copolymers. As a styrene-acrylic resin, commercially available products can be used, such as Joncryl 62J, 7100, 390, 711, 511, 7001, 632, 741, 450, 840, 74J, HRC-1645J, 734, 852, 7600, 775, 537J, 1535, PDX-7630A, 352J, 352D, PDX-7145, 538J, 7640, 7641, 631, 790, 780, 7610 (trade names, manufactured by BASF); Mowinyl 966A, 975N (trade names, manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemicals Co., Ltd.); Vinyblan 2586 (manufactured by Nissin Chemical Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0169] Olefin resins are polymers containing olefins such as ethylene, propylene, and butene in their structural backbone. Well-known olefin resins can be appropriately selected and used. Commercially available olefin resins can be used, such as Arrowbase CB-1200 and CD-1200 (trade name, manufactured by Unitika Co., Ltd.).

[0170] The resin particles are more preferably selected from polyurethane resins and acrylic resins, and more preferably from polyurethane resins. This makes it easier to achieve good substrate followability of the image formed from the white ink composition.

[0171] When resin particles are present, their content (solids) relative to the total amount of the white ink composition is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 2 to 25% by mass, further preferably 4 to 20% by mass, particularly preferably 6 to 15% by mass, and even more particularly preferably 8 to 12% by mass. When the content of resin particles is within the above range, there is a tendency to better suppress fuzzing and obtain better image quality (whiteness).

[0172] surfactants

[0173] White ink compositions may contain surfactants. The types and amounts of surfactants in white ink compositions are the same as those in the aforementioned reaction solutions, and therefore will not be described further.

[0174] organic solvents

[0175] The white ink composition may contain organic solvents. The types and amounts of organic solvents in the white ink composition are the same as those in the aforementioned reaction solution, and therefore will not be described further.

[0176] In particular, relative to the total amount of the ink composition, the white ink composition preferably also contains 1.0% by mass or more of an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher, more preferably 3.0% by mass or more of an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or more of an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher. When the content of an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher is within the above range, keeping the inkjet head nozzle moist ensures good ejection reliability. This is useful in the inkjet recording method of this embodiment, where the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhere to each other during the same main scan, and aggregates are easily formed in the nozzle.

[0177] water

[0178] The white ink composition may contain water. The type and amount of water in the white ink composition are the same as those in the aforementioned reaction solution, therefore, details are omitted.

[0179] Other ingredients

[0180] The white ink composition may contain additives such as pH adjusters, preservatives / mildew inhibitors, rust inhibitors, chelating agents, viscosity modifiers, solubilizers, and antioxidants, as needed. When such additives are present, their content relative to the total amount of the white ink composition is preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0181] Manufacturing methods and physical properties

[0182] The manufacturing method and physical properties of the white ink composition are the same as those of the aforementioned reaction solution, therefore, the description is omitted.

[0183] 1.3 Heating and Drying Steps

[0184] The inkjet recording method of this embodiment may include a step of heating and drying the ink or the like that adhered to the fabric after the above-described reaction liquid adhesion step and ink adhesion step (heat drying step).

[0185] There are no particular limitations on heating and drying methods; examples include conveyor belt dryers, atmospheric pressure steam drying, high pressure steam drying, and heat fixation methods. There are also no particular limitations on the heat source used during heating and drying; for example, infrared lamps can be used.

[0186] The preferred heating and drying temperature is one that allows the resin particles contained in the ink to fuse and for the moisture and other media to evaporate. The preferred heating and drying temperature is, for example, 100°C or higher and 250°C or lower, more preferably 120°C or higher and 230°C or lower, even more preferably 140°C or higher and 210°C or lower, and particularly preferably 160°C or higher and 200°C or lower. Here, the heating and drying temperature in the heating and drying step refers to the surface temperature of the image, etc., formed on the fabric. The heating and drying time is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30 seconds or higher and 20 minutes or lower, more preferably 2 minutes or higher and 5 minutes or lower.

