Method and apparatus for digital printing

Abstract

To avoid the beading of aqueous ink droplets over the surface of the ITM, and to provide transfer properties such that an entirety of the ink-image is transferred from the ITM surface to substrate.SOLUTION: A method of indirect digital printing employs (i) first (e.g. transparent) and second aqueous ink components (comprising colorant particles) and (ii) a target surface (e.g. hydrophobic) of an intermediate transfer member (ITM). A quantity of the first ink component is deposited onto the target surface and partially dried to produce a partially-dried layer thereon. Droplets of the second ink component are deposited onto the partially-dried layer of the first ink component to form a wet, colored ink-image. Upon deposition of the droplets of the second ink component, the colorant particles from the second component penetrate into the partially-dried layer of the first ink component. The wet, colored image is dried into a tacky ink-image-bearing residue film which is transferred to the substrate. There are disclosed herein physical and / or chemical properties of the first and second ink components as provided by various embodiments.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure benefits from the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 595,582, filed December 6, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 595,593, filed December 7, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to digital printing processes, ink component formulations, and related devices and systems. [Background technology]

[0003] The following patent publications provide potentially relevant background material, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety: WO / 2017 / 009722 (PCT / IB2016 / 053049 filed May 25, 2016), WO / 2016 / 166690 (PCT / IB2016 / 052120 filed April 4, 2016), WO / 2016 / 151462 (PCT / IB2016 / 051560 filed March 20, 2016), WO / 2016 / 113698 (PCT / IB2016 / 113698 filed May 25, 2016), and WO / 2016 / 151462 (PCT / IB2016 / 051560 filed March 20, 2016). WO / 2015 / 110988 (Publication of PCT / IB2015 / 050501 filed on January 22, 2015), WO / 2015 / 036812 (Publication of PCT / IB2013 / 002571 filed on September 12, 2013), WO / 2015 / 036864 (Publication of PCT / IB2014 / 002366 filed on September 11, 2014), WO / 2015 / 036865 (Publication of PCT / IB2014 / 002366 filed on September 11, 2014) 95 publication), WO / 2015 / 036906 (publication of PCT / IB2014 / 064277 filed on September 12, 2014), WO / 2013 / 136220 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051719 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132419 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051717 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132424 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051727 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132420 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051727 filed on March 5, 2013) WO / 2013 / 132439 (Publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051755 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132438 (Publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051751 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132418 (Publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051716 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132356 (Publication of PCT / IB2013 / 050245 filed on January 10, 2013),WO / 2013 / 132345 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 000840 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132339 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 000757 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132343 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 000822 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132340 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 000782 filed on March 5, 2013), WO / 2013 / 132432 (publication of PCT / IB2013 / 051743 filed on March 5, 2013).

[0004] The process of indirect digital printing using aqueous inks is known in the art (see, for example, the flow chart in Figure 1). Such aqueous inks include a mixture of a colorant (e.g., a pigment) and a binder (e.g., a polymer resin). In this process, an ink image is formed on the surface of an intermediate transfer member ITM (e.g., a drum or a flexible blanket mounted around a roller), dried, and then transferred from the ITM to a print substrate (e.g., paper, cardboard, or plastic).

[0005] Specifically, in steps S101 and S105 of FIG. 1, an aqueous ink and an ITM are provided. According to conventional processes, it is advantageous for the ITM surface to be hydrophobic, e.g., using a silicone-based release surface, to facilitate image transfer of the dried image to a substrate. However, if an attempt is made to apply aqueous ink directly to such a hydrophobic surface, the ink may bead on the hydrophobic surface, which can significantly impair image quality. To facilitate ink acceptance, the ITM surface is first "conditioned" before droplets of aqueous ink (i.e., including colorant and binder) are deposited on the ITM (e.g., by inkjet). Specifically, a wetting layer of conditioner can be first applied to the ITM to "condition" the ITM surface (step S109). In this case, the surface energy of the conditioner exceeds the surface energy of the ITM surface but is lower than the surface energy of the aqueous ink. This conditioner layer is then allowed to dry completely (step S113). Subsequently, in step S117, droplets of aqueous ink are deposited on the completely dried conditioner layer.

[0006] In step S117, ink droplets of aqueous ink are inkjetted to form an ink image on top of the dried layer of modifier. This ink image is then heated sufficiently in step S121 (i.e., to evaporate the ink solvent) to convert the ink image into a tacky residual film. Specifically, evaporation of the ink solvent increases the viscosity of the ejected droplets, solidifying the ink image. Additionally, the heating in step S121 also serves to soften the ink binder, thereby making the ink residual film tacky. Next, in step S125, the tacky residual ink image is transferred to a print substrate (e.g., with or without a dried modifier layer).

[0007] The presence of a binder in the original ink (i.e., the ink whose droplets are deposited in step S117) is essential to ensure that the residual ink image produced in step S121 (i.e., on top of the dried conditioner layer) is a tacky residual. This tacky property increases the residual's adhesion to the substrate compared to its previous adhesion to the transfer member. Because complete transfer of the ink image in step S125 is essential for the process to be technically and commercially feasible, the ink used in the indirect printing process must contain a sufficient proportion of binder to ensure that the residual formed in step S121 is a tacky residual.

