Manufacturing method of imitation jewel and craft work of art having heat change property

Abstract

To provide a method of easily manufacturing an imitation jewel and a craft work of art having a heat change property and having beautiful appearance at all times, by using a reversible temperature-indicating pigment.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of an imitation jewel and a craft work of art having a heat change property includes: a resin blending step of blending powdered reversible temperature-indicating pigment with a liquid transparent resin to obtain a blended liquid color resin having a heat change property; a manufacturing step of shaping and curing the liquid color resin having the heat change property into a three-dimensional object; a manufacturing step of coating the three-dimensional object with glossy material; and a manufacturing step of laminating a coating layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for making imitation jewelry and art objects. [Background technology]

[0002] To achieve thermochromism, which changes color with heat, liquid crystals or leuco dyes are used. Liquid crystals are good at specifying the heat range at which they change color, but they are difficult to handle, while leuco dyes have the ability to switch between colored and colorless, allowing for fine adjustment of color, but they are inferior in color development compared to regular pigments. The method for manufacturing jewel-like beautiful objects using reversible thermochromic pigments made with leuco dyes has not been made public.

[0003] The technology in Patent Document 1 is used in the manufacture of many imitation gemstones. The method for manufacturing synthetic resin plates that replicate the brilliance of natural shells is simple and beautiful. However, since it is not expected that a single item will change color, applying it to the manufacture of items that change color with heat requires elements that make each color appear vivid and beautiful, and this was insufficient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 59-25480 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional imitation gemstone manufacturing techniques are not compatible with the color change that occurs using reversible thermochromic pigments, and as a result, the color becomes unclear or cloudy during and after the change, impairing the beauty of the product.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a method for easily producing thermo-changeable imitation jewels and art objects that are beautiful at any moment using a reversible thermochromic pigment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention is a method for producing thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and art objects, comprising the steps of: a resin blending step of blending a powdered reversible thermochromic pigment with a liquid transparent resin to produce a blended liquid thermo-changeable color resin; a manufacturing step of molding and curing the liquid thermo-changeable color resin to form a three-dimensional object; a manufacturing step of applying a glossy material to the three-dimensional object; and a manufacturing step of layering a coating layer.

[0008] (2) The present invention also provides a method for producing a thermo-changeable art product as described in (1) above, characterized in that in the process of compounding the liquid thermo-changeable color resin, the liquid transparent resin is an acrylic photocurable resin, the blending ratio of the powdered reversible thermochromic pigment in the whole is 0.1% or more and 2.0% or less by weight, and the material used in the manufacturing process of applying a glossy material to the three-dimensional object is a polarized paint with a pearlescent luster and translucency of 15% or more and 90% or less.

[0009] (3) The present invention is also a method for producing a thermo-changeable art product as described in (1) or (2), characterized in that in the process of compounding the liquid thermo-changeable color resin, the powdered reversible thermochromic pigment exhibits blue at temperatures below 20°C and pink at temperatures above 30°C, and the material used in the manufacturing process of applying a glossy material to the three-dimensional object is a nitrocellulose lacquer paint or synthetic resin paint that exhibits a light blue polarized color on dark colors and a pink polarized color on light colors. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a method can be provided for easily producing beautiful thermo-changeable imitation jewels and art objects at any moment using a reversible thermochromic pigment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a thermo-changeable imitation jewel and art object according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a schematic diagram of a dish-shaped mold into which liquid thermo-changeable color resin is poured in process S2 of manufacturing thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and art objects. (A) shows the frame and re-peelable tape used in manufacturing thermo-changeable art objects, and (B) is the mold used in manufacturing thermo-changeable imitation gemstones. [Figure 3] Schematic diagrams showing cross sections, where (C) shows the manufacturing process at S4, and (D) shows the final shape at S4. [Figure 4] 6 is a photograph of the same thermo-changeable art object as in FIG. 5, produced by the production method of the present invention, taken at a temperature of 20° C. or less. [Figure 5] 5 is a photograph of the same heat-changeable art object as in FIG. 4, produced by the production method of the present invention, at a temperature of 30° C. or higher. [Figure 6] 1 is a table showing the composition and physical properties of thermo-changeable color resins in Examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a thermo-changeable imitation jewel and an art object according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First, a manufacturing method for thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and art objects will be described using Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method for thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and art objects. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a dish-shaped mold into which liquid thermo-changeable color resin is poured in step S2 of the manufacturing process for thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and art objects. (A) shows the frame and removable tape used in manufacturing the thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and art objects, and (B) shows the mold used in manufacturing the thermo-changeable imitation gemstones. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section. (C) shows the manufacturing process in step S4, and (D) shows the final shape in step S4. Figure 4 is a photograph of the same thermo-changeable art object as Figure 5 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention at temperatures below 20°C. Figure 5 is a photograph of the same thermo-changeable art object as Figure 4 manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention at temperatures above 30°C. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the composition and physical properties of the thermo-changeable color resin in the examples.