[0187] 1.4 Other steps

[0188] The inkjet recording method of this embodiment may include steps such as washing the recorded fabric with water and reheating and drying it. During the washing process, hot soapy water or similar liquid can be used to rinse away unfixed ink and other components on the fabric as a soaping treatment.

[0189] In addition, the inkjet recording method of this embodiment may include a step of adhering a non-white ink composition to a fabric.

[0190] Non-white ink compositions preferably contain colorants other than white pigments. The colorants can be pigments or dyes. The components other than the colorants can be the same as those in the aforementioned white ink compositions.

[0191] As pigments, inorganic pigments such as carbon black and organic pigments can be used. Examples of organic pigments include: quinacridone pigments, quinacridone quinone pigments, dioxazine pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, anthraquinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, indigoanthrone pigments, yellow anthraquinone pigments, perylene pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, violet ketone pigments, quinophthalone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, thioindigo pigments, benzimidazolone pigments, isoindolinone pigments, azomethyl alkaloid pigments, or azo pigments, etc.

[0192] 1.5 Inkjet Recording Unit

[0193] An example of an inkjet recording apparatus capable of performing the inkjet recording method of this embodiment will be described.

[0194] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inkjet recording device. Figure 2 To show Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the configuration of the carriage periphery of an inkjet recording device 1. Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the inkjet recording device 1 includes an inkjet head 2, an IR heater 3, a pressure plate heater 4, a heater 5, a cooling fan 6, a preheater 7, an exhaust fan 8, a carriage 9, a pressure plate 11, a carriage moving mechanism 13, a transport unit 14, and a control unit CONT. The inkjet recording device 1... Figure 2 The control unit CONT shown controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording device 1.

[0195] The inkjet head 2 is configured to record on fabric M by spraying a white ink composition and a reaction liquid (hereinafter also referred to as "ink, etc.") from the nozzle of the inkjet head 2 and allowing it to adhere. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inkjet head 2 shown is a serial inkjet head, which applies ink or other substances to the fabric M by scanning it multiple times along the main scanning direction relative to the fabric M. The inkjet head 2 is mounted on... Figure 2 On the carriage 9 shown, the inkjet head 2 scans multiple times relative to the fabric M along the main scanning direction by operating the carriage moving mechanism 13, which moves the carriage 9 along the media width direction of the fabric M. The media width direction is the main scanning direction of the inkjet head 2. The scanning along the main scanning direction is also called the main scan.

[0196] Furthermore, here, the main scanning direction is the direction in which the carriage 9, which carries the inkjet head 2, moves. Figure 1 In this context, the main scanning direction is orthogonal to the secondary scanning direction, which is the transport direction of the fabric M indicated by arrow SS. Figure 2 In this diagram, the width direction of the fabric M, represented by S1-S2, is the main scanning direction MS, and the direction represented by T1→T2 is the secondary scanning direction SS. It should be noted that in a single scan, scanning is performed along either the main scanning direction (arrow S1 or arrow S2). Furthermore, the fabric M is recorded by repeatedly performing the main scan of the inkjet head 2 and the secondary scans used for transporting the fabric M.

[0197] The ink cartridge 12, which supplies ink to the inkjet head 2, comprises multiple independent ink cartridges. The ink cartridge 12 is detachably mounted on the carriage 9 on which the inkjet head 2 is mounted. Different types of ink can be filled into each of the multiple ink cartridges, and ink can be supplied from the ink cartridge 12 to each nozzle. It should be noted that the ink cartridge 12 can individually store non-white ink compositions, excluding white ink compositions and reaction solutions, such as black, cyan, magenta, yellow, and orange, and can also be used in any combination. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows an example of mounting the ink cartridge 12 on the carriage 9, but it is not limited to this. It can also be mounted on a location other than the carriage 9 and supplied to each nozzle through a supply pipe not shown.

[0198] The inkjet head 2 can eject ink using conventionally known methods. Here, a method is used to eject droplets by means of vibration of a piezoelectric element, that is, an ejection method in which ink droplets are formed by mechanical deformation of the piezoelectric element.

