Polymer decorative plate for digital printing

Abstract

The invention relates to a polymer decorative plate for digital printing, which comprises a substrate and an ink composition. The ink composition includes at least one colorant, at least one binder, at least one solvent, and at least one anchoring agent. The anchoring agent comprises 1-5% of organosilane and 5-15% of chlorinated polypropylene, the organosilane comprises an organic group and a silicon-based group, and the organic group improves the free energy of the surface of the base material and enhances the wettability, so that the solvent in the ink is easier to spread on the surface of the base material. Silane groups react with water to generate silanol, and the silanol and hydroxyl on the surface of the base material are condensed to form covalent bonds, so that chemical bonding is realized. A polar chlorine group is introduced into chlorinated polypropylene, organosilane and chlorinated polypropylene jointly form a cross-linked polymer network through a condensation polymerization reaction, and the water resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical strength of the cross-linked polymer network are remarkably improved, so that the adhesive force, durability and chemical resistance of a printed image are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of building decoration materials, in particular to a polymer decorative board for digital printing. Background Art

[0002] Digital printing technology has dramatically transformed the decorative panel industry, enabling high-resolution, custom designs for floors, walls, ceilings, and other architectural surfaces. Traditional decorative panels rely on lamination, direct printing, or coating techniques to achieve the desired aesthetic and durability. However, these methods often suffer from limitations such as poor adhesion, insufficient durability, and susceptibility to environmental factors such as moisture, abrasion, and chemical exposure.

[0003] A key challenge in digital printing on decorative panels is ensuring strong adhesion of the printed ink to the receiving media layer. The ink must effectively bond to the surface while maintaining vibrant colors, high resolution, and long-term durability. Traditional digital printing inks often have difficulty adhering, especially when used on non-porous or low-energy surfaces, resulting in poor print quality, smearing, or premature wear.

[0004] This problem arises for several reasons, including the low surface energy of many decorative panel substrates, which hinders effective ink adhesion. When the substrate's surface energy is low, inks struggle to spread and adhere properly, resulting in smearing, flaking, or fading over time. Furthermore, insufficient wettability and spreadability can exacerbate this issue, as traditional digital printing inks typically have a higher surface tension than the substrate, resulting in inconsistent print quality and imperfect image clarity. Another contributing factor is the lack of effective adhesion promoters in traditional ink formulations, which prevent them from effectively interacting with the substrate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a polymer decorative plate for digital printing to solve the above problems.

[0006] A polymer decorative plate for digital printing comprises a substrate and an ink composition disposed on the substrate. The ink composition comprises at least one colorant, at least one adhesive, at least one solvent, and at least one anchoring agent in an amount of 6-20% by weight. The anchoring agent comprises 1-5% of an organosilane and 5-15% of chlorinated polypropylene. The organosilane comprises an organic group and a silicon group. The organic group increases the surface free energy and wettability of the substrate, the silicon group forms a covalent bond with the substrate surface, and the chlorinated polypropylene introduces a polar chlorine group. The organosilane and the chlorinated polypropylene jointly form a cross-linked polymer network through a condensation polymerization reaction.

[0007] Furthermore, the weight percentage of the colorant is 10-40%, and the colorant provides color and hiding power, and determines the color vividness of the printed pattern.

[0008] Furthermore, the weight percentage of the adhesive is 30-50%.

[0009] Furthermore, the binder is used to fix the pigment particles in the ink composition, provide adhesion, flexibility and durability, and the binder is at least one or any combination of acrylic resin, polyurethane, nitrocellulose, polyester, polyamide, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, phenol, cellulose acetate, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyester, polyamide, and polyolefin.

[0010] Furthermore, the weight percentage of the solvent is 20-40%.

[0011] Furthermore, the solvent is used to dissolve the resin, adjust the ink viscosity, and control the drying speed and printability. The solvent is water, acetone, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, xylene, methanol, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, naphthalene, hexane, dimethyl carbonate, methyl acetate, parachlorodifluorotoluene, tert-butyl acetate, propylene carbonate, or any combination thereof.

[0012] Further, the organosilane is aminosilane, ureidosilane, aldehyde silane, tetraethyl orthosilicate, silazane, organic modified silane, organic modified silazane, chlorosilane, organic modified chlorosilane, disilane, organic disilane, silyldioxolane, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, disilane oligomer, organic modified disilane oligomer, oligomeric silane, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, oligomeric silane, oligomeric polysilane, methacryloxysilane, epoxysilane, vinylsilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethyl oxysilane, N-(6-aminohexyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylphenyldimethylsiloxane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltri(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, vinyltriphenoxysilane at least one or any combination thereof.

[0013] Furthermore, the reaction between the organosilicon and the chlorinated polypropylene is enhanced by adding a catalyst, which is an acid or a base.

