Method for manufacturing a transfer medium and method for recording a transfer

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a transfer medium that can suitably produce a transfer medium that is less prone to ink dripping during transport, less prone to problems such as blurring and insufficient color development in the image formed by transferring it to the transfer medium, and can suitably transfer images to the transfer medium. [Solution] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a transfer medium, comprising a first layer formation step of forming a first layer by attaching an image-forming ink to a transfer sheet, and a second layer formation step of forming a second layer by attaching an adhesive ink so as to overlap the first layer, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a base material and an ink-receiving layer containing a resin, the thickness of the ink-receiving layer is 7 μm or more, and the total amount of the image-forming ink and the adhesive ink attached per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 110 g / m². 2 That's all.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a transfer medium and a method for recording a transfer. [Background technology]

[0002] A transfer printing method is known in which an image formed on a transfer medium is placed on a transfer medium such as cloth, and the image is transferred to the transfer medium by heating and pressing it. Patent Document 1 describes a transfer printing method as described above, in which a transfer sheet is used as the transfer medium, which is manufactured by first ejecting an aqueous ink containing resin A and resin B having a glass transition temperature 80°C or higher than that of resin A onto a release support using an inkjet method to form an image, and then ejecting an aqueous adhesive liquid using an inkjet method so as to at least partially overlap the image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-17827 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, using this method presented problems such as ink dripping during transport of the transfer medium and blurring of the image transferred to the transfer medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and can be realized in the following application examples.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a transfer medium according to an application example of the present invention includes a first layer formation step of forming a first layer by attaching an image-forming ink to a transfer sheet, A second layer forming step of forming a second layer by adhering an adhesive ink so as to overlap with the first layer, The transfer sheet has a base material and an ink receiving layer containing a resin. The thickness of the ink receiving layer is 7 μm or more. The total adhesion amount of the image forming ink and the adhesive ink per unit area of the transfer sheet is 110 g / m 2 or more.

[0007] The transfer recording method according to an application example of the present invention thermally transfers the ink receiving layer, the first layer, and the second layer of the transfer medium manufactured using the manufacturing method of the transfer medium according to the application example of the present invention to a transfer target medium.

[0008] Another transfer recording method according to an application example of the present invention includes a first layer forming step of forming a first layer by adhering an image forming ink to a transfer sheet having a base material, a resin, and an ink receiving layer containing inorganic oxide particles having a maximum particle diameter of 5 μm or more, A second layer forming step of forming a second layer by adhering an adhesive ink so as to overlap with the first layer, A drying step of heating the transfer sheet on which the first layer and the second layer are formed to 100° C. or higher and drying it, A thermal transfer step of thermally transferring the ink receiving layer, the first layer, and the second layer of the transfer medium obtained through a series of steps including the first layer forming step to the transfer target medium, The ink receiving layer contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an acrylic resin, a vinyl acetate resin, and a urethane resin as the resin. The thickness of the ink receiving layer is 7 μm or more. In the first layer forming step, color ink and white ink are used as the image forming ink. On at least a part of the transfer sheet, the white ink is adhered so as to overlap the color ink. The adhesion amount of the image forming ink per unit area of the transfer sheet is 30 g / m 2 or more and 200 g / m2 The following: The amount of adhesive ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 30 g / m². 2 More than 500g / m 2 The following: The total amount of the image-forming ink and adhesive ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 110 g / m². 2 That's all. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a process diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing the transfer medium of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a process diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the transfer recording method of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a table showing the composition of the image-forming inks for preparation examples A1 and A2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a table showing the composition of the adhesive inks for preparation examples B1 to B5. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a table summarizing the manufacturing conditions for the transfer media and products for Examples 1 to 9. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a table summarizing the manufacturing conditions for the transfer media and products for Examples 10 to 18. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a table summarizing the manufacturing conditions for the transfer media and products for Examples 19 and 20 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a table summarizing the evaluation results of Examples 1 to 9. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a table summarizing the evaluation results for Examples 10 to 18. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a table summarizing the evaluation results for Examples 19 and 20 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. [1] Method for manufacturing a transfer medium First, the method for producing the transfer medium of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a process diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing the transfer medium of the present invention.

[0011] The manufacturing method for the transfer medium 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first layer formation step (1a) in which an image-forming ink 2' is attached to a transfer sheet 1 to form a first layer 2, and a second layer formation step (1b) in which an adhesive ink 3' is attached so as to overlap with the first layer 2 to form a second layer 3. The transfer sheet 1 comprises a base material 11 and an ink-receiving layer 12 containing resin. The thickness of the ink-receiving layer 12 is 7 μm or more, and the total amount of image-forming ink 2' and adhesive ink 3' attached per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet 1 is 110 g / m². 2 This concludes the explanation. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a transfer medium that can suitably produce a transfer medium in which ink dripping is less likely to occur during transport, problems such as blurring and insufficient color development in the image formed by transferring to the transfer medium are less likely to occur, and images can be suitably transferred to the transfer medium. Furthermore, cracking of the coating film when drying the first layer 2 and the second layer 3 can be effectively prevented. In addition, when a cloth is used as the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later, it is possible to effectively prevent the whitening phenomenon from occurring after washing the produced recording 100.

[0012] Conversely, if the above conditions are not met, satisfactory results cannot be obtained. For example, if the ink-receiving layer of a transfer sheet is too thin, ink dripping is more likely to occur when the transfer sheet is transported, which can lead to problems such as blurring in the image formed when the transfer is made onto the transfer medium. Furthermore, if the total amount of image-forming ink and adhesive ink adhering to the transfer sheet per unit area is too small, problems may arise such as insufficient color development of the image formed by transferring it to the transfer medium, or a decrease in the transferability of the image to the transfer medium.

[0013] In addition, for example, when the ink receiving layer contains inorganic oxide particles as described later and the particle size of the inorganic oxide particles is relatively large, or when there is variation in the thickness of the ink receiving layer, it is sufficient if the thickness (maximum thickness) at the site where the thickness of the ink receiving layer is maximum satisfies the above-described conditions. Also, in this specification, the total adhesion amount of the image-forming ink and the adhesion ink to the transfer sheet per unit area refers to the total adhesion amount at the site where the total adhesion amount of the image-forming ink and the adhesion ink is maximum on the transfer sheet. When obtaining the total adhesion amount, the total adhesion amount (mass) in a minute region of the transfer sheet, for example, a region of 1 mm × 1 mm, is obtained, and from this value, the value converted to the adhesion amount per 1 m 2 (unit: g / m 2 ) can be obtained. Also, in calculating the total adhesion amount, the mass of each ink ejected is used, rather than the mass after drying. Also, the adhesion amount of the image-forming ink per unit area and the adhesion amount of the adhesion ink per unit area, which will be described later, can be obtained in the same manner.

[0014] [1-1] First layer formation step In the first layer formation step, the image-forming ink 2' is adhered to the transfer sheet 1 to form the first layer 2 (1a).

[0015] [1-1-1] Transfer sheet The transfer sheet 1 has a base material 11 and an ink receiving layer 12 containing a resin. The image-forming ink 2' is applied to the ink receiving layer 12 of the transfer sheet 1.

[0016] [1-1-1-1] Base material The base material 11 has a function of supporting the ink receiving layer 12. Examples of the constituent material of the base material 11 include paper, plastic materials, metal materials, and the like.

[0017] Examples of plastic materials constituting the base material 11 include polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polyolefins such as polypropylene. Among these, polyethylene terephthalate is preferred as the constituent material of the base material 11. This makes the flexibility of the base material 11 more appropriate and improves the ease of handling of the base material 11. Furthermore, in the transfer recording method described later, the release properties between the ink receiving layer 12 in the areas where the first layer 2 and the second layer 3 are formed and the base material 11 can be improved, and the ink receiving layer 12 in the corresponding areas, along with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, can be more suitably transferred to the transfer medium 5.