[0199] The inkjet recording apparatus 1 can have a primary heating mechanism that heats the fabric M when ink or the like is ejected from the inkjet head 2 and adheres to the fabric. The primary heating mechanism can be conductive, air-blown, or radiative. The conductive type conducts heat from a component in contact with the fabric M to the recording medium. Examples include a pressure plate heater. The air-blown type dries the ink or the like by blowing room temperature or hot air onto the recording medium. Examples include a blower. The radiative type heats the recording medium by radiating heat onto the fabric. Examples include IR radiation. Additionally, although not shown, a heater identical to the pressure plate heater 4 can be installed immediately downstream of the pressure plate heater 4 in the SS direction. These primary heating mechanisms can be used individually or in combination. For example, an IR heater 3 and a pressure plate heater 4 can be used as a primary heating mechanism. The location of the primary heating mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it is located in a position where the fabric M can be dried and heated, and it can be installed independently of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

[0200] It should be noted that when using the IR heater 3, the fabric M can be radiated by infrared radiation from the inkjet head 2 side. Therefore, although the inkjet head 2 can also be easily heated simultaneously, compared to heating from the back of the fabric M by means of a pressure plate heater 4, the temperature can be raised without being affected by the thickness of the fabric M. It should also be noted that various fans (e.g., ventilation fan 8) can be used to dry the ink or other substances on the fabric M by contacting it with hot air or air at the same temperature as the environment.

[0201] The pressure plate heater 4 heats the fabric M via the pressure plate 11 at a position opposite to the inkjet head 2. The pressure plate heater 4 is a heater capable of heating the fabric M by conduction and is used as needed in the inkjet recording method.

[0202] In addition, the inkjet recording device 1 may have a preheater 7 that preheats the fabric M before applying ink or the like to the fabric M.

[0203] It can have a post-heating mechanism that heats the fabric M after the ink adhesion step and the processing liquid adhesion step to dry and fix the ink, etc. It should be noted that the post-heating mechanism is not particularly restricted in its location as long as it is located in a position that can dry and heat the fabric M, and it can also be set independently from the inkjet recording device 1.

[0204] The heater 5 used in the post-heating mechanism is a heater for drying and curing ink and other substances adhering to the fabric M. By heating the fabric M on which the image is recorded, the heater 5 causes the moisture and other substances contained in the ink to evaporate and disperse more quickly, forming an ink film from the resin particles contained in the ink. In this way, the ink film is firmly fixed or adhered to the fabric M, exhibiting excellent film-forming properties, and enabling the acquisition of excellent high-quality images in a short time.

[0205] The inkjet recording device 1 may include a cooling fan 6. After the ink or the like recorded on the fabric M is dried, the cooling fan 6 is used to cool the ink on the fabric M, thereby forming an ink film with good adhesion on the fabric M.

[0206] Below the carriage 9 are a pressure plate 11 supporting the fabric M, a carriage moving mechanism 13 that moves the carriage 9 relative to the fabric M, and a conveying section 14 that serves as a roller for conveying the fabric M along the sub-scanning direction. The operation of the carriage moving mechanism 13 and the conveying section 14 is controlled by the control unit CONT.

[0207] 2. Example

[0208] The present invention will be further described in detail below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, "%" refers to a mass standard.

[0209] 2.1 Preparation of the reaction solution

[0210] The components were added to a container to achieve the compositions shown in Table 1. The mixture was stirred using a magnetic stirrer for 2 hours, and then filtered through a 5 μm membrane filter to obtain reaction solutions with compositions 1–6. It should be noted that ion-exchanged water was added to ensure the total mass of the composition reached 100% by mass.

[0211] Table 1

[0212]

[0213] 2.2 Preparation of White Ink Composition

[0214] The components were added to a container to achieve the composition shown in Table 2. The mixture was stirred and mixed for 2 hours using a magnetic stirrer, and then filtered through a 5 μm membrane filter to obtain the white ink compositions with compositions A through C. It should be noted that the values ​​in the table for titanium dioxide dispersion and polyurethane resin represent the amount of solids. It should also be noted that deionized water was added to ensure the total mass of the composition reached 100% by mass. Furthermore, regarding the white pigment, a pigment dispersion prepared prior to the following steps was used.