[0008] The temperature of the adhesive residual film on the intermediate transfer member is typically higher than the temperature of the substrate, causing the residual film to cool upon application to the substrate.

[0009] By appropriately selecting the thermorheological properties of the residual film (i.e., by having a sufficient amount of binder present in the aqueous ink provided in step S101 and inkjetted in step S117), a cooling effect can be achieved that increases the adhesion of the residual film, so that the adhesion of the residual film to the transfer member is exceeded, and in an ideal process, all of the residual film is peeled off from the intermediate transfer member and pressed onto the substrate as a thin film.

[0010] In conclusion, it is desirable for the indirect digital printing process to provide, among other things, the following properties: (i) avoidance of beading of aqueous ink droplets across the surface of the ITM, and (ii) good transfer properties (e.g., due to adhesion) of the ink image residual film so that the entire ink image is transferred from the ITM surface to the substrate.

[0011] The second characteristic, relatively complete transfer of the ink image from the ITM surface to the substrate, is particularly important. Not only can incomplete image transfer result in discontinuities or other defects in the final surface image, but incomplete transfer of the ink image can also leave residual ink on sections of the ITM surface. This residue must be cleaned, and in practice, cleaning is not always possible. If the residual ink is not cleaned, or is not cleaned completely, it can cause "resilience" on the ITM surface, which can harm or impair the quality of subsequent images printed using the ITM surface.

[0012] Because "complete image transfer" from the ITM to the substrate (step S125) is required, the role of the binder as an ink component is considered essential. In particular, aqueous inks typically contain a sufficient amount of polymeric binder or resin to be able to transfer a tacky dry ink image (e.g., a thin film) to the print substrate at elevated temperatures and to provide sufficient tack to the dry ink image upon transfer from the ITM to the substrate, i.e., so that the dry ink image does not break up or disintegrate upon transfer.

[0013] Although printing with aqueous inks is considered more environmentally friendly than printing with various organic solvent-based inks, aqueous printing technology is still in development. There is a continuing need for methods, apparatus, and compositions that can reduce the cost of indirect digital printing with aqueous inks, and / or improve the quality of the resulting images, and / or reduce equipment maintenance, and / or improve the process in any other way. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, an ink image-bearing residual film is formed on the surface of an ITM (e.g., having a silicone-based release layer), and the ink image-bearing residual film is heated to a transfer temperature T 転写 The residual film is heated to the transfer temperature T 転写 It is sometimes sticky. It is sticky and the transfer temperature T 転写 At this time, the residual film is transferred from the ITM to the printing substrate.

[0015] The tacky ink image-bearing residual film is produced as follows: First and second aqueous liquid ink components are sequentially delivered to the ITM surface, and the first component, which has been delivered earlier and partially dried, and the second aqueous component are mixed on the ITM surface, or the second aqueous component penetrates the layer of the first component, forming a wet color ink image thereon, which is then heated and dried on the ITM surface.

[0016] In various examples, this occurs at the transfer temperature T 転写 is (i) at most 115°C, at most 110°C, at most 105°C, at most 100°C, at most 95°C, or at most 90°C, and (ii) at least 60°C, at least 65°C, at least 70°C, at least 75°C, at least 80°C, or at least 85°C.

[0017] For example, the first component is clear and the second component is colored (eg, contains colorant particles and / or pigments).

[0018] In embodiments of the present invention, the concentration of the binder (or particular type of binder) in the first component is significantly greater than the concentration of the binder (or particular type of binder) in the second component. In some embodiments, (i) the second component (i.e., pigment) alone as a pure component does not exceed this aforementioned "transfer temperature" T 転写 (ii) the binder concentration of a 5:1 weight ratio mixture of the first component to the second component (and more typically mixtures of 4:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, or 2:1 weight ratios) is sufficient to produce a tacky, dry ink-image-bearing residual film at a "transfer temperature" T 転写 is sufficient to generate

[0019] In a first example, both the first and second components are digitally delivered (e.g., by droplet deposition, e.g., by inkjet) according to a predetermined image pattern (e.g., stored in computer memory and accessed by a digital computer that controls the operation of the inkjet printhead(s)). According to a second example, the first component is applied to the ITM surface as a continuous, wet layer over a relatively large area of ​​the ITM surface (e.g., at least 1 cm x 1 cm, typically larger).

[0020] In a non-limiting embodiment, the binder in the first ink component (and even in the 5:1 weight ratio mixture) comprises a polymer, such as a film-forming polymer, e.g., a polymer capable of forming a residual film that is sufficiently tacky to be transferred from the ITM surface to the printing substrate without disintegrating during or before transfer.

[0021] In this disclosure, the “dry thin film glass transition temperature T” of an ink component (or a mixture of two ink components) is g 乾燥薄膜 is defined as the glass transition temperature of a dry film formed from the ink components (or mixture of components).