[0018] The base material 11 may be in any shape, but it is preferably in the form of a sheet. When the base material 11 is in sheet form, the thickness of the base material 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30 μm or more and 500 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 300 μm or less, and even more preferably 70 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0019] [1-1-1-2] Ink receiving layer The ink-receiving layer 12 is the area to which the image-forming ink 2' is applied, and is a layer that receives the applied ink. Furthermore, in the transfer recording method described later, the ink-receiving layer 12 in the area where the first layer 2 and the second layer 3 are formed is transferred to the transfer medium 5 together with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3.

[0020] The ink receiving layer 12 is made of a material containing resin. Examples of resins that make up the ink receiving layer 12 include acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, urethane resin, polyester resin, etc., and one or more of these can be selected and used in combination. In particular, it is preferable that the resin making up the ink receiving layer 12 is at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, and urethane resin. This allows the ink receiving layer 12 to hold ink more effectively, and problems such as ink dripping and image blurring are less likely to occur. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0021] The resin content in the ink receiving layer 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less. This allows the ink receiving layer 12 to hold ink more effectively, further reducing problems such as ink dripping and image blurring. Furthermore, it is possible to further improve the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0022] The ink receiving layer 12 may contain components other than resin. Examples of such components include inorganic oxide particles and polyvalent metal salts (magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium nitrate). The inclusion of inorganic oxide particles in the ink receiving layer 12 allows the ink receiving layer 12 to hold ink more effectively, reducing problems such as ink dripping and image blurring. Furthermore, it improves the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0023] Examples of inorganic oxide particles include alumina and silica, and one or more selected from these can be used in combination. Among these, alumina and silica are preferred. This allows the ink receiving layer 12 to hold ink more effectively, further reducing problems such as ink dripping and image blurring. Furthermore, it can improve the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0024] The inorganic oxide particles are preferably porous inorganic particles. This allows the ink receiving layer 12 to hold ink more effectively, further reducing problems such as ink dripping and image blurring. Furthermore, it improves the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0025] The maximum particle diameter of the inorganic oxide particles is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 5 μm to 20 μm, and even more preferably 5 μm to 15 μm. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress variations in the thickness of the ink receiving layer 12. In addition, the ink receiving layer 12 can hold ink more favorably, and problems such as ink dripping and image blurring become less likely to occur. Furthermore, the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later can be further improved.

[0026] The maximum particle size can be determined, for example, by adding the sample to methanol, dispersing the dispersion in an ultrasonic disperser for 3 minutes, and then measuring the particle size distribution using a Coulter counter particle size analyzer (TA-II model, manufactured by COULTER ELECTRONICS INS) with a 50 μm aperture.

[0027] The content of inorganic oxide particles in the ink receiving layer 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress variations in the thickness of the ink receiving layer 12. In addition, the ink receiving layer 12 can hold ink more favorably, and problems such as ink dripping and image blurring become less likely to occur. Furthermore, the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later can be further improved.

[0028] As mentioned above, the thickness of the ink receiving layer 12 may be 7 μm or more, but it is preferably 8 μm to 70 μm, more preferably 9 μm to 50 μm, and even more preferably 10 μm to 30 μm. This allows the ink receiving layer 12 to hold ink more effectively, making problems such as ink dripping and image blurring less likely to occur. Furthermore, it improves the transferability of the ink receiving layer 12, which is provided with the first layer 2 and the second layer 3, to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0029] The transfer sheet 1 only needs to have a base material 11 and an ink receiving layer 12, but it may also have other configurations. For example, the transfer sheet 1 may further have a release layer (not shown) between the base material 11 and the ink receiving layer 12 to improve the release properties between the base material 11 and the ink receiving layer 12.

[0030] [1-1-2] Image forming ink The image-forming ink 2' is used to form the first layer 2. The first layer 2 constitutes the image that will be transferred to the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later. Image-forming ink 2' typically comprises a colorant and a liquid medium for dissolving or dispersing the colorant.

[0031] [1-1-2-1] Colorants As colorants included in the image forming ink 2', for example, various pigments and dyes can be used, and one or more selected from these can be used in combination. Various inorganic and organic pigments can be used as pigments. Furthermore, self-dispersing pigments may be used as pigments. Self-dispersing pigments are self-dispersing pigments having hydrophilic groups on their surface, and examples of such hydrophilic groups include -OM, -COOM, -CO-, -SO3M, -SO2M, -SO2NH2, -RSO2M, -PO3HM, -PO3M2, -SO2NHCOR, -NH3, -NR3, etc. In the formula, M represents a hydrogen atom, alkali metal, ammonium, or organic ammonium, and R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a naphthyl group which may have substituents. In addition, phenyl groups may be present between the pigment surface and the hydrophilic groups.

[0032] Self-dispersing pigments can be manufactured, for example, by physically or chemically treating the pigment to bond hydrophilic groups to its surface. Examples of such physical treatments include vacuum plasma treatment. Examples of chemical treatments include wet oxidation methods using an oxidizing agent in water.

[0033] Furthermore, as self-dispersing pigments, those surface-treated by oxidation with hypohalite and / or hypohalite salts, ozone, or persulfuric acid and / or persulfates are preferred in terms of high color development. Commercially available self-dispersing pigments can also be used, and preferred examples include MicroJet CW1 (manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries, Ltd.), CAB-O-JET250C, CAB-O-JET260M, CAB-O-JET270Y, and CAB-O-JET444MP (all manufactured by Cabot Corporation). Examples of dyes include various acid dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, and sublimation dyes.

[0034] The colorant content in the image forming ink 2' is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 25.0% by mass or less, more preferably 2.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 15.0% by mass or less. This makes it easier to ensure sufficient color density in the first layer 2 formed using the image forming ink 2', resulting in better color development on the recording material 100, and also improves the storage stability of the image forming ink 2'. Furthermore, when the image forming ink 2' is ejected by an inkjet method, the ejection stability of the image forming ink 2' by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery performance of the inkjet head 50, etc., can be improved.

[0035] [1-1-2-2] Liquid media The image-forming ink 2' contains a liquid medium that dissolves or disperses the aforementioned colorants. In other words, the liquid medium contained in the image-forming ink 2' has the function of dissolving or dispersing the aforementioned colorants.

[0036] As the liquid medium, for example, various organic solvents can be used, but it is preferable that it contains at least water. The proportion of water in the total liquid medium constituting the image forming ink 2' is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, more preferably 50.0% by mass or more and 85.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 55.0% by mass or more and 80.0% by mass or less.

[0037] The image forming ink 2' may contain an organic solvent as a liquid medium. This allows for the appropriate adjustment of the viscosity and surface tension of the image forming ink 2'. Furthermore, for example, the image forming ink 2' may have excellent moisture retention properties, and in cases where the image forming ink 2' is ejected using an inkjet method, it is more effectively possible to prevent the unintended precipitation of solid components of the image forming ink 2' due to drying in the inkjet head 50, etc., and the clogging recovery properties can be improved, resulting in better ejection stability of the image forming ink 2'.

[0038] As the organic solvent, a water-soluble organic solvent is preferably used. Such a water-soluble organic solvent preferably has a solubility in water at 25°C of 10 g / 100 g water or higher. In particular, the image-forming ink 2' preferably contains an organic solvent with a boiling point of 280°C or higher. This allows for better moisture retention of the image-forming ink 2'.

[0039] Examples of organic solvents contained in the image forming ink 2', particularly water-soluble organic solvents, include polyol compounds, glycol ethers, and cyclic amide compounds, and one or more selected from these can be used in combination.