[0014] The manufacturing method for thermochromic imitation gemstones and art objects shown in Figure 1 is a method for producing thermochromic imitation gemstones and art objects whose color changes with heat in the final manufacturing stage. This manufacturing method includes a thermochromic color resin blending step S1, a manufacturing step S2 in which the thermochromic color resin blended in S1 is made into a three-dimensional object, a manufacturing step S3 in which a glossy material is applied, and a coating step S4.

[0015] The color resin blending step S1 is a step in which a powdered reversible thermochromic pigment is blended with a liquid transparent resin to produce a blended thermochromic color resin.

[0016] Thermochromic color resins are materials that change color with heat. They are manufactured by blending powdered reversible thermochromic pigments with uncured liquid transparent resin. The preferred blend ratio is 0.1% to 2.0% by weight of powdered reversible thermochromic pigment relative to the liquid transparent resin, with 1% being the most preferable. Because reversible thermochromic pigments have poorer color development than standard pigments, they require a concentration that clearly displays color changes due to heat while also easily expressing shades. They also require a smooth, optimal viscosity for manufacturing, while minimizing the roughness and air bubbles caused by powders, allowing for the creation of concave three-dimensional objects. To achieve gradations, the color development is adjusted by appropriately mixing the pre-mixed thermochromic color resin with the liquid transparent resin or white colorant used in the blend. An acrylic photocurable resin is preferred for the liquid transparent resin. Powdered reversible thermochromic pigments that change color between 20°C and 30°C are preferred in that they reflect body and air temperature when processed into jewelry, and those that show blue below 20°C and pink above 30°C are most preferred in terms of compatibility with polarized paints and unexpectedness.

[0017] In the manufacturing process S2 using thermo-changeable color resin, the thermo-changeable color resin prepared in S1 is hardened to produce a three-dimensional object that will serve as the base for the imitation gemstone. The three-dimensional object is preferably concave. As shown in Figure 2, the thermo-changeable color resin is poured into a dish-shaped frame (A) or mold (B) to create a concave shape, and then irradiated with ultraviolet light. Irradiation is preferably performed using a 405nm UV-LED light for between four and six minutes, and re-irradiation from the back after irradiation is also possible. When irradiating with a 365nm UV light, the irradiation time should be extended until the resin solidifies, approximately two minutes or more depending on the wattage and thickness.

[0018] When manufacturing thermoplastic art objects, imitation gemstones are glued into a frame. This eliminates the need to set the imitation gemstones in a mounting, shortening manufacturing time. A frame with a non-removable resin and removable tape is prepared, as shown in Figure 2(A). It is preferable to use a metal frame with high thermal conductivity, and attach masking tape or silicone tape to create a dish-like base.

[0019] When producing thermally-transformable imitation gemstones, they are produced using a removable mold made of silicon or other material that can reproduce the same conditions as the dish-shaped mold used to produce the art and craft item, as shown in Figure 2(B).

[0020] To create a three-dimensional object, the color resin prepared in manufacturing process S1 is poured into the mold mentioned above and allowed to harden. As shown in Figure 3, the viscosity of the liquid thermoplastic color resin is utilized to form a three-dimensional object by gently tilting the frame in a 360° direction or tracing the inside of the frame with a thin rod to adhere the thermoplastic color resin to the periphery of the frame, preferably forming a concave shape with a recess in the center. If the thickness of the irradiated area is 3 mm or more, the resin is cured in several steps.

[0021] The manufacturing process S3 of applying a glossy material is a manufacturing process that imparts a shine to the three-dimensional object in S2. The glossy material is preferably a pearlescent paint, more preferably a polarized paint that has pearlescent luster and translucency with a transmittance of 15% to 90%, and most preferably a pearlescent paint that shows a light blue color on dark colors and a pink polarized color on light colors when using a reversible thermochromic pigment that shows blue at temperatures below 20°C and pink at temperatures above 30°C.

[0022] Reversible thermochromic pigments are pigments made by combining leuco dyes and color developers, while polarized paints are paints whose apparent color changes depending on the refraction of light. As a result, both have limited color variations. Depending on the color and concentration used, the color may not appear to change even after thermal transformation, or the color may become cloudy and lose its beauty after thermal transformation. In order to achieve beautiful and clear color changes at any moment, it is essential to constantly optimize the concentration and the color change before, during, and after the color change in order to produce color-changing imitation gemstones.