[0022] Some embodiments may further comprise: (i) a dry thin film glass transition temperature, T g 乾燥薄膜 (the second component; pure), and (ii) a 5:1 weight ratio mixture of the first component and the second component (and mixtures substantially in the above weight ratios of 4:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, or 2:1) g 乾燥薄膜 (2nd component:1st component is 5:1)

[0023] To enable in situ mixing of two ink components on the ITM surface (i.e., because the second ink component itself may not be able to form a dry, tacky film at the required temperature), the second ink component may be delivered to the ITM surface before the first ink component has completely dried on the ITM surface.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the indirect printing process disclosed herein includes: (i) a first stage in which a quantity of a first ink component is delivered (e.g., by inkjet or coating) to a target surface of an ITM and partially covers it with a volume of the first ink component (this first ink component is only partially dried during the first stage, producing a partially dried layer of the first component on the ITM surface); (ii) a subsequent second stage in which droplets of a second component are deposited (e.g., digitally deposited) on the partially dried layer of the first component, thereby mixing the first and second components in situ and ultimately (i.e., after heating and drying) forming a viscous ink image-bearing residual film; and (iii) a subsequent third stage in which this viscous ink image-bearing residual film is transferred from the ITM surface to a substrate (e.g., by pressure contact).

[0025] In some embodiments, the first stage is carried out such that the wet thickness of the first component volume on the ITM target surface is at least 6 μm, or at least 7.5 μm, or at least 8.5 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 12 μm. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that gravity acting on a relatively "thick" first component volume can be useful in counteracting the thermodynamic tendency of the aqueous first ink component to bead on the silicone-based release layer of the ITM.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first stage is carried out such that the wet thickness is in the range of 6-30 μm, 6-25 μm, 7-20 μm, 8-25 μm, 8-20 μm, 10-25 μm, 10-20 μm, 10-18 μm, 10-16 μm, 11-25 μm, 11-20 μm, 12-25 μm, or 12-20 μm.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention relate to features that minimize and / or counteract this thermodynamic tendency of the first component to bead on the ITM surface.

[0028] Thus, in some embodiments, even when the first component is aqueous, the static surface tension of the first component is at most 40 dynes / cm at 25° C. For example, the presence of at least one surfactant (e.g., a surface energy modifier) ​​in the first component can significantly reduce the static surface tension compared to water or compared to the same first component without the surfactant.

[0029] Alternatively, or additionally, in embodiments of the present invention, even if the release layer of the ITM is silicone-based, the surface of the silicone-based release layer is sufficiently hydrophilic such that (i) a distilled water droplet deposited on the surface of the silicone-based release layer has a receding contact angle of at most 60°, and / or (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of at most 108° for a distilled water droplet deposited on the surface of the silicone-based release layer.

[0030] Non-limiting methods for making such silicone-based release layers are described below.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the layer of the first ink component is sufficiently wettable and permeable such that at least a portion of the colorant particles penetrate into the partially dried layer of the first ink component, the second ink component is applied (i.e., by droplet deposition) to this layer before the partially dried layer of the first ink component is completely dry.

[0032] In embodiments of the present invention, the operating parameters of the printing system or its component(s) are controlled so that at least a majority, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or substantially all of the colorant particles (e.g., in response to droplets of the second ink component delivered to the layer of the first ink component) penetrate into the partially dried layer of the first ink component.

[0033] In embodiments of the present invention, the operating parameters of the printing system or its component(s) are controlled to cause the colorant particles to completely penetrate the partially dried layer of the first ink component, ultimately forming a single homogenized layer on the release layer and / or a single fused layer having coexisting solids of the first and second ink components therein on the release layer and / or print substrate (substantially parallel to the release layer and print substrate, respectively).

[0034] While such penetration is desirable, in embodiments of the present invention, the printing process is controlled to limit the extent of penetration of the second component, for example, to prevent a situation in which the second component (or portions thereof, e.g., pigment particles) leaches completely through the layer of the first component and contacts the release layer or target surface of the ITM.

[0035] In various embodiments, one or more of the following features (i.e., any combination) may be useful to prevent such a situation: (i) when a volume of the first component initially covers a portion of the ITM, the thickness of this volume is at least 6 μm, or at least 7.5 μm, or at least 8.5 μm, or at least 10 μm. Even if the coating thickness is reduced by subsequent evaporation, the initial thickness is large enough to ensure that the second component does not leach through the entire thickness and contact the release layer surface of the ITM; and (ii) the 60° C. evaporation load of the first ink component is at most 10:1, or at most 9:1, or at most 8:1, or at most 7:1, or at most 6:1, or at most 5:1, or at most 4:1, or at most 3.5:1, or at most 3:1. This evaporation load limit facilitates or ensures that the viscosity of the first component layer increases quickly enough to prevent initial evaporation from the first component from leaching the second component colorant particles through the entire first component layer and contacting the release layer of the ITM. Although a rapid increase in dynamic viscosity of the partially dried layer of the first ink component may be desirable to prevent contact between the colorant particles and the ITM release layer, in embodiments of the present invention, the increase in dynamic viscosity should be controlled or inhibited to allow mixing of the first ink component and the second ink component.