[0040] Examples of polyol compounds include polyol compounds having 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the molecule and which may have one ether bond in the molecule, preferably diol compounds. Specific examples include 1,2-pentanediol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, Examples of glycols include 2,3-butanediol, 2-methyl-3-phenoxy-1,2-propanediol, 3-(3-methylphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol, 3-hexyloxy-1,2-propanediol, 2-hydroxymethyl-2-phenoxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, and 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol. Examples of glycol ethers include monoalkyl ethers of glycols selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol. Examples of the monoalkyl ethers include triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether. Examples of cyclic amide compounds include 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone, 2-piperidone (δ-valerolactam), and N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone.

[0041] The proportion of organic solvent in the total liquid medium constituting the image forming ink 2' is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 60.0% by mass or less, more preferably 15.0% by mass or more and 50.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20.0% by mass or more and 45.0% by mass or less. This allows the effects of including the aforementioned organic solvent to be exhibited more significantly.

[0042] The liquid medium content in the image forming ink 2' is not particularly limited, but is preferably 55.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, more preferably 62.0% by mass or more and 88.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 68.0% by mass or more and 85.0% by mass or less. This makes it easier to ensure sufficient color density in the first layer 2 formed using the image forming ink 2', resulting in better color development on the recording material 100, and also improves the storage stability of the image forming ink 2'. Furthermore, when the image forming ink 2' is ejected by an inkjet method, the ejection stability of the image forming ink 2' by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery performance of the inkjet head 50, etc., can be improved.

[0043] [1-1-2-3] Resin The image-forming ink 2' may contain a resin. This allows for improved adhesion of the first layer 2 formed using the image-forming ink 2' to the second layer 3 and the ink-receiving layer 12. Furthermore, if the image-forming ink 2' contains a pigment, it allows for improved dispersion stability of the pigment within the image-forming ink 2'.

[0044] The resin content in the image-forming ink 2' is preferably 2.0% by mass or more and 15.0% by mass or less, more preferably 4.0% by mass or more and 13.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 7.0% by mass or more and 12.0% by mass or less. This allows for sufficiently excellent ejection stability of the image-forming ink 2' by the inkjet method and stability in the production of the recorded material 100 using the transfer recording method described later, while further improving the adhesion of the recording section 4 to the transfer medium 5. In addition, when the transfer medium 5 is fabric or the like, the texture of the recorded material 100 can be improved.

[0045] If the image-forming ink 2' contains a resin, the form of the resin in the image-forming ink 2' is not particularly limited. For example, the resin in the image-forming ink 2' may be contained in a dispersed state or in a dissolved state, but it is preferable that it be contained in a dispersed state. This makes it possible to improve the ejection stability of the image-forming ink 2' by the inkjet method and to manufacture the recording material 100 more stably.

[0046] When resin is dispersed in the image forming ink 2', the average particle size of the resin is preferably 30 nm to 3 μm, more preferably 50 nm to 1 μm, and even more preferably 60 nm to 300 nm. This allows the aforementioned effects to be exhibited more significantly.

[0047] In this specification, the average particle size refers to the average particle size based on volume. For example, it can be determined by adding a sample to methanol, dispersing the dispersion in an ultrasonic disperser for 3 minutes, and measuring the particle size distribution using a Coulter counter particle size analyzer (TA-II model, manufactured by COULTER ELECTRONICS INS) with a 50 μm aperture.

[0048] Examples of resins included in the image-forming ink 2' are polyurethane, polyester, styrene-acrylic resin, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride, etc., and one or more of these can be selected and used in combination. Among these, polyurethane is preferred. This allows the aforementioned effects to be exhibited more significantly.

[0049] The glass transition temperature of the resin contained in the image-forming ink 2' is preferably -40°C or higher and 0°C or lower, more preferably -35°C or higher and -5°C or lower, and even more preferably -30°C or higher and -10°C or lower. This makes it possible to improve the texture and wash fastness of the produced recording 100, for example, when a cloth is used as the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0050] When the image forming ink 2' contains a resin and a pigment, it is preferable that the relationship 0.2 ≤ XR / XP ≤ 1.8 is satisfied, when the resin content in the image forming ink 2' is XR [mass%] and the pigment content is XP [mass%], it is more preferable that the relationship 0.6 ≤ XR / XP ≤ 1.5 is satisfied, and it is even more preferable that the relationship 0.8 ≤ XR / XP ≤ 1.2 is satisfied. This makes it easier to secure sufficient color density in the first layer 2 formed using the image forming ink 2', which improves the color development of the recording material 100 manufactured using the transfer recording method described later, and also improves the storage stability of the image forming ink 2'. Furthermore, when the image forming ink 2' is ejected by an inkjet method, the ejection stability of the image forming ink 2' by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery performance of the inkjet head 50, etc. can be improved. In addition, when the transfer medium 5 is cloth or the like, the texture of the recording material 100 can be improved.

[0051] [1-1-2-4] Surfactants The image forming ink 2' may contain a surfactant. Various surfactants can be used, such as anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. If the image forming ink 2' contains a surfactant, the surfactant content in the image forming ink 2' is preferably 0.02% by mass or more and 1.50% by mass or less, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 1.00% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.07% by mass or more and 0.70% by mass or less.

[0052] [1-1-2-5] Other ingredients Image forming ink 2' may contain components other than those described above. Hereinafter, in this section, such components will also be referred to as "other components." Examples of other components include chelating agents; preservatives; fungicides; rust inhibitors; flame retardants; various dispersants; pH adjusters such as triethanolamine; antioxidants; ultraviolet absorbers; oxygen absorbers; solubilizers; and penetrating agents.

[0053] Examples of chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetate. Examples of preservatives and antifungal agents include sodium benzoate, sodium pentachlorophenol, sodium 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, sodium sorbate, sodium dehydroacetate, 1,2-dibenzoisothiazolin-3-one, and 4-chloro-3-methylphenol. Examples of rust inhibitors include benzotriazole. As preservatives and antifungal agents, compounds having an isothiazolin ring structure in the molecule can be suitably used.

[0054] The content of other components in the image forming ink 2' is preferably 6.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 5.0% by mass or less. The lower limit of the content of other components is 0% by mass.

[0055] [1-1-2-6] Other conditions The first layer 2 is formed by applying image-forming ink 2' to a transfer sheet 1 having an ink-receiving layer 12. More specifically, the image-forming ink 2' is applied so as to be in contact with the ink-receiving layer 12 of the transfer sheet 1. In this step, the first layer 2 is formed as an inverted image, i.e., a mirror image, of the recording section 4 to be formed on the transfer medium 5.

[0056] In this process, multiple types of image-forming inks 2' may be used. For example, multiple types of image-forming inks 2' with different color tones, more specifically, two or more selected from the group consisting of white ink, black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, may be used in combination.

[0057] In particular, in the first layer formation step, it is preferable to use a color ink and a white ink as the image forming ink 2', and to adhere the white ink to the color ink in at least a portion of the area on the transfer sheet 1 so that it overlaps the color ink. When these are transferred to the transfer medium after the white ink has been adhered to the color ink on the transfer sheet, the total amount of image forming ink adhered and the total amount of adhesion of the image forming ink and adhesive ink tend to increase, and conventionally, the problems described above tend to occur. In contrast, with the present invention, the effects described above can be obtained even when the amount of ink adhered is increased in this way. That is, in the first layer formation step, when a color ink and a white ink are used as the image forming ink 2', and the white ink is adhered to the color ink in at least a portion of the area on the transfer sheet 1 so that it overlaps the color ink, the effects of the present invention described above are exhibited more significantly. In this specification, "color ink" refers to an ink containing a chromatic colorant.

[0058] The method for applying the image-forming ink 2' to the transfer sheet 1 is not particularly limited, and various printing methods can be used, for example, but an inkjet method is preferred. This allows for the formation of finer patterns more effectively and offers advantages such as excellent on-demand capabilities.