[0023] It is possible to add materials that turn colorless or colored under ultraviolet light, phosphorescent materials, and glossy materials of different particle sizes to thermoplastic color resins and glossy materials as long as the quality is not compromised. By "without compromising quality," we mean the range where there is no hardening failure, no loss of beauty due to color development, bubbles, roughness, etc., and no visible color change.

[0024] The coating manufacturing process S4 involves layering transparent layers to add visual effect, texture, and strength. The coating is performed using a transparent material, and the liquid transparent resin used in the color resin mixing process S1 can be used. If liquid transparent resin is used, the liquid transparent resin is cured using the same procedure as S2 to the same thickness as the product in S3, as shown in Figure 3(C), and then cured to form an approximately spherical shape using the same liquid transparent resin as in Figure 3(C) S4, as shown in Figure 3(D). This process is divided into several steps to avoid wrinkles and air bubbles due to insufficient curing or shrinkage. If the product is to be cured beautifully in one step, the Figure 3(C) process can be omitted and the shape of Figure 3(D) S4 can be produced in one go.

[0025] In the final step of the manufacturing process S4, where a coating is applied, it is preferable to apply a coating agent to the surface to add texture and strength. The texture should preferably be one that gives a deep gloss or a milky white matte texture like frosted glass, and it is preferable to use one that increases strength to prevent fine scratches.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, by going through the steps of S1, where the thermo-changeable color resin is mixed, S2, where the thermo-changeable color resin is made into a three-dimensional object, S3, where a glossy material is applied, and S4, where a coating layer is layered, it is possible to easily produce thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and artistic crafts that are beautiful at any moment using reversible thermochromic pigments. [Example]

[0027] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Note that "%" in the examples and comparative examples indicates the weight % of the liquid (liquid) in the case of resins, and the weight % of the powder (solid) in the case of reversible thermochromic pigments.

[0028] 0.01g of a reversible thermochromic pigment that shows blue at temperatures below 19°C and pink at temperatures above 30°C was mixed with 10g of a liquid transparent light-curing acrylic resin to obtain a 0.1% by weight thermochromic color resin. [Example]

[0029] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.5 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, adjusting the amount to 0.05 wt %. [Example]

[0030] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.1 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, adjusting the amount to 1% by weight. [Example]

[0031] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.15 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, making the weight 1.5%. [Example]

[0032] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.2 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, adjusting the amount to 2 wt %. [Example]

[0033] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.25 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, making the amount 2.5 wt %. [Example]

[0034] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.3 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, adjusting the amount to 3 wt %. [Example]

[0035] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.35 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, making the amount 3.5 wt %. [Example]

[0036] A thermo-changeable color resin was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the amount of reversible thermochromic pigment was changed to 0.4 g per 10 g of liquid transparent resin, adjusting the amount to 4% by weight.

[0037] (hardening) 0.3 g of the heat-changeable color resin obtained in the example was poured into a 12 mm diameter circular silicone dish mold, heated from above with an embossing heater until the temperature reached 30°C or higher, and then irradiated with a 405 nm UV-LED light for 4 minutes, and the occurrence of uncured areas and the occurrence of bubbles after irradiation was observed. Evaluation was made on a 4-point scale, with ○ or higher being considered to be no problem for practical use. ◎: No bubbles were observed and the coating was completely and beautifully hardened. ○: There are 3 or less small bubbles, but the film is hardened. △: There are four or more fine bubbles and small bubbles, but the product has hardened (problems in practical use). ×: Fine bubbles and countless small bubbles are present, but the composition has hardened (problems in practical use).

[0038] (concentration) 0.3 g of the thermo-changeable color resin obtained in the example and the thermo-changeable color resin with half the weight percentage of liquid transparent resin were poured into a 12 mm diameter circular silicone dish mold, heated from above with an embossing heater until the temperature reached 30°C or higher, and then irradiated with a 405 nm UV-LED light for 4 minutes, and observed for clear color development and ease of adjusting the shade. Evaluation was made on a 4-point scale, with ○ or higher being considered no problem for practical use. ⊚: Clear color development and ease of adjusting the shade are fully achieved. ○: Color is developed and the shade can be adjusted. △: It is difficult to obtain clear color or adjust the shade (problems in practical use). ×: No clear color development or adjustment of the shade was observed (problems in practical use).