[0036] Accordingly, some embodiments relate to adjusting the degree to which the second ink component penetrates below the top surface of the first ink component layer, i.e., adjusting the degree to be neither too little nor too much. Thus, in various embodiments, the degree of penetration can be sufficient to allow proper in-situ mixing of the first and second components to occur. For example, at least 25%, or at least a majority, or at least 75%, or all of the second ink component can penetrate below the top surface of the first ink component layer. However, while some penetration of the second ink component into the first ink component layer is advantageous, the process can be performed such that the second ink component penetrates completely through the entire first ink component layer and does not contact the ITM.

[0037] In some embodiments, an ITM is provided that includes (a) a support layer and (b) a release layer having an ink-receptive surface for receiving an ink image and a second surface opposite the ink-receptive surface, the second surface being attached to the support layer, the release layer being formed of an addition-curable silicone material, the release layer having a thickness of up to 500 micrometers (μm), and the ITM has the following structural characteristics: (1) the total surface energy of the ink-receptive surface is greater than or equal to the total surface energy of a modified ink-receptive surface produced by subjecting the ink-receptive surface of the corresponding release layer to a standard aging procedure; (2) the total surface energy of the ink-receptive surface is at least 4 mN / m, at least 6 mN / m, at least 8 mN / m, or at least 10 mN / m higher than the total surface energy of a hydrophobic ink-receptive surface of a corresponding release layer prepared by standard air curing of a silicone precursor of the curable silicone material; (3) the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface is at least 7°, at least 8°, at least 10°, at least 12°, at least 14°, at least 16°, at least 18°, or at least 20° less than the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface of a corresponding release layer prepared by standard air curing of a silicone precursor of the curable silicone material; (4) the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface is reduced by subjecting the ink-receptive surface to a standard aging procedure. (5) the surface hydrophobicity of the ink-receiving surface is less than the bulk hydrophobicity of the cured silicone material in the release layer, the surface hydrophobicity being characterized by the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receiving surface, and the bulk hydrophobicity being characterized by the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet disposed on an inner surface formed by exposing an area of ​​the cured silicone material in the release layer to form an exposed area;(5) the receding contact angle measured on the ink-receptive surface is at least 7°, at least 8°, at least 10°, at least 12°, at least 14°, at least 16°, at least 18°, or at least 20° less than the receding contact angle measured on the exposed area, and (6) the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface is at most 60°, at most 58°, at most 56°, at most 54°, at most 52°, at most 50°, at most 48°, at most 46°, at most 44°, at most 42°, at most 40°, at most 38°, or at most 36°.

[0038] In some embodiments, the functional groups comprise up to 5%, up to 3%, up to 2%, or up to 1% by weight of the addition-curable silicone material, or the addition-curable silicone material is substantially free of such functional groups. In some embodiments, the addition-curable silicone material is filled with a polyether glycol-functionalized polydimethylsiloxane.

[0039] In some embodiments, the polyether glycol functionalized siloxane is loaded into the addition-cured silicone material but does not form part of the covalent structure of the addition-cured silicone material.

[0040] In some embodiments, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use with a printing system (e.g., this can be an ITM that is a "provided ITM") includes: (a) a support layer; and (b) a release layer having an ink-receiving surface for receiving an ink image and a second surface opposite the ink-receiving surface, the second surface being attached to the support layer, the release layer being formed of an addition-cured silicone material, the release layer having a thickness of up to 500 micrometers (μm), and the ink-receiving surface has the following structural characteristics: (i) a surface that is substantially uniform across the ink-receiving surface; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of at most 108° for a distilled water droplet deposited on the ink-receptive surface, and the release layer has at least one of the following structural characteristics: (1) the addition-curable silicone material consists essentially of or comprises at least 95% by weight of an addition-curable silicone; and (2) functional groups account for at most 3% by weight of the addition-curable silicone material.

[0041] In some embodiments, provided ITMs are characterized in that the polyether glycol functionalized siloxane is loaded into the addition-cured silicone material but does not form part of the covalent structure of the addition-cured silicone material.

[0042] In some embodiments, provided ITMs are characterized in that the thickness of the release layer is at most 500 μm, at most 100 μm, at most 50 μm, at most 25 μm, or at most 15 μm.

[0043] In some embodiments, the provided ITM is characterized in that the thickness of the release layer is within a range of 1 to 100 μm, 5 to 100 μm, 8 to 100 μm, 10 to 100 μm, or 10 to 80 μm.