[0014] Compared to the prior art, the anchoring agent for the polymer decorative panel for digital printing of the present invention combines organosilane and chlorinated polypropylene in a specific ratio of 1:1 or 1:3 to form a composite anchoring agent. Organosilane contains both organic functional groups and silane groups. The organic functional groups preferentially adsorb to the substrate surface, reducing interfacial tension and allowing the solvent in the ink to spread more easily across the substrate surface. This improves the wettability and spreadability of the ink, enhancing the durability and chemical resistance of the printed image. The silane groups react with water to form silanols, which condense with hydroxyl groups on the substrate surface to form covalent bonds, achieving chemical bonding. Chlorinated polypropylene (CP) is a product of polypropylene modified by chlorination. Some hydrogen atoms in its molecular chain are replaced by chlorine atoms, allowing the hydroxyl groups (-OH) of the organosilane to react with the chlorine atoms (-Cl) on the CPP molecular chain to form a nucleophilic substitution reaction, forming a stable Si-O-Cl covalent bond. However, a single organosilane molecule contains multiple hydroxyl groups (such as three -OH groups), which can react with chlorine atoms on multiple CPP chains, allowing multiple silane molecules to crosslink with the CPP, ultimately forming a three-dimensional network of polymers. This crosslinked polymer network significantly improves water resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, thereby greatly enhancing the adhesion, durability, and chemical resistance of printed images. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a polymer decorative panel for digital printing provided by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following is a further detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the description of the embodiments of the present invention herein is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] like Figure 1 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a polymer decorative panel for digital printing provided by the present invention. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing includes a substrate 10 and an ink composition 20 disposed on the substrate 10. It is contemplated that the polymer decorative panel for digital printing may also include other functional components, which are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be further described here.

[0018] The substrate 10 is used as the base layer of the decorative board, providing basic strength and stability, ensuring the smooth adhesion of the ink, and playing a supporting role.

[0019] The ink composition 20 includes 10-40 weight percent of at least one colorant, 30-50 weight percent of at least one binder, 20-40 weight percent of at least one solvent, and 6-20 weight percent of at least one anchoring agent.

[0020] The colorant is titanium dioxide, carbon black, phthalocyanine blue, diaryl yellow, quinacridone fuchsin, iron oxide red, chromium oxide green, ultramarine blue, alizarin umber, transparent iron oxide yellow, etc. The colorant provides color and hiding power, and determines the color vividness of the printed pattern. If the colorant content is less than 10% by weight, the ink may cause the printed color to be dull or faded due to insufficient pigment concentration. Too low a pigment content will lead to a decrease in hiding power, and the base color of the substrate may show through, requiring multiple printings to achieve the desired visual effect, thereby increasing production time and cost. Conversely, if the pigment content exceeds 40%, the increase in ink viscosity will lead to a decrease in dispersion stability, pigment aggregation, and clogging of the print nozzle, affecting the fluidity during printing, and may cause an uneven or rough printed surface.

[0021] The binder is used to fix the pigment particles in the ink composition 20, providing adhesion, flexibility and durability. The binder is at least one or a combination of acrylic resin, polyurethane, nitrocellulose, polyester, polyamide, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, phenol, cellulose acetate, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyester, polyamide, and polyolefin. If the binder content is less than 30%, it will lead to poor film forming and insufficient cohesion of the printed layer, thereby weakening the structural integrity of the ink film and its adhesion to the substrate. Under high temperature and high humidity environments, the printed layer may experience problems such as delamination, cracking, peeling or powdering. When the binder content exceeds 50%, the pigment concentration will be excessively diluted, and the excess binder may cause the ink to be too thick or rubbery, interfering with the normal spraying, drying or curing process.

[0022] The solvent is used to dissolve the resin, adjust the viscosity of the ink, and control the drying speed and printability. The solvent is water, acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, xylene, methanol, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, naphthalene, hexane, dimethyl carbonate, methyl acetate, parachlorodifluorotoluene, tert-butyl acetate, propylene carbonate or any combination. If the solvent content is less than 20%, the ink viscosity is too high, it will be difficult to apply ink through digital printing, and it may cause nozzle clogging or uneven deposition. Insufficient solvent will also affect wettability and fluidity, resulting in reduced printing clarity and flatness. If the solvent content exceeds 40%, it may cause excessive wetting of the substrate, causing problems such as blurring, bleeding and prolonged drying time. In addition, excessive solvent will increase the risk of pigment migration.

[0023] The anchoring agent includes 1-5% of organosilane and 5-15% of chlorinated polypropylene (CPP).