[0059] Examples of inkjet methods include charge deflection, continuous, piezoelectric, and bubble jet (registered trademark) on-demand methods, but a piezoelectric method, which ejects ink from an inkjet head using a piezoelectric transducer, is particularly preferred. This more effectively prevents unintended deformation of the components of the image-forming ink 2' within the inkjet head 50, and improves the ejection stability of the inkjet method.

[0060] Furthermore, the inkjet head 50 can be a line head that records using a line method or a serial head that records using a serial method. In the line method using a line head, for example, an inkjet head 50 having a width greater than or equal to the recording width of the transfer sheet 1 is fixed to the recording device. The transfer sheet 1 is moved along the sub-scanning direction (the transport direction of the transfer sheet 1), and in conjunction with this movement, ink droplets of image-forming ink 2' are ejected from the nozzles of the inkjet head 50, thereby forming the first layer 2 on the transfer sheet 1. In the serial method using a serial head, for example, the inkjet head 50 is mounted on a carriage that can move in the width direction of the transfer sheet 1. The carriage is moved along the main scanning direction (the width direction of the transfer sheet 1), and in conjunction with this movement, ink droplets of image-forming ink 2' are ejected from the nozzles of the serial head, which is the inkjet head 50, thereby forming the first layer 2 on the transfer sheet 1.

[0061] The amount of image-forming ink 2' adhering per unit area of ​​transfer sheet 1 is 30 g / m². 2 More than 200g / m 2 Preferably, it is 35 g / m 2 More than 150g / m 2 It is more preferable to be 40 g / m 2 More than 100g / m 2More preferably, the following is achieved. By doing so, while sufficiently preventing problems such as ink dripping and bleeding of images, it becomes easier to ensure sufficient color density in the first layer 2 formed using the ink 2' for image formation, and the color development property on the recording material 100 can be made more excellent.

[0062] The viscosity of the ink 2' for image formation at 25°C is preferably 2 mPa·s or more and 10 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 3 mPa·s or more and 8 mPa·s or less. By doing so, for example, when the ink 2' for image formation is ejected by an inkjet method, the ejection stability of the ink 2' for image formation by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery property in the inkjet head 50, etc. can be made more excellent. The viscosity can be measured and obtained by a vibrating viscometer, a rotational viscometer, a capillary viscometer, or a falling ball viscometer. For example, as the vibrating viscometer, it can be obtained by measurement in accordance with JIS Z8809.

[0063] The surface tension of the ink 2' for image formation at 25°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 mN / m or more and 60 mN / m or less, more preferably 25 mN / m or more and 50 mN / m or less, and even more preferably 27 mN / m or more and 40 mN / m or less. By doing so, for example, when the ink 2' for image formation is ejected by an inkjet method, the ejection stability of the ink 2' for image formation by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery property in the inkjet head 50, etc. can be made more excellent. As the surface tension, a value measured by the Wilhelmy method or the ring method can be adopted. The measurement of the surface tension can be performed using a surface tensiometer (for example, DY-300, DY-500, DY-700, etc. manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.).

[0064] [1-2] Second layer forming step In the second layer forming step, an adhesive ink 3' is attached so as to overlap the first layer 2 to form the second layer 3 (1b).

[0065] [1-2-1] Adhesive ink The adhesive ink 3' is used to form the second layer 3 and may be composed of any material that exhibits adhesive properties in a dry state, but it is preferable that it contains resin and water. This allows for more favorable inkjet ejection of the adhesive ink 3' when it is ejected by an inkjet method, and also improves the adhesion of the recording unit 4 to the transfer medium 5. Furthermore, when the transfer medium 5 is a fabric or the like, it improves the wash fastness of the produced recording 100.

[0066] [1-2-1-1] Resin The adhesive ink 3' preferably contains a resin. Examples of resins included in the adhesive ink 3' are polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, styrene-acrylic resin, acrylic resin, etc., and one or more selected from these can be used in combination, but it is preferable that one or more selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride be used. This makes it possible to achieve a higher level of balance between the texture and wash fastness of the produced record 100 when using a fabric as the transfer medium 5 in the transfer recording method described later.

[0067] The form of the resin in the adhesive ink 3' is not particularly limited. For example, the resin in the adhesive ink 3' may be included in a dispersed state or in a dissolved state, but it is preferable that it be included in a dispersed state. This makes it possible to improve the ejection stability of the adhesive ink 3' by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery performance of the inkjet head 50', etc., when the adhesive ink 3' is ejected by an inkjet method, and to manufacture the transfer medium 10 and the recording material 100 more stably. In addition, it is possible to more effectively prevent unintentional residual liquid components in the second layer 3 and the recording section 4.

[0068] When the resin is dispersed in the adhesive ink 3', the average particle size of the resin is preferably 30 nm to 3 μm, more preferably 50 nm to 1 μm, and even more preferably 60 nm to 300 nm. This allows the aforementioned effects to be exhibited more significantly.

[0069] The glass transition temperature of the resin contained in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably between -20°C and 50°C, more preferably between -10°C and 45°C, and even more preferably between 0°C and 40°C. This allows for, for example, improved storage stability of the adhesive ink 3'. Furthermore, it allows for a higher level of balance between the texture and wash fastness of the recorded material 100, for example, when the transfer medium 5 is a fabric.

[0070] The melting point of the resin contained in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably 80°C to 140°C, more preferably 85°C to 130°C, and even more preferably 90°C to 120°C. This makes it possible to improve the storage stability of the adhesive ink 3'. Furthermore, when the transfer medium 5 is a cloth or the like, it is possible to achieve a higher level of balance between the texture and wash fastness of the recorded material 100.

[0071] The resin content in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less, more preferably 6.0% by mass or more and 17.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 7.0% by mass or more and 15.0% by mass or less. This makes it possible to improve the storage stability of the adhesive ink 3', for example. Also, when the transfer medium 5 is a cloth or the like, it is possible to achieve a higher level of balance between the texture and wash fastness of the recorded material 100.

[0072] [1-2-1-2]Water The adhesive ink 3' preferably contains water. In the adhesive ink 3', water is a component that functions, for example, as a dispersion medium for dispersing the resin or as a solvent for dissolving it. The water content in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably 50.0% by mass or more and 85.0% by mass or less, more preferably 55.0% by mass or more and 80.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60.0% by mass or more and 75.0% by mass or less.

[0073] [1-2-1-3] Organic solvents The material may contain an organic solvent. This allows for the appropriate adjustment of the viscosity and surface tension of the adhesive ink 3'. Furthermore, for example, the adhesive ink 3' will have excellent moisture retention. Therefore, for example, when the adhesive ink 3' is ejected by an inkjet method, the unintended precipitation of solid components of the adhesive ink 3' due to drying in the inkjet head 50', etc., can be more effectively prevented, clogging recovery can be improved, and the ejection stability of the adhesive ink 3' can be improved.

[0074] However, it is preferable that the adhesive ink 3' does not contain an organic solvent with a boiling point of 280°C or higher. This improves the drying properties of the second layer 3 formed using the adhesive ink 3', and improves the peelability of the laminate having the ink receiving layer 12, the first layer 2, and the second layer 3 from the transfer sheet 1.

[0075] As the organic solvent, a water-soluble organic solvent is preferably used. Such a water-soluble organic solvent can preferably be one whose solubility in water at 25°C is 10 g / 100 g water or higher. Examples of organic solvents contained in the adhesive ink 3', particularly water-soluble organic solvents, include polyol compounds, glycol ethers, cyclic amide compounds, etc., and one or more selected from these can be used in combination. Examples of polyol compounds include polyol compounds having 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the molecule and possibly having one ether bond in the molecule, preferably diol compounds. Specific examples include 1,2-pentanediol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, Examples of glycols include 2,3-butanediol, 2-methyl-3-phenoxy-1,2-propanediol, 3-(3-methylphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol, 3-hexyloxy-1,2-propanediol, 2-hydroxymethyl-2-phenoxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, and 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol. Examples of glycol ethers include monoalkyl ethers of glycols selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol.Examples of the monoalkyl ethers include triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether. Examples of cyclic amide compounds include 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone, 2-piperidone (δ-valerolactam), and N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone.