[0044] In some embodiments, the ITM is provided with a support layer having a thickness in the range of about 50-1000 micrometers (μm), 100-1000 μm, 100-800 μm, or 100-500 μm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the provided ITM has an ink-receptive surface with a total surface energy that is at least 2 J / m higher than the total surface energy of a modified ink-receptive surface produced by subjecting the ink-receptive surface of a corresponding release layer to a standard aging procedure. 2 , at least 3 J / m 2 , at least 4 J / m 2 , at least 5 J / m 2 , at least 6 J / m 2 , at least 8 J / m 2 , or at least 10 J / m 2 It is characterized by being large.

[0046] In some embodiments, the provided ITM has an ink-receptive surface with a total surface energy that is at least 4 J / m lower than the total surface energy of a hydrophobic ink-receptive surface of a corresponding release layer prepared by standard air curing of a silicone precursor of the curable silicone material. 2 , at least 6 J / m 2 , at least 8 J / m 2 , at least 10 J / m 2 , at least 12 J / m 2 , at least 14 J / m 2 , or at least 16 J / m 2 It is characterized by being large.

[0047] In some embodiments, the provided ITMs are characterized by a receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on their ink-receptive surface that is at least 7°, at least 8°, at least 10°, at least 12°, at least 15°, at least 18°, or at least 20° less than the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface of a corresponding release layer made by standard air curing of a silicone precursor to the curable silicone material.

[0048] In some embodiments, the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface is at least 5°, at least 6°, at least 7°, or at least 8° less than the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on an aged surface produced by subjecting the ink-receptive surface to a standard aging procedure.

[0049] In some embodiments, the surface hydrophobicity of the ink-receptive surface is less than the bulk hydrophobicity of the cured silicone material in the release layer, the surface hydrophobicity being characterized by the receding contact angle of a droplet of distilled water on the ink-receptive surface, and the bulk hydrophobicity being characterized by the receding contact angle of a droplet of distilled water disposed on an inner surface formed by exposing an area of ​​the cured silicone material in the release layer to form an exposed area. In some embodiments, the provided ITM (i.e., the ITM of this printing method) is characterized by a receding contact angle measured on the ink-receptive surface that is at least 7°, at least 8°, at least 10°, at least 12°, at least 14°, at least 16°, at least 18°, or at least 20° less than the receding contact angle measured in the exposed area.

[0050] In some embodiments, the receding contact angle of the distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface is at least 25°, at least 28°, at least 30°, at least 32°, at least 34°, or at least 36°, and optionally within the range of 25° to 60°, 28° to 60°, 30° to 60°, 30° to 60°, 30° to 55°, 30° to 50°, 32° to 60°, 32° to 55°, 32° to 44°, 35° to 60°, 35° to 55°, 36° to 44°, or 38° to 50°.

[0051] In some embodiments, the release layer is adapted so that when the ITM is in an operating mode in which the ink-receiving surface is exposed to the ambient environment, the polar groups on the ink-receiving surface are oriented or facing the ambient environment.

[0052] In some embodiments, the provided ITM forms a component of a digital printing system and includes a release layer that includes functional groups in a silicone polymer matrix in a total amount of up to 3 wt%, up to 2 wt%, up to 1 wt%, up to 0.5 wt%, up to 0.2 wt%, or substantially 0 wt%.

[0053] In some embodiments, the provided ITM is characterized in that the release layer comprises, within its silicone polymer matrix, functional groups selected from the group consisting of C=O, S=O, OH, and COO in a total amount of up to 3%, up to 2%, up to 1%, up to 0.5%, up to 0.2%, or substantially 0% by weight.

[0054] In some embodiments, the provided ITMs are characterized in that the release layer comprises, within its silicone polymer matrix, up to 3%, up to 2%, up to 1%, up to 0.5%, up to 0.2%, or substantially 0% by weight of functional groups selected from the group consisting of silane moieties, alkoxy moieties, amide moieties, and amide-alkoxy moieties. In some embodiments, the provided ITMs are characterized in that the release layer comprises, within its silicone polymer matrix, up to 3%, up to 2%, up to 1%, up to 0.5%, up to 0.2%, or substantially 0% by weight of functional groups selected from the group consisting of amine, ammonium, aldehyde, SO, SO, SO, PO, PO, and COC.

[0055] In some embodiments, the provided ITM comprises an addition-cured silicone material having a structure constructed from vinyl-functional silicones, the addition-cured silicone material including polar groups of the "MQ" type.

[0056] In some embodiments, the provided ITM has the total surface energy of its ink-receptive surface estimated using the Owens-Wendt surface energy model.

[0057] In some embodiments, the provided ITM has a 10 second DCA of up to 108°, up to 106°, up to 103°, up to 100°, up to 96°, up to 92°, or up to 88°, optionally at least 60°, at least 65°, at least 70°, at least 75°, at least 78°, at least 80°, at least 82°, at least 84°, or at least 86°, and further optionally in the range of 60-108°, 65-105°, 70-105°, 70-100°, 70-96°, 70-92°, 75-105°, 75-100°, 80-105°, 80-100°, 85-105°, or 85-100°.