[0024] The general formula of organosilane is RSiX3, where R represents an organic functional group (such as hydroxyl -OH and amino -NH2, etc.), which increases the surface energy of the substrate, enhances the surface wettability, and promotes the uniform spreading of the ink. X is a hydrolyzable group, Si is a silicon group, and the silicon group and the hydrolyzable group form a silyl group SiX3. The silyl group SiX is a structural unit composed of a silicon atom and three hydrolyzable groups. Through the hydrolysis process, silanol (-Si-OH) is generated, which then forms a stable covalent bond with the inorganic material to achieve chemical bonding. It can thus chemically bond with organic and inorganic surfaces, improving the wettability, spreadability and mechanical interlocking properties of the ink. At the same time, chlorinated polypropylene (CPP) enhances adhesion by introducing polar chlorine groups, thereby improving the compatibility between the ink and the receiving medium layer. These two types of components jointly form a cross-linked polymer network through condensation polymerization, which greatly improves the adhesion, durability and chemical resistance of the printed image. Due to the high surface free energy, the anchoring agent can improve the adhesion of the composition to the substrate.

[0025] Specifically, the organic functional groups in organosilanes can significantly increase the free energy of the substrate surface. When the ink is applied, the polar groups such as hydroxyl (-OH) and amino (-NH2) of the organosilanes significantly increase the surface energy of the substrate through hydrogen bonding, thereby enhancing the surface wettability (reducing the contact angle) and promoting the uniform spreading of the ink.

[0026] The hydrolyzed group (X) in the organosilane reacts with water to form a silanol (-Si-OH). The silanol condenses with the hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the substrate surface to form a covalent bond, thereby forming a stable interface and achieving chemical bonding. Hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the substrate surface can be oxidized or plasma treated to generate surface hydroxyl groups (-OH), which is known in the art and will not be further described here.

[0027] Chlorinated polypropylene (CPP) is a chlorinated product of polypropylene (PP). Some hydrogen atoms in its molecular chain are replaced by chlorine atoms (-Cl). The higher the degree of chlorination, the stronger the polarity. By introducing polar chlorine groups, CPP improves compatibility with non-polar or weakly polar ink resins, enhancing adhesion and improving compatibility between ink and substrate.

[0028] Chlorinated polypropylene (CP) and organosilanes also exhibit a synergistic reaction. Organosilanes and CP form a cross-linked polymer network through condensation polymerization. During this process, chlorine atoms (-Cl) are introduced into CP through chlorination. These chlorine atoms (-Cl) serve as electrophilic sites, making them susceptible to nucleophilic attack by hydroxyl groups (-OH). This results in nucleophilic substitution between the hydroxyl groups (-OH) of the organosilanes and the chlorine atoms (-Cl) on the CPP molecular chain, forming stable Si-O-Cl covalent bonds. After the reaction, the organosilanes are covalently linked to the CP backbone of the CPP, forming a molecular bridge. However, since a single organosilane molecule contains multiple hydroxyl groups (e.g., three -OH groups), they can react with chlorine atoms on multiple CPP chains, allowing multiple silane molecules to cross-link with the CPP, ultimately forming a three-dimensional polymer network. This cross-linked polymer network significantly improves water resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, thereby significantly enhancing the adhesion, durability, and chemical resistance of printed images. The reaction between organosilanes and CP can be enhanced by adding catalysts (such as acids or bases), which promote the formation of covalent bonds between the two components.

[0029] Anchoring agents containing organosilane and chlorinated polypropylene at a content below 6% can significantly weaken the ink's adhesion to the substrate. Poor wettability and insufficient chemical bonding can lead to delamination of the printed layer. Anchoring agent content exceeding 20% ​​can disrupt the formulation's balance, resulting in uneven pigment dispersion, phase separation, or excessive surface energy. This can affect print resolution, cause the ink to spread beyond the intended range, and even cause the ink layer to become brittle or crack. A preferred ratio of 1:1 or 1:3 between organosilane and chlorinated polypropylene in the anchoring agent exhibits excellent adhesion and water resistance.

[0030] The organosilane is aminosilane, ureidosilane, aldehyde silane, tetraethyl orthosilicate, silazane, organic modified silane, organic modified silazane, chlorosilane, organic modified chlorosilane, disilane, organic disilane, silyldioxolane, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, disilane oligomer, organic modified disilane oligomer, oligomeric silane, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, oligomeric silane, oligomeric polysilane, methacryloxysilane, epoxysilane, vinylsilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxy Silane, N-(6-aminohexyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylphenyldimethylsiloxane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltri(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, vinyltriphenoxysilane at least one or any combination thereof.