[0039] (Saturation) 0.3 g of the thermo-changeable color resin obtained in the example was poured into a 12 mm diameter circular silicone dish mold, heated from above with an emboss heater until the temperature reached 30°C or higher, and then irradiated with a 405 nm UV-LED light for 4 minutes, and the saturation was observed. Evaluation was made on a 4-point scale, with ○ or higher being considered to be no problem for practical use. ◎: Although it is inferior to regular pigments, it has a color that gives the impression of the transparency of resin. ○: It is not a color that gives a sense of transparency, but it can be used as a material. △: The color is dull and the saturation is low (problems in practical use). ×: Very cloudy and appears to be of low quality (problems in practical use).

[0040] (viscosity) 0.3 g of the heat-changeable color resin obtained in the example was poured into a 12 mm diameter circular silicone dish mold, and while heating from above with an embossing heater until the temperature reached 30°C or higher, the flow rate when tilted and the amount of adhesion to the silicone mold edge were observed. Evaluation was made on a 4-point scale, with ○ or higher being considered to be no problem for practical use. ◎: The appropriate amount of thermo-changeable color resin can be easily attached to the silicone mold edge both before and after heating. ◯: An appropriate amount of thermo-changeable color resin can be easily attached to the silicone mold edge either before or after heating. △: The thermo-changeable color resin can be attached to the edge of the silicone mold either before or after heating (problems in practical use). ×: The flow is too fast or too slow, making it difficult to adhere the thermo-changeable color resin to the edge of the silicone mold (problems in practical use).

[0041] (texture) 0.3 g of the thermo-changeable color resin obtained in the example was poured into a 12 mm diameter circular silicone dish mold, heated from above with an embossing heater until the temperature reached 30°C or higher, and then irradiated with a 405 nm UV-LED light for 4 minutes, and the texture was observed. Evaluation was made on a 4-point scale, with ○ or higher being considered to be no problem for practical use. ◎: Smooth and you can feel the transparency of the resin. ○: Smooth. △: No feeling of smoothness (problem in practical use). ×: Roughness is felt (problems in practical use).

[0042] (bubbles) 0.3 g of the thermo-changeable color resin obtained in the example was poured into a 12 mm diameter circular silicone dish mold, heated from above with an embossing heater until the temperature reached 30°C or higher, and then irradiated with a 405 nm UV-LED light for 4 minutes, and the occurrence of bubbles on the surface was observed. Evaluation was made on a 4-point scale, with ○ or higher being considered to be no problem for practical use. ◎: No bubbles are generated on the surface. ○: Bubbles are generated on the surface, but are removed by heating. △: Bubbles appear on the surface and cloudiness remains after curing (problems in practical use). ×: The surface was white and foamy, and many bubbles remained even after curing (problems in practical use).

[0043] As is clear from the results in FIG. 6, the thermo-changeable color resins obtained in Examples 1 to 9 are excellent in all respects, including curing, concentration, saturation, viscosity, texture, and bubbles.

[0044] With this formulation and process, beautiful thermo-changeable imitation gemstones and art objects can be easily produced at any time using reversible thermochromic pigments.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit and technical concept of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] The thermoplastic imitation gemstones and art objects of the present invention can be used in the same way as other imitation gemstones, and can be used in a similar way to gemstones. Specifically, they can be used not only as manufactured ornaments such as rings and pendants, but also as parts of other art objects, crafts, and other items with a variety of aesthetic elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] a Auxiliary line showing the thickness of the manufacturing process (C) in step S4

Claims

1. a resin blending step of blending a powdered reversible thermochromic pigment with a liquid transparent resin to obtain a blended liquid thermochromic color resin; a manufacturing step of molding and curing the liquid thermoplastic color resin into a three-dimensional object; a manufacturing step of applying a glossy material to the three-dimensional object; and a manufacturing process of overlaying a coating layer. A method for producing thermo-transformable imitation gemstones and art objects.

2. In the liquid thermosetting color resin compounding step, the liquid transparent resin is an acrylic photocurable resin, and the blending ratio of the powdered reversible thermochromic pigment in the entire composition is 0.1% or more and 2.0% or less by weight; The material used in the manufacturing process of applying a glossy material to the three-dimensional object is a polarized paint having pearlescent luster and translucency with a transmittance of 15% to 90%.

2. A method for producing the thermo-changeable imitation jewels and art objects according to claim 1.

3. In the compounding step of the liquid thermochromic color resin, the powdered reversible thermochromic pigment exhibits blue color at temperatures below 20°C and pink color at temperatures above 30°C, The material used in the manufacturing process of applying a glossy material to the three-dimensional object is a nitrocellulose lacquer paint or a synthetic resin paint that shows a light blue polarized color on dark colors and a pink polarized color on light colors.

2. A method for producing the thermo-changeable imitation jewels and art objects according to claim 1.

Images