[0058] In some embodiments, provided ITMs have an ink-receptive surface adapted such that, for a distilled water droplet deposited on the ink-receptive surface, the difference between the 70-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) and the 10-second DCA is within the range of at least 7°, at least 8°, at least 10°, or at least 12°, optionally up to 25°, up to 22°, up to 20°, up to 18°, or up to 17°, and further optionally, 6-25°, 6-22°, 6-20°, 6-18°, 6-17°, 7-25°, 7-20°, 7-17°, 8-25°, 8-22°, 18-20°, 8-18°, 8-17°, 10-25°, 10-22°, 10-20°, 10-18°, or 10-17°. In some embodiments, the ink-receptive surface is adapted such that, for the distilled water droplet deposited on the ink-receptive surface, the 70-second DCA is in the range of at most 92°, at most 90°, at most 88°, at most 85°, at most 82°, at most 80°, at most 78°, at most 76°, at most 74°, or at most 72°, optionally at least 55°, at least 60°, at least 65°, or at least 68°, further optionally 55-92°, 55-90°, 55-85°, 55-80°, 65-92°, 65-90°, 65-85°, 65-80°, 68-85°, 68-80°, 70-92°, 70-90°, 70-85°, or 70-80°.

[0059] In some embodiments, the substrate is selected from the group consisting of uncoated fibrous printing substrates, commercially coated fibrous printing substrates, and plastic printing substrates.

[0060] In some embodiments, the printing substrate is paper optionally selected from the group of papers consisting of bond paper, uncoated offset paper, coated offset paper, copy paper, wood paper, coated wood paper, fine paper, coated fine paper, and laser paper.

[0061] In some embodiments, the surface of the silicone-based release layer is sufficiently hydrophilic that a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the surface of the silicone-based release layer is at most 108°.

[0062] In some embodiments, an ITM is provided that includes a support layer, a release layer having a silicone-based release layer surface and a second surface (i) opposite the silicone-based release layer surface and (ii) attached to the support layer, wherein the release layer is formed of an addition-curable silicone material, and the thickness of the release layer is up to 500 micrometers (μm).

[0063] In various embodiments, the digital printing system disclosed in the present invention can provide any feature or combination of features disclosed anywhere in this document (e.g., be controlled to perform any method disclosed herein).

[0064] Some embodiments of a printing system will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This description, together with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how the teachings of the present disclosure may be implemented, by way of non-limiting example. These drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present disclosure. For clarity and simplicity, some objects shown in the drawings are not drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0065] [Figure 1]1 is a flowchart of a prior art printing process. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a printing process in accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a printing system or components thereof according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a printing system or components thereof according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 5] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of a printing system or components thereof according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A-1B show schematic diagrams of a printing system or components thereof according to exemplary embodiments. 1J shows a schematic diagram of an ink image-bearing residual film on a printing substrate according to one example. [Figure 7] A shows a schematic cross-section of a carrier. B-F show schematic diagrams illustrating different stages of ITM fabrication according to the present disclosure. G shows a cross-section of a completed ITM after loading into a printing system. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of a release layer prepared by the prior art, and FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a release layer prepared by the method of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A-D are schematic diagrams showing different stages in the manufacture of an apparatus capable of implementing some embodiments of the method of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional SEM micrographs of a dried two-component ink image in which a second ink component is jetted onto a substantially completely dried first component layer, respectively, and in which a second ink component is jetted onto a only partially dried first ink component layer, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With particular reference now to the detailed drawings, it is emphasized that the specific details shown herein are presented by way of example and for illustrative purposes only with respect to preferred embodiments of the invention, for the purpose of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood explanation of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, it is not intended to show structural details of the invention beyond those required for a fundamental understanding of the invention. Reading the description in conjunction with the following drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how several aspects of the invention may be actually implemented. Like reference numerals are generally used throughout these drawings to refer to like elements.

[0067] definition In this application, the following terms shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0068] a1) The term "receding contact angle" or "RCA" refers to the receding contact angle measured at ambient temperature using the Drop Shape Method described above, using a Data Physics OCA15 Pro Contact Angle measurement device or an equivalent Video-Based Optical Contact Angle Measuring System. The synonym "advancing contact angle" or "ACA" refers to the advancing contact angle measured in substantially the same manner, as detailed in Example 46 herein below, at ambient temperature, using the method detailed by Dr. Roger P. Woodward in the above-referenced "Contact Angle Measurements Using the Drop Shape Method."

[0069] a2) The term "dynamic contact angle" or "DCA" refers to the dynamic contact angle measured using a Data Physics OCA15 Pro Contact Angle measurement device or an equivalent Video-Based Optical Contact Angle Measuring System, using the method detailed by Dr. Roger P. Woodward in the above-referenced "Contact Angle Measurements Using the Drop Shape Method," at ambient temperature, as detailed in Example 53 herein below.

[0070] b) The term "standard aging procedure" refers to an accelerated aging procedure performed on each test release layer in a standard convection oven at 160° C. for 2 hours.

[0071] c) The term "standard air cure" refers to a conventional curing process for curing a release layer in which the release layer surface (or "ink-receiving surface") is exposed to air while the release layer is cured.