[0031] The substrate 10 is a thermoplastic or thermoplastic mineral-based sheet material, including but not limited to PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PETg (glycol-modified PET), modified PET, and modified PP. Such sheets typically include a thermoplastic substrate and its derivatives, as well as a composite material of a thermoplastic resin and an inorganic mineral filler (such as calcium carbonate, silica, or aluminum oxide). At the same time, in order to increase the enhanced interfacial adhesion, at least one surface modifier is provided on the surface of the plate, and the surface modifier is aminosilane, urea silane, aldehyde silane, tetraethyl orthosilicate, silazane, organic modified silane, organic modified silazane, chlorosilane, organic modified chlorosilane, disilane, organic disilane, silyl dioxolane, polysilyl dioxolane, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl methyl dimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane, N-(6-aminohexyl) aminopropyl trimethoxysilane, 3 -Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylphenyldimethylsiloxane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltri(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, vinyltriphenoxysilane, any one or any combination thereof.

[0032] Compared to the prior art, the anchoring agent for the polymer decorative panel for digital printing of the present invention combines organosilane and chlorinated polypropylene in a specific ratio of 1:1 or 1:3 to form a composite anchoring agent. Organosilane contains both organic functional groups and silane groups. The organic functional groups preferentially adsorb to the substrate surface, reducing interfacial tension and allowing the solvent in the ink to spread more easily across the substrate surface. This improves the wettability and spreadability of the ink, enhancing the durability and chemical resistance of the printed image. The silane groups react with water to form silanols, which condense with hydroxyl groups on the substrate surface to form covalent bonds, achieving chemical bonding. Chlorinated polypropylene (CP) is a product of polypropylene modified by chlorination. Some hydrogen atoms in its molecular chain are replaced by chlorine atoms, allowing the hydroxyl groups (-OH) of the organosilane to react with the chlorine atoms (-Cl) on the CPP molecular chain to form a nucleophilic substitution reaction, forming a stable Si-O-Cl covalent bond. However, a single organosilane molecule contains multiple hydroxyl groups (such as three -OH groups), which can react with chlorine atoms on multiple CPP chains, allowing multiple silane molecules to crosslink with the CPP, ultimately forming a three-dimensional network of polymers. This crosslinked polymer network significantly improves water resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, thereby greatly enhancing the adhesion, durability, and chemical resistance of printed images.

[0033] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements or improvements within the spirit of the present invention are included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A polymer decorative panel for digital printing, characterized by: The polymer decorative plate for digital printing includes a substrate and an ink composition disposed on the substrate. The ink composition includes at least one colorant, at least one adhesive, at least one solvent, and at least one anchoring agent with a weight percentage of 6-20%. The anchoring agent includes 1-5% of an organosilane and 5-15% of chlorinated polypropylene. The organosilane includes an organic group and a silicon group. The organic group increases the surface free energy and wettability of the substrate, the silicon group forms a covalent bond with the surface of the substrate, and the chlorinated polypropylene introduces a polar chlorine group. The organosilane and the chlorinated polypropylene jointly form a cross-linked polymer network through a condensation polymerization reaction.

2. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing according to claim 1, wherein: The weight percentage of the colorant is 10-40%, and the colorant provides color and hiding power, and determines the color vividness of the printed pattern.

3. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing according to claim 1, wherein: The weight percentage of the binder is 30-50%.

4. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing according to claim 1, wherein: The binder is used to fix the pigment particles in the ink composition and provide adhesion, flexibility and durability. The binder is at least one or any combination of acrylic resin, polyurethane, nitrocellulose, polyester, polyamide, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, phenol, cellulose acetate, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyester, polyamide, and polyolefin.

5. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing according to claim 1, wherein: The weight percentage of the solvent is 20-40%.

6. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing according to claim 1, wherein: The solvent is used to dissolve the resin, adjust the ink viscosity, and control the drying speed and printability. The solvent is water, acetone, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, xylene, methanol, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, naphthalene, hexane, dimethyl carbonate, methyl acetate, parachlorodifluorotoluene, tert-butyl acetate, propylene carbonate, or any combination thereof.

7. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing according to claim 1, wherein: The organosilane is aminosilane, ureidosilane, aldehyde silane, tetraethyl orthosilicate, silazane, organic modified silane, organic modified silazane, chlorosilane, organic modified chlorosilane, disilane, organic disilane, silyldioxolane, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, disilane oligomer, organic modified disilane oligomer, oligomeric silane, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, silane oligomer, organic modified silane oligomer, oligomeric silane, oligomeric polysilane, methacryloxysilane, epoxysilane, vinylsilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxy Silane, N-(6-aminohexyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropylphenyldimethylsiloxane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, 2,3-epoxypropyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltri(2-methoxyethoxy)silane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, vinyltriphenoxysilane at least one or any combination thereof.

8. The polymer decorative panel for digital printing according to claim 1, wherein: The reaction between silicone and chlorinated polypropylene is enhanced by the addition of a catalyst, which is either an acid or a base.

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