[0076] In particular, it is preferable that the adhesive ink 3' contains propylene glycol as an organic solvent. This improves drying properties, facilitates the curing of the resin when heated, and enhances its durability. In particular, when the adhesive ink 3' contains propylene glycol, the proportion of propylene glycol in the total organic solvent contained in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 80% by mass or more. This allows the aforementioned effects to be exhibited more significantly.

[0077] The organic solvent content in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 35.0% by mass or less, more preferably 7.0% by mass or more and 30.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 25.0% by mass or less. This allows for more favorable adjustment of the viscosity and surface tension of the adhesive ink 3'. Furthermore, the moisture retention of the adhesive ink 3' is improved, and when the adhesive ink 3' is ejected using an inkjet method, the unintended precipitation of solid components of the adhesive ink 3' due to drying at the inkjet head 50', etc., is more effectively prevented, clogging recovery is improved, and the ejection stability of the adhesive ink 3' is improved.

[0078] [1-2-1-4] Surfactants The adhesive ink 3' may contain a surfactant. Various surfactants can be used, such as anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. If the adhesive ink 3' contains a surfactant, the surfactant content in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably 0.02% by mass or more and 1.50% by mass or less, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 1.00% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.10% by mass or more and 0.70% by mass or less.

[0079] [1-2-1-5] Other ingredients Adhesive ink 3' may contain components other than those mentioned above. Hereafter, in this section, such components will also be referred to as "other components." Examples of other components include chelating agents; preservatives; fungicides; rust inhibitors; flame retardants; various dispersants; pH adjusters such as triethanolamine; antioxidants; UV absorbers; oxygen absorbers; solubilizers; and penetrating agents. The content of other components in the adhesive ink 3' is preferably 6.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 5.0% by mass or less. The lower limit of the content of other components is 0% by mass.

[0080] [1-2-1-6] Other conditions The second layer 3 is formed by applying adhesive ink 3' to the transfer sheet 1 on which the first layer 2 is formed. More specifically, the adhesive ink 3' is applied so as to overlap with and in contact with the first layer 2 formed in the first layer formation step. In this process, multiple types of adhesive inks 3' may be used. For example, adhesive inks 3' with different resin types and content may be used.

[0081] The method for applying the adhesive ink 3' to the transfer sheet 1 on which the first layer 2 is formed is not particularly limited, and various printing methods can be used, for example, but an inkjet method is preferred. This allows for the formation of finer patterns more effectively and offers advantages such as excellent on-demand capabilities.

[0082] Examples of inkjet methods include charge deflection, continuous, piezoelectric, and bubble jet (registered trademark) on-demand methods, but a piezoelectric method is particularly preferred, which ejects ink from an inkjet head using a piezoelectric transducer. This more effectively prevents unintended deformation of the components of the adhesive ink 3' within the inkjet head 50', resulting in improved ejection stability and adhesion amount by the inkjet method. Furthermore, examples of inkjet heads 50' include line heads that record using a line method and serial heads that record using a serial method.

[0083] 30 g / m² of adhesive ink 3' per unit area of ​​transfer sheet 1 2 More than 500g / m 2 Preferably, it is 35 g / m 2 More than 300g / m 2 It is more preferable to be 40 g / m 2 More than 200g / m 2 The following is even more preferable. This makes it possible to improve the transferability to the transfer medium 5 while sufficiently preventing problems such as ink dripping and image bleeding.

[0084] The total amount of image-forming ink 2' and adhesive ink 3' adhering per unit area of ​​transfer sheet 1 is 110 g / m². 2 Anything above that is fine, but 115g / m 2 More than 700g / m 2 Preferably, it is 120 g / m². 2 More than 200g / m 2 The following is more preferable. This makes it possible to improve transferability to the transfer medium 5 while sufficiently preventing problems such as ink dripping and image blurring. In addition, it becomes easier to ensure sufficient color density in the first layer 2 formed using the image-forming ink 2', and improves the color development on the recording material 100.

[0085] The viscosity of the adhesive ink 3' at 25°C is preferably 2 mPa·s to 10 mPa·s, and more preferably 3 mPa·s to 8 mPa·s. This makes it possible to improve the ejection stability of the adhesive ink 3' by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery performance of the inkjet head 50', etc., when the adhesive ink 3' is ejected by an inkjet method.

[0086] The surface tension of the adhesive ink 3' at 25°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20 mN / m or more and 60 mN / m or less, more preferably 25 mN / m or more and 50 mN / m or less, and even more preferably 27 mN / m or more and 40 mN / m or less. This makes it possible to improve the ejection stability of the adhesive ink 3' by the inkjet method, the clogging recovery performance of the inkjet head 50', etc., when the adhesive ink 3' is ejected by an inkjet method.

[0087] [1-3] Drying process The method for manufacturing the transfer medium may include the first layer formation step and the second layer formation step described above, but it is preferable to further include a drying step in which the transfer sheet 1 on which the first layer 2 and the second layer 3 have been formed is heated and dried. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent problems such as ink dripping and image blurring as described above.

[0088] In the drying process, the heating temperature of the transfer sheet 1 on which the first layer 2 and the second layer 3 are formed is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100°C or higher, more preferably 120°C to 200°C, and even more preferably 140°C to 180°C. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent problems such as image blurring as described above, while improving the productivity of the transfer medium 10 and the recording material 100. The heating time in this process (heating time at 100°C or higher) is preferably 10 seconds to 10 minutes, more preferably 1 minute to 8 minutes, and even more preferably 3 minutes to 6 minutes. As described above, the transfer medium 10 is obtained (1c).

[0089] [2] Method of transcription and recording Next, the transcription recording method of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 is a process diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the transfer recording method of the present invention.

[0090] The transfer recording method shown in Figure 2 comprises a transfer medium preparation step (2a) of preparing a transfer medium 10 manufactured using the transfer medium manufacturing method described above, and a thermal transfer step (2b) of heating the transfer medium 10 with the side of the transfer medium 10 on which the ink receiving layer 12, the first layer 2, and the second layer 3 are provided facing the medium to be transferred 5, thereby thermally transferring the second layer 3, the first layer 2, and the ink receiving layer 12 in the area where they are formed on the transfer medium 5. More specifically, the ink receiving layer 12, the first layer 2, and the second layer 3 of the transfer medium 10 manufactured using the method described in [1] above are thermally transferred to the medium to be transferred 5. This makes it less likely for problems such as blurring and insufficient color development to occur in the image (recording section 4) formed by transferring to the medium to be transferred 5, and provides a transfer recording method that can suitably transfer the image to the medium to be transferred 5. Furthermore, conventionally, when the transfer medium was fabric, selecting the recording material could result in undesirable irregularities in the recording area, causing light to scatter and the transferred image to appear whitish. However, the thermal transfer method described above can effectively prevent such problems.

[0091] [2-1] Preparation of transfer medium In the transfer medium preparation step, a transfer medium 10 manufactured using the transfer medium manufacturing method described above is prepared (2a). The transfer medium 10 prepared in this step may be the transfer medium 10 manufactured using the transfer medium manufacturing method described above, but may also be subjected to processing such as cutting to an appropriate size.

[0092] [2-2] Heat transfer process In the thermal transfer process, the side of the transfer medium 10 on which the ink receiving layer 12, the first layer 2, and the second layer 3 are provided is heated facing the medium to be transferred 5, thereby thermally transferring the second layer 3, the first layer 2, and the ink receiving layer 12 in the area where they are formed on the transfer medium 10 to the medium to be transferred 5 (2b).