[0072] d) The term "bulk hydrophobicity" is characterized by the receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water placed on the inner surface of the release layer, the inner surface being formed by exposing areas of cured silicone material within the release layer.

[0073] e) The term "image transfer member" or "intermediate transfer member" or "transfer member" refers to a component of a printing system to which ink is initially applied by a print head (e.g., by an inkjet head) and from which the ejected image is then transferred to another substrate(s), usually the final print substrate.

[0074] f) The term "blanket" refers to a flexible transfer member that can be mounted in a printing apparatus to form a belt-like structure over two or more rollers, at least one of which can rotate and move the blanket (e.g., by moving its belt) around the rollers.

[0075] g) The term "on the release surface" in reference to an object such as an ink image or residual ink means supported by and / or above that release surface. The term "on the release surface" does not necessarily imply direct contact between the ink image or residual ink and the release surface.

[0076] h) Terms such as "having a sufficiently high static surface tension to increase the static surface tension of the aqueous treatment formulation" with respect to a particular surfactant in the formulation are evaluated by adding additional amounts or portions of that particular surfactant to the formulation and comparing the static surface tension of the formulation achieved with the static surface tension of the formulation prior to adding these amounts.

[0077] i) The term "liquid moisture absorbent" refers to a moisture absorbent that is liquid at at least one temperature in the range of 25° C. to 90° C. and that has a vapor pressure in its pure state at 90° C. of at most 0.05 ata, more typically at most 0.02 ata, at most 0.01 ata, or at most 0.003 ata. The term "liquid moisture absorbent" is specifically intended to refer to substances such as glycerol.

[0078] j) Terms such as "hydrophobic" and "hydrophilic" may be used in a relative sense and not necessarily in an absolute sense.

[0079] k) The term "(treatment) formulation" refers to a solution or dispersion.

[0080] l) The evaporation load at x degrees Celsius (x is a positive number) is defined as follows: If a solution is y% solids (wt / wt) and z% liquid (wt / wt) at x degrees Celsius, then the "evaporation load at x degrees Celsius" of that solution is the ratio z / y. The units of "evaporation load" are "weight of solvent / weight of total solute." For the purposes of this disclosure, evaporation load is always defined at atmospheric pressure. For the purposes of this disclosure, the default value for "x" is 60 degrees Celsius. That is, the term "evaporation load" without a prefix specifying a temperature refers to the 60 degrees Celsius evaporation load at atmospheric pressure.

[0081] m) When a portion of the ITM is in motion at a speed of v meters / second, this means that the portion of the blanket ITM is moving in a direction parallel to its local position surface / plane, e.g., relative to a stationary applicator, at a speed of at least v meters / second.

[0082] n) The term "static surface tension" refers to the static surface tension at 25°C and atmospheric pressure.

[0083] o) The term "thickness" of a wetting layer can be defined as follows: When a volume (here vol) of material covers the surface area of ​​a surface having an area SA with a wetting layer, the thickness of the wetting layer is considered to be vol / SA.

[0084] p) The "thickness" of a dry film is defined as follows: When a substance of volume vol, of which x% by weight is liquid, wets or covers a surface of surface area SA, and all the liquid evaporates to convert the wet layer into a dry film, the thickness of the dry film is considered to be given by the formula: vol / ρ 湿潤層 (100-x) / (SA·ρ 乾燥層 ) In the formula, ρ 湿潤層 is the specific gravity of the wet layer, ρ 乾燥層 is the specific gravity of the dry layer.

[0085] q) The term "adhesive film" refers to a construct that remains intact when removed from the surface to which it is attached, i.e., when removed from the surface, the structural integrity of the "adhesive film" is maintained and it peels off as a film without breaking into small pieces.

[0086] r) Unless otherwise specified, physical properties (e.g., viscosity and surface tension) of liquids (e.g., treatment formulations) refer to properties at 25°C.

[0087] s) Unless otherwise specified, the term "concentration" refers to weight / weight, i.e. (weight of one component of the formulation) / (total weight of the formulation).

[0088] t) The term "functional group" refers to a group or moiety attached to the polymer structure of the release layer that has a higher polarity than the O-Si-O group of a conventional addition-cured silicone. Various examples are provided herein. Based on the inventors' observations, pure addition-cured polydimethylsiloxane polymers contain O-Si-O, SiO, Si-CH, and CC groups, and most other functional groups have strong dipoles and can therefore be considered "functional." It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such functional groups may have a tendency or strong tendency to react with components typically present in aqueous inks utilized in indirect inkjet printing at processing temperatures up to 120°C.

[0089] u) The term "transparent" with respect to an ink component, such as the first aqueous ink component, refers to at least one of: (i) an opacity of at most 4%, more typically at most 3%, at most 2.5%, at most 2%, at most 1.5%, or at most 1.2%, as detailed in Example 8 herein below; (ii) a colorant (e.g., pigment) content of at most 0.2%, at most 0.1%, at most 0.05%, or at most 0.02%, or being substantially free of such colorants; (iii) a transparency as measured or characterized by one skilled in the art of printing; and (iv) a transparency as understood by one skilled in the art of printing.