[0215] CI Pigment White 6 (specific gravity: 4.2 g / mL) was used as the pigment, and an anionic resin dispersant was used as the pigment dispersant. Specifically, a styrene-acrylic resin synthesized using 55% by mass of styrene, 20% by mass of acrylic acid, and 30% by mass of methyl methacrylate was used. For every 3 parts by mass of pigment, 1 part by mass of dispersant and 10 parts by mass of deionized water were mixed. The resulting mixture was premixed and then dispersed for 15 minutes using a bead mill disperser (Kotobukuri Kogyo Co., Ltd., UAM-015) with 0.03 mm diameter zirconia beads at a peripheral speed of 10 m / s and a liquid temperature of 30°C. Coarse particles were then separated by centrifugation using a centrifuge (Kuboyama Shoji Co., Ltd., Model-3600), thus obtaining a titanium dioxide dispersion.

[0216] Table 2

[0217]

[0218] Supplementary explanations are provided for the items recorded in Tables 1 and 2.

[0219] • TAKELAC WS-6021 (trade name, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals Polyurethanes Co., Ltd.)

[0220] • BYK-348 (product name, manufactured by BYK Corporation)

[0221] • KF-6004 (trade name, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0222] •Olfine E1010 (trade name, manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0223] Viscosity was measured using a viscoelasticity tester MCR-300 (trade name, manufactured by Pysica) at 20°C. Surface tension was measured using an automatic surface tension meter CBVP-Z (trade name, manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) at 25°C, confirming the surface tension when a platinum plate was wetted with the reaction solution or a white ink composition.

[0224] 2.3 Recording Conditions

[0225] Using the reaction solution and white ink composition prepared as described above, the printing and dyeing products of each example and comparative example were obtained under the following conditions and the conditions recorded in Tables 3 and 4.

[0226] • Printing press: SC-F2000 (manufactured by Seiko Epson) modified machine.

[0227] • Drying: The fabric with the reaction solution and white ink composition attached was dried using a conveyor belt dryer (M&R, Fusion R 36-6-4) at 180°C for 3 minutes.

[0228] • Fabric: 100% cotton, black T-shirt (Printstar), colored L ＊ Value 12.

[0229] • Adhesion conditions for the reaction liquid and white ink composition: resolution 1440×720dpi, 360 nozzles / column × 4 columns, injection rate 30ng / dot, the reaction liquid and white ink composition are adhered to the same scan area of ​​the fabric through the same master scan.

[0230] Table 3

[0231]

[0232] Table 4

[0233]

[0234] Supplementary explanations are provided for the items recorded in Tables 3 and 4.

[0235] "Total Adhesion (First Scan)" refers to the total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition that adheres to the fabric per unit area in the same scanning area through the first master scan.

[0236] "Total Adhesion (Second Shot)" refers to the total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition that adheres to the fabric per unit area in the same scanning area through the second main scan.

[0237] • "Total amount of printing surface" refers to the total amount of reaction liquid and white ink composition that adheres to the fabric per unit area through the first to the nth main scans (where n is the total number of carriage passes for the printing surface in each example) of the same scan area.

[0238] It should be noted that, regarding the injection amount, the weight of the fabric before and after printing is measured, and the difference is calculated as the injection weight.

[0239] • The viscosity of the equal-volume mixture of reaction liquid and ink is determined by dropping equal amounts of the reaction liquid and white ink composition onto the non-rotating plate in a measuring section of a Rheometer (Antonpaar, MCR302e) that includes a disc-shaped non-rotating plate and a disc-shaped rotating plate in a manner symmetrical about the center of the non-rotating plate, and measuring the liquid viscosity 10 seconds after the plate starts rotating at a shear rate of 50.

[0240] 2.4 Evaluation Methods

[0241] 2.4.1 Image Quality (Whiteness)

[0242] The L-values ​​of the dyed and printed materials obtained above were determined using a fluorescence spectrophotometer (Konica Minolta, Inc., FD-7). ＊ The whiteness value is used to determine image quality based on the following criteria. A value of C or higher is considered good.