[0093] [2-2-1] Transfer medium The transfer medium 5 can be any material, but it is preferably an absorbent material. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent problems such as ink dripping and image blurring, as described above, compared to when a non-absorbent material is used. In this specification, an absorbent material refers to a material that has been in contact for 30 msec in the Bristow method. 1 / 2 Up to 10 mL / m² of water absorption capacity 2 This refers to a material that is extremely absorbent. The Bristow method is the most widely used method for measuring liquid absorption in a short time and is also adopted by the Japan Paper & Pulp Technology Association (JAPAN TAPPI). Details of the test method are described in standard No. 51 "Paper and cardboard - Liquid absorbency test method - Bristow method" of the "JAPAN TAPPI Paper & Pulp Test Methods 2000 Edition". Absorbent materials include, for example, various types of paper, porous metals, porous ceramics, porous glass, porous plastics, fabrics, and leather, but fabrics are preferred. In transfer recording onto fabrics, the recorded material may require a soft texture and wash fastness characteristic of fabrics. The transfer recording method of the present invention can also produce a recorded material with excellent texture and wash fastness by employing the preferred embodiments described above, and is therefore particularly suitable for transfer recording onto fabrics.

[0094] [2-2-2] Heating conditions The heating temperature in this process is not particularly limited, but is preferably 120°C to 270°C, more preferably 140°C to 250°C, and even more preferably 150°C to 210°C. This allows for more favorable heat transfer of the second layer 3, the first layer 2, and the ink-receiving layer 12 of the transfer medium 10 to the transfer medium 5, and more favorably prevents these constituent materials from unintentionally remaining on the transfer sheet 1. Furthermore, it allows for energy savings and improved productivity of the recorded material 100.

[0095] When the glass transition temperature of the resin contained in the adhesive ink 3' is Tg [°C] and the heating temperature in the thermal transfer process is Tp [°C], it is preferable that the relationship 70 ≤ Tp-Tg ≤ 290 is satisfied, more preferably that 95 ≤ Tp-Tg ≤ 260 is satisfied, and even more preferably that 110 ≤ Tp-Tg ≤ 210 is satisfied. This allows the second layer 3, the first layer 2, and the ink receiving layer 12 in the areas where they are formed on the transfer medium 10 to be thermally transferred to the transfer medium 5 more preferably, and it is possible to more preferably prevent these constituent materials from unintentionally remaining on the transfer sheet 1. Furthermore, it is possible to save energy and improve the productivity of the recorded material 100.

[0096] The heating time in this process is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 seconds to 90 seconds, more preferably 15 seconds to 70 seconds, and even more preferably 20 seconds to 60 seconds. This allows for more favorable heat transfer of the second layer 3, the first layer 2, and the ink receiving layer 12 of the transfer medium 10 to the transfer medium 5, and more favorably prevents these constituent materials from unintentionally remaining on the transfer sheet 1. Furthermore, it allows for energy savings and improved productivity of the recorded material 100.

[0097] This process can be carried out by any method, as long as the side of the transfer medium 10 on which the ink receiving layer 12, the first layer 2, and the second layer 3 are provided is heated while facing the transfer medium 5, but it is preferable to carry it out by hot pressing. When this process is performed by hot pressing, the pressure applied to the laminate of the transfer medium 10 and the medium to be transferred 5 is 0.1 N / cm². 2 More than 30N / cm 2 Preferably, it is 0.6 N / cm². 2 More than 15N / cm 2 It is more preferable that it be less than 1.5 N / cm². 2 More than 5N / cm 2 The following is even more preferable:

[0098] [2-3] Records Through the process described above, the recorded material 100 is obtained (2c). The recorded material 100 obtained as described above has a recording section 4 formed by a second layer 3, a first layer 2, and an ink receiving layer 12. When the transfer medium 5 is an absorbent material, it is preferable that at least a portion of the recording unit 4 penetrates into the interior of the transfer medium 5. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the recorded material 100.

[0099] [2-4] Summary As described above, the transfer recording method of the present invention comprises a first layer formation step of forming a first layer by attaching an image-forming ink to a transfer sheet, and a second layer formation step of forming a second layer by attaching an adhesive ink so as to overlap the first layer, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a substrate and an ink-receiving layer containing a resin, the thickness of the ink-receiving layer is 7 μm or more, and the total amount of the image-forming ink and the adhesive ink attached per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 110 g / m². 2The method described above is used to heat-transfer the ink-receiving layer, the first layer, and the second layer of the transfer medium to be manufactured, to a transfer medium. The method includes: a first layer formation step of forming an image-forming ink on a transfer sheet having a substrate, a resin, and an ink-receiving layer containing inorganic oxide particles with a maximum particle diameter of 5 μm or more; a second layer formation step of forming a second layer by attaching adhesive ink so as to overlap the first layer; a drying step of heating the transfer sheet on which the first and second layers are formed to 100°C or higher to dry it; and a transfer obtained through a series of steps including the first layer formation step to the drying step. The process includes a thermal transfer step of thermally transferring the ink receiving layer, the first layer, and the second layer of the medium to a transfer medium, wherein the ink receiving layer contains at least one resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, and urethane resin, the thickness of the ink receiving layer is 7 μm or more, and in the first layer forming step, a color ink and a white ink are used as the image forming ink, and the white ink is attached to at least a portion of the area on the transfer sheet such that it overlaps the color ink, and the amount of image forming ink attached per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 30 g / m². 2 More than 200g / m 2 The following conditions apply, where the amount of adhesive ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 30 g / m². 2 More than 500g / m 2 The following conditions apply: the total amount of the image-forming ink and adhesive ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 110 g / m². 2 The above is preferable. This allows the aforementioned effects to work synergistically, resulting in particularly excellent results.

[0100] [3] Ink set Next, the ink set according to the present invention will be described. The ink set according to the present invention comprises the image-forming ink and adhesive ink described above. More specifically, it is preferable that the ink set according to the present invention comprises an image-forming ink that satisfies the conditions described in [1-1-2] above, and an adhesive ink that satisfies the conditions described in [1-2-1] above.

[0101] The ink set according to the present invention may include at least one image-forming ink and at least one adhesive ink, but it may also include multiple image-forming inks or multiple adhesive inks. Furthermore, in addition to the image-forming ink and adhesive ink that satisfy the above conditions, the ink set according to the present invention may also include other inks.

[0102] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the method for manufacturing the transfer medium of the present invention may include a first layer formation step and a second layer formation step, and the drying step described above may be omitted. Furthermore, the method for manufacturing the transfer medium of the present invention may further include steps other than those described above, such as a pre-treatment step, an intermediate treatment step, and a post-treatment step. Furthermore, the transfer recording method of the present invention may include a thermal transfer step, and may further include steps other than the thermal transfer step.

[0103] Furthermore, while the above explanation primarily focused on the case where an inkjet method is used to eject ink droplets as a method for applying image-forming ink and adhesive ink, the method for applying image-forming ink and adhesive ink is not limited to an inkjet method. Furthermore, while the above explanation primarily focused on the case where an absorbent material is used as the transfer medium, non-absorbent materials, such as non-absorbent metal or plastic materials, may also be used as the transfer medium.

[0104] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the first layer of the desired pattern was completed by applying image-forming ink to the transfer sheet, then the second layer of the desired pattern was completed by applying adhesive ink, and then the heat transfer process was performed. However, in the present invention, multiple processes may be carried out simultaneously. More specifically, for example, the application of image-forming ink and the application of adhesive ink may be carried out simultaneously on different parts of the same transfer sheet. [Examples]

[0105] Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. [4] Preparation of image-forming inks

[0106] (Preparation example A1) By mixing each component in predetermined ratios, an image-forming ink with the composition shown in Figure 3 was obtained. (Preparation example A2) The image-forming ink was prepared in the same manner as in preparation example A1, except that the types of components used in the preparation of the image-forming ink and the mixing ratio of each component were changed to obtain the composition shown in Figure 3.

[0107] Figure 3 summarizes the compositions of the image-forming inks for the above-mentioned preparation examples A1 and A2. In Figure 3, CI pigment blue 15:3 is indicated as "PB15:3", polyurethane resin with a glass transition temperature of -20°C (solid content of Takelac W6110, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) is indicated as "polyurethane resin", and Silface SAG503A (manufactured by Nisshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as a surfactant is indicated as "SAG503A". Furthermore, the average particle size of the resin contained in the image-forming inks for preparation examples A1 and A2 was within the range of 60 nm to 300 nm. In addition, the surface tension of the image-forming inks for preparation examples A1 and A2 was within the range of 27 mN / m to 40 mN / m at 25°C, and the viscosity at 25°C was within the range of 3 mPa·s to 8 mPa·s. Surface tension was measured using the Wilhelmy method with a surface tension meter (Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., DY-300), and viscosity was measured in accordance with JIS Z8809 using a vibrating viscometer (Sekonic Corporation, VM-100).

[0108] [5] Preparation of adhesive ink (Preparation example B1) By mixing each component in predetermined ratios, an adhesive ink with the composition shown in Figure 4 was obtained. (Preparation examples B2 to B5) The adhesive ink was prepared in the same manner as in preparation example B1, except that the types of components used in the preparation of the adhesive ink and the mixing ratio of each component were changed to obtain the composition shown in Figure 4.

[0109] Figure 4 summarizes the compositions of the adhesive inks for the above-mentioned preparation examples B1 to B5. In Figure 4, polyester resin (solid content of KT0507 manufactured by Unitika Corporation) is referred to as "polyester resin," vinyl chloride resin (solid content of Vinibran 715S manufactured by Nisshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) is referred to as "vinyl chloride resin," polyurethane resin (solid content of Takelac W6061 manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.) is referred to as "polyurethane resin," propylene glycol, a water-soluble organic solvent, is referred to as "PG," and Silface SAG503A (manufactured by Nisshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), used as a surfactant, is referred to as "SAG503A." Furthermore, the average particle size of the resins contained in all of the above-mentioned adhesive inks for preparation examples B1 to B5 was within the range of 60 nm to 300 nm. Furthermore, the adhesive inks of preparation examples B1 to B5 all had a surface tension at 25°C in the range of 27 mN / m to 40 mN / m, and a viscosity at 25°C in the range of 3 mPa·s to 8 mPa·s. The surface tension was measured using the Wilhelmy method with a surface tensile meter (Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., DY-300), and the viscosity was measured in accordance with JIS Z8809 using a vibrating viscometer (Sekonic Corporation, VM-100).

[0110] [6] Manufacturing of transfer media and recordings (Example 1) First, a transfer sheet (Ecofreen premium, manufactured by Ecofreen) with an ink-receiving layer on the base material was prepared. Next, an inkjet recording device (Seiko Epson, SC-F2150) was filled with the image-forming ink obtained in Preparation Example A1, the image-forming ink obtained in Preparation Example A2, and the adhesive ink obtained in Preparation Example B1.

[0111] Next, the image-forming ink obtained in Preparation Example A1 was ejected from the inkjet head onto the surface of the transfer medium provided with the ink-receiving layer in a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, the image-forming ink obtained in Preparation Example A2 was ejected so as to overlap with the pattern formed using the image-forming ink obtained in Preparation Example A1 in the same pattern, thereby forming a first layer of a predetermined pattern. At this time, the amount of image-forming ink deposited on the transfer sheet per unit area, that is, the total amount of image-forming ink obtained in Preparation Example A1 and Preparation Example A2, was 80 g / m². 2 I made it so that it would be like that.

[0112] Next, adhesive ink was ejected from the inkjet head to form a second layer, overlapping it with the first layer in the same pattern. At this time, the amount of adhesive ink adhering to the transfer sheet per unit area was 40 g / m². 2 This was achieved. In other words, in this embodiment, the total amount of image-forming ink and adhesive ink deposited on the transfer sheet per unit area is 120 g / m². 2 That was the case. Next, a transfer medium was obtained by performing a drying process on the transfer sheet, which had the first and second layers, by heating it at 160°C for 5 minutes.

[0113] Next, with the sides of the transfer sheet where the first and second layers are formed facing a cotton broadcloth (#4000) manufactured by Nisshinbo, which is an absorbent transfer medium, a heat treatment is performed at 200°C while applying a pressure of 4.2 N / cm². 2 By applying heat pressure for 40 seconds, the second layer, the first layer, and the ink-receiving layer in the areas where they were formed were heat-transferred to the transfer medium. The recording was then obtained by removing the transfer medium.

[0114] (Examples 2-20) Except for changing the type of adhesive ink, the type of transfer sheet, the amount of image-forming ink applied to the transfer sheet per unit area, the amount of adhesive ink applied to the transfer sheet per unit area, and the type of transfer medium, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, a transfer medium and recording material were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0115] (Comparative Example 1) Except for using kimoto Releasy MAG01 (manufactured by Kimoto Co., Ltd.) as the transfer sheet, the transfer medium and recording material were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1. (Comparative Example 2) Except for using Lumirror S10 (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) as the transfer sheet, the transfer medium and recording material were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1. (Comparative Example 3) The amount of adhesive ink adhering to the transfer sheet per unit area is 20 g / m². 2 The total amount of image-forming ink and adhesive ink deposited on the transfer sheet per unit area is 100 g / m². 2 Except for the above-described configuration, the transfer medium and recording material were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0116] The manufacturing conditions for the transfer medium and product for each of the above examples and comparative examples are summarized in Figures 5, 6, and 7. In Figures 5, 6, and 7, Ecofreen premium (manufactured by Ecofreen) is referred to as "Transfer Sheet A," DTF Premium Transfer Film (DTF-TF12) (manufactured by Europort) as "Transfer Sheet B," kimoto Releasy MAG01 (manufactured by Kimoto) as "Transfer Sheet C," Lumirror S10 (manufactured by Toray) as "Transfer Sheet D," Nisshinbo's cotton broadcloth (#4000) as the transfer medium as "Cotton Broadcloth," TC4520 (manufactured by Toyoshima Co., Ltd., a blended fabric of 35% cotton and 65% polyester fiber) as the transfer medium as "Blended Fabric," Tropical (manufactured by Toray, polyester fabric) as the transfer medium as "Polyester," PAREL Taffeta N2188 (manufactured by Toray, nylon fabric) as "Nylon," and natural leather as the transfer medium. Cowhide (manufactured by Daiki Leather Co., Ltd.) is referred to as "leather," PET50A (manufactured by Lintec Corporation) used as the transfer medium is referred to as "PET film," and a 50μm thick aluminum plate (opened from a two-piece can) used as the transfer medium is referred to as "aluminum plate."

[0117] Transfer sheet A had a 10 μm thick ink-receiving layer on a polyethylene terephthalate base material, composed of a material containing inorganic oxide particles (average particle size 3 μm, maximum particle size 5 μm) made of acrylic resin, silica, and alumina. Transfer sheet B had a 15 μm thick ink-receiving layer on a polyethylene terephthalate base material, composed of a material containing inorganic oxide particles (average particle size 5 μm, maximum particle size 10 μm) made of urethane resin, silica, and alumina. Transfer sheet C had a 6 μm thick ink-receiving layer on a polyethylene terephthalate base material, composed of a material containing inorganic oxide particles (average particle size 1 μm, maximum particle size 5 μm or less) made of acrylic resin and silica. Transfer sheet D did not have an ink-receiving layer.