[0243] Judgment criteria

[0244] A: L ＊ 86[-] and above

[0245] B:L ＊ 80-85[-]

[0246] C:L ＊ 75-79[-]

[0247] D:L ＊ 70-74[-]

[0248] E:L ＊ 69[-] or less

[0249] 2.4.2 Fuzzing

[0250] For the dyed and printed fabrics obtained above, the height of the fibers (fleece) flying off the fabric surface was measured using the 3D observation function of a digital microscope (Keyence, VHX-5000), and the napping was judged according to the following criteria. If it is C or above, it is judged as good. It should be noted that the average value of the nap at 10 points is taken as the "fleece height". In addition, the nap height of the fabric before dyeing and printing was measured in the same way and recorded in Tables 3 and 4.

[0251] Judgment criteria

[0252] A: Pile height is less than 200μm

[0253] B: Pile height 200μm-299μm

[0254] C: Pile height 300μm-399μm

[0255] D: Pile height 400μm-499μm

[0256] E: Pile height 500μm or higher

[0257] 2.4.3 Placement Reliability

[0258] The SC-F2000 (Seiko Epson) printer was filled with the reaction liquid and white ink composition prepared as described above. With the printhead sealed using a placement cap, it was placed for 2 days at a temperature of 40°C and a humidity of 20%. After placement, a nozzle inspection mode was performed to count the number of missing nozzles, and the placement reliability was determined according to the following criteria.

[0259] Judgment criteria

[0260] A: The number of missing nozzles after 3 intermediate cleaning cycles is 0.

[0261] B: The number of missing nozzles after 3 intermediate cleaning cycles is 1-5.

[0262] C: The number of missing nozzles after 3 intermediate cleaning cycles is 6-10.

[0263] D: The number of missing nozzles after 3 intermediate cleaning cycles is 11-15.

[0264] E: The number of missing nozzles after three intermediate cleaning cycles is 16 or more.

[0265] 2.5 Evaluation Results

[0266] The evaluation results are shown in Tables 3 and 4. The method includes a reaction liquid adhesion step that adheres the reaction liquid to a fabric and an ink adhesion step that adheres a white ink composition to the fabric to which the reaction liquid has been applied. The reaction liquid contains one or more selected from polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and organic acids as a coagulant. The white ink composition contains at least one of white pigment and resin particles. The reaction liquid adhesion step and the ink adhesion step are performed by an inkjet method, wherein the inkjet method involves multiple main scans in which the inkjet head moves in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction for recording. The reaction liquid and the white ink are applied to the fabric using the same main scan. In inkjet recording methods where the composition is adhered to the same scanning area of ​​the fabric, and the same main scan is performed multiple times on the same scanning area, the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area in the first main scan (first pass adhesion amount) and the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area in the nth main scan (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) are related as follows: each embodiment of the inkjet recording method can effectively suppress fuzzing and obtain good image quality (whiteness).

[0267] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) > (Adhesion amount in the nth stage)

[0268] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) + (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ≥ 20 mg / inch 2

[0269] In contrast, the comparative examples were all poor in at least one of fuzz suppression and image quality (whiteness).

[0270] The following content is derived based on the above implementation method.

[0271] One method of inkjet recording includes the following steps:

[0272] The reaction solution adhesion step, which allows the reaction solution to adhere to the fabric; and

[0273] The ink adhesion step involves applying the white ink composition to a fabric coated with the reaction solution.

[0274] The reaction solution contains one or more selected from polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and organic acids as a coagulant.

[0275] The white ink composition contains at least one of a white pigment and resin particles.

[0276] The reaction solution adhesion step and the ink adhesion step are performed by inkjet printing.

[0277] The inkjet method involves multiple main scans to record data by moving the inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction.

[0278] The reaction solution and the white ink composition are adhered to the same scan area of ​​the fabric by using the same master scan.

[0279] Perform the same main scan multiple times on the same scanning area.