[0118] [7] Rating [7-1] Ink drip The transfer media for each of the above examples and comparative examples were left to stand with their main surfaces facing vertically before being subjected to the drying process. After 5 minutes, visual inspection was performed, and ink dripping was evaluated according to the following criteria. A level of B or higher was considered good. A: There is absolutely no ink dripping. B: There is almost no ink dripping. C: There is a clear ink drip.

[0119] [7-2] bleeding The bleeding of the recordings related to each of the above-mentioned embodiments and comparative examples was evaluated as follows. To evaluate bleeding, each ink composition was loaded into an inkjet recording device (Seiko Epson, SC-F2150) and recorded on a recording medium (Ecofreen premium (Ecofreen)). Specifically, a solid fill pattern was created that could be recorded at a resolution of 1200 dpi horizontally and 600 dpi vertically with 100% duty cycle, and this was used. Each solid color pattern of the recording material was printed adjacent to each other, a drying process (160°C x 5 minutes) was performed, and bleeding at the boundaries was visually observed and evaluated according to the evaluation criteria below. This evaluation was performed in a laboratory under room temperature (25°C) conditions. A score of B or higher was considered a good level. A: No bleeding was observed at the boundary. B: Slight bleeding was observed at the boundary. C: Significant bleeding was observed at the boundaries.

[0120] [7-3] Texture The texture of the recordings related to each of the above-mentioned examples and comparative examples was evaluated as follows. Specifically, for each recorded item, a specific evaluator, blindfolded, conducted a sensory evaluation according to the following criteria to assess its texture. A rating of B or higher was considered good. A: It is soft and does not have a rough texture. B: It feels somewhat hard and a little rough to the touch. C: It has a noticeably rough texture.

[0121] [7-4] Wash fastness The wash fastness of the records related to each of the above examples and comparative examples was evaluated as follows. Specifically, wash fastness tests were conducted in accordance with ISO 105 C10 (B2), and wash fastness was evaluated according to the following criteria. A level of B or higher was considered good. AA: Wash fastness rating is 3-4 or higher. A: The wash fastness is between grade 3 and grade 3-4. B: Wash fastness is between grade 2 and grade 3. C: Wash fastness is less than grade 2.

[0122] [7-5] Peelability For each of the above examples and comparative examples, the condition of the transfer medium was observed after the transfer of the recording portion to the transfer medium, and the peelability was evaluated according to the following criteria. A level of B or higher was considered good. A: 100% of the image area printed on the transfer medium has been transferred. B: Between 80% and less than 100% of the image area printed on the transfer medium is transferred. C: Less than 80% of the image area printed on the transfer medium has been transferred.

[0123] [7-6] Cracks in the paint film The cracking of the coating film was evaluated for each of the above-mentioned examples and comparative examples as follows. To evaluate the cracking of the coating film, each ink composition was filled into an inkjet recording device (Seiko Epson, SC-F2150) and recorded on a recording medium (Ecofreen premium (Ecofreen)). Specifically, a solid color pattern was created that could be recorded at a resolution of 1200 dpi horizontally and 600 dpi vertically with 100% duty cycle, and this was used. The solid color patterns of each material were printed adjacent to each other, a drying process (160°C x 5 minutes) was performed, and the cracking of the coating film was evaluated according to the following criteria. A score of B or higher was considered a good level. A: No cracks have appeared in the paint film. B: Slight cracks are visible in the paint film. C: Cracks are clearly visible in the paint film.

[0124] [7-7] Whitening after washing The whitening after washing was evaluated for the records related to each of the above examples and comparative examples as follows. A wash fastness test (ISO 105 C10 (B2)) was conducted, and the degree of whitening after washing was evaluated according to the following criteria. A level of B or higher was considered good. A: No color change is observed on the printed surface. B: The surface of the printed material becomes slightly whiter. C: There are clearly white areas on the surface of the printed material. These results are summarized in Figures 8, 9, and 10.

[0125] As is clear from Figures 8, 9, and 10, the present invention yielded excellent results. In contrast, the comparative example did not yield satisfactory results.

[0126] Furthermore, by varying the thickness of the ink receiving layer within a range of 20 μm to 70 μm, the amount of image-forming ink deposited on the transfer sheet per unit area was set to 30 g / m². 2 More than 200g / m 2 The amount of adhesive ink applied to the transfer sheet per unit area was adjusted to 30 g / m² by making various changes within the following range. 2 More than 500g / m 2 By making various changes within the following range, the total amount of image-forming ink and adhesive ink deposited on the transfer sheet per unit area was 110 g / m². 2 More than 700g / m 2 Except for making various changes within the following range and changing the type of resin contained in the ink receiving layer to vinyl acetate resin, transfer media and recording materials were manufactured in the same manner as in the above examples, and evaluated in the same manner as above, and excellent results were obtained in the same manner as above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1...Transfer sheet, 11...Substrate, 12...Ink receiving layer, 2'...Image forming ink, 2...First layer, 3'...Adhesive ink, 3...Second layer, 4...Recording section, 5...Transfer medium, 10...Transfer medium, 50...Inkjet head, 50'...Inkjet head, 100...Recording material

Claims

1. A first layer formation step in which an image-forming ink is applied to a transfer sheet to form a first layer, The process includes a second layer formation step in which an adhesive ink is applied to the first layer to form a second layer, The transfer sheet comprises a base material and an ink receiving layer containing resin. The thickness of the ink receiving layer is 7 μm or more. The total amount of the image-forming ink and adhesive ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 110 g / m². ２ The above is a method for manufacturing a transfer medium.

2. The method for producing a transfer medium according to claim 1, wherein the ink receiving layer further comprises inorganic oxide particles.

3. The method for producing a transfer medium according to claim 2, wherein the maximum particle diameter of the inorganic oxide particles is 5 μm or more.

4. The method for producing a transfer medium according to claim 2, wherein the ink receiving layer comprises at least one resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, and urethane resin.

5. In the first layer formation step, a color ink and a white ink are used as the image forming ink. The method for manufacturing a transfer medium according to claim 1, wherein the white ink is attached to the color ink in at least a portion of the area on the transfer sheet.

6. A method for producing a transfer medium according to claim 1, further comprising a drying step of heating the transfer sheet on which the first layer and the second layer are formed to 100°C or higher to dry it.

7. The amount of the image-forming ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 30 g / m². ２ More than 200g / m ２ The method for producing the transfer medium according to claim 1 is as follows:

8. The amount of adhesive ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 30 g / m². ２ More than 500g / m ２ The method for producing the transfer medium according to claim 1 is as follows:

9. A transfer recording method comprising thermally transferring the ink receiving layer, the first layer, and the second layer of a transfer medium manufactured using the method for manufacturing a transfer medium described in any one of claims 1 to 8, to a transfer medium.

10. A first layer forming step involves forming a first layer by applying an image-forming ink to a transfer sheet having a base material, a resin, and an ink-receiving layer containing inorganic oxide particles with a maximum particle diameter of 5 μm or more. A second layer formation step involves applying adhesive ink so as to overlap the first layer to form a second layer, A drying step in which the transfer sheet on which the first layer and the second layer are formed is heated to 100°C or higher and dried, The process includes a thermal transfer step of thermally transferring the ink receiving layer, the first layer, and the second layer, which are present in the transfer medium obtained through a series of steps including the first layer formation step and the drying step, to a transfer medium. The ink receiving layer comprises at least one resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, and urethane resin. The thickness of the ink receiving layer is 7 μm or more. In the first layer formation step, a color ink and a white ink are used as the image forming ink. In at least a portion of the area on the transfer sheet, the white ink is attached so as to overlap the color ink. The amount of the image-forming ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 30 g / m². ２ More than 200g / m ２ The following: The adhesion amount of the adhesive ink per unit area of the transfer sheet is 30 g / m ２ or more and 500 g / m ２ or less, and The total amount of the image-forming ink and adhesive ink adhering per unit area of ​​the transfer sheet is 110 g / m². ２ The above describes the transcription recording method.

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