[0280] The relationship between the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area in the same scanning area through the first main scan (first pass adhesion amount) and the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area through the nth main scan (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) (nth pass adhesion amount) is as follows.

[0281] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) > (Adhesion amount in the nth stage)

[0282] (Adhesion amount in the first stage) + (Adhesion amount in the nth stage) ≥ 20 mg / inch 2

[0283] In one aspect of the inkjet recording method described above

[0284] The first stage of adhesion can be 10 mg / inch. 2 above.

[0285] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0286] The time difference between the hit of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhering to the same scanning area through the same master scan is within 3.0 seconds.

[0287] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0288] The viscosity of the reaction solution and the white ink composition can be 5.0 mPa·s or higher.

[0289] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0290] The viscosity of the equal-volume mixture of the reaction solution and the white ink composition can be above 90 mPa·s.

[0291] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0292] The reaction solution may further contain surfactants with an HLB value of 10 or higher.

[0293] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0294] The surfactant can be an organosilicon surfactant or an alkyne surfactant.

[0295] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0296] The white ink composition may further contain an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher, accounting for more than 5.0% by mass relative to the total amount of the ink composition.

[0297] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0298] The fabric can be L ＊ Colored fabrics with a weight of 70 or less.

[0299] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0300] The fabric may be cotton or a blended fabric containing cotton.

[0301] In any of the above inkjet recording methods,

[0302] The fabric may have fluff from fibers that fly out of the fiber bundles constituting the fabric, and may include fluff with a length of more than 50 μm in the vertical direction between the surface of the fiber bundles and the apex of the fluff.

[0303] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways. For example, this invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as those described in the embodiments, such as configurations with the same function, method, and result, or configurations with the same purpose and effect. Furthermore, this invention includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. Additionally, this invention includes configurations that can achieve the same effect as those described in the embodiments, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. Furthermore, this invention includes configurations that incorporate known techniques into the configurations described in the embodiments.

Claims

1. An ink-jet recording method characterized by, It has the following steps: The reaction solution adhesion step, which allows the reaction solution to adhere to the fabric; and The ink adhesion step involves applying the white ink composition to a fabric coated with the reaction solution. The reaction solution contains one or more selected from polyvalent metal salts, cationic polymers, and organic acids as a coagulant. The white ink composition contains at least one of a white pigment and resin particles. The reaction solution adhesion step and the ink adhesion step are performed by inkjet printing. The inkjet method involves multiple main scans to record data by moving the inkjet head in a direction perpendicular to the fabric transport direction. The reaction solution and the white ink composition are adhered to the same scan area of ​​the fabric by using the same master scan. Perform the same main scan multiple times on the same scanning area. The relationship between the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area in the same scanning area during the first main scan (i.e., the first-stage adhesion amount) and the total amount of the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhered to the fabric per unit area during the nth main scan (i.e., the nth-stage adhesion amount) is as follows, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The adhesion amount in the first stage > the adhesion amount in the nth stage 1st pass pick-up + n* pass pick-up > 20 mg / inch 2 The time difference between the reaction liquid and the white ink composition adhering to the same scanning area through the same master scan is within 0.5 seconds.

2. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pass adhesion amount is 10 mg / inch 2 The above.

3. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The viscosity of the reaction solution and the white ink composition is 5.0 mPa·s or higher.

4. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The viscosity of the equal-volume mixture of the reaction solution and the white ink composition is above 90 mPa·s.

5. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction solution further contains a surfactant with an HLB value of 10 or higher.

6. The inkjet recording method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The surfactant is an organosilicon surfactant or an alkyne surfactant.

7. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The white ink composition further contains an organic solvent with a standard boiling point of 280°C or higher, accounting for 5.0% by mass or more of the total amount of the ink composition.

8. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cloth is L ＊ Colored cloth having a color value of 70 or less.

9. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fabric is cotton or a blended fabric containing cotton.

10. The inkjet recording method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fabric has fibers that fly out from the fiber bundles constituting the fabric, and the fibers comprising the surface of the fiber bundles and the apex of the fibers have a length of more than 50 μm in the vertical direction.

Images