[0090] v) Terms such as "redissolvable," "resolubility," and the like, with respect to ink components, such as the second aqueous ink component, refer to characteristics as determined by the Resolubility Characterization Procedure set forth in Example 25 below.

[0091] w) "Transfer temperature" and like terms refer to the temperature measured by pointing an IR thermometer at the release surface of the blanket, in the nip region.

[0092] x) Terms such as "a 5:1 weight ratio of the first ink component to the second ink component" in reference to one or more dry ink films refer to the weight of the dry film of the first ink component divided by the weight of the dry film of the second ink component.

[0093] Considerations for Figure 2 Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for indirectly printing a water-based ink onto a (e.g., silicone-based) release layer surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM). In some embodiments, the method of Figure 2 (or any combination of the steps of the method of Figure 2) can be performed using the apparatus (or component(s) thereof) disclosed in Figures 3 and 4, although not all of the components shown in these figures are required in every embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 2 includes steps S201, S203, S205, S209, S211, S213, S217, and S221.

[0095] Specifically, steps S201-S205 relate to ingredients or components or consumables used in the printing process of Figure 2, while steps S209-S221 relate to the process itself. In particular, step S221 involves heating the surface of the ITM to a transfer temperature T 転写 The tacky ink image-bearing residual film is heated to a temperature (i.e., transfer temperature T 転写 The one or more features associated with step S201 or S203 and one or more "half combination characteristics" (defined below) are transferred to the print substrate at a transfer temperature T 転写 This section explains:

[0096] Briefly, the steps in Figure 2 are as follows: (i) in steps S201 and S203, first and second components of the ink are provided (e.g., the first component is transparent) (e.g., the second component includes colorant particles or a pigment), and (ii) in step S205, an ITM (i.e., including a silicone-based release layer surface) is provided. The physical and chemical properties of the ink components (i.e., both individually and in "half-combined properties") and the ITM according to an exemplary embodiment are described below.

[0097] In step S209, an amount of a first ink component is delivered to the target surface of the ITM, covering a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first ink component. For example, droplets of the first ink component may be deposited (e.g., by inkjet) on the target surface of the ITM such that the covered "portion" of the target surface may be discontinuous. However, this is not a requirement, and in other examples, a relatively large continuous area (e.g., at least 1 cm x 1 cm) may be covered in step S209.

[0098] In step S211, the wet volume of the first ink component is subjected to only partial drying to produce a partially dried layer of the first component on the ITM.

[0099] In step S213, droplets of a second ink component (e.g., including a colorant such as pigment particles and / or dye) are deposited (e.g., digitally deposited) onto the partially dried layer of the first component (i.e., the layer produced in step S211) to form a wet color ink image on the ITM. For example, if the partially dried layer of the first component is sufficiently wettable and permeable, contact of the deposited droplets with the partially dried layer of the first component causes some or all (e.g., at least 10%, or at least 30%, or at least a majority) of the colorant particles of the aqueous component of the second ink to penetrate (i.e., penetrate below its top surface) the partially dried layer of the first component.

[0100] In step S217, the wet color ink image (i.e., formed in step S213) is at least partially dried. For example, the at least partial trial of step S217 is at least partially performed by heating the ink image. Alternatively or additionally, simultaneously with or after the at least partial drying, the ink image is heated on the ITM before the subsequent transfer in step S221. For example, heating (e.g., performed in step S217 or after S217 but before step S221) can serve to evaporate solvent. For example, heating (e.g., performed in step S217 or after S217 but before step S221) can make the ink image sufficiently tacky and / or produce a dry, tacky ink-image-retaining residual film. An "ink-image-retaining residual film" is a residual film that includes an ink image.

[0101] In step S221, the at least partially dried ink image is transferred from the ITM to a print substrate. For example, in embodiments in which a tacky ink-image-bearing residual film is produced in or after step S217, this tacky ink-image-bearing residual film can be transferred (i.e., step S221) from the ITM (e.g., its transfer surface) to the substrate. For example, during step S221, the tacky ink-image-bearing residual film is heated to a "transfer temperature" T 転写 and, for example, the temperature is at most 115° C., at most 110° C., at most 105° C., at most 100° C., at most 95° C., at most 90° C., at most 85° C., at most 80° C., at most 75° C., at most 70° C. In an embodiment of the invention, step S221 is performed by pressure contact between the ITM surface and the substrate, for example, in a nip region between two opposing cylinders where the ink image-bearing residual film is disposed during transfer.

[0102] In general, the order of steps shown in Figure 2 is not required. For example, steps S201-S205 can be performed in any order. In some embodiments, steps S209-S221 are performed in the order listed in Figure 2.

[0103] Thoughts on the S201 In some embodiments, the aqueous ink components of the first ink of step S201 (ie, in pure form) can provide one or more (ie, any combination) of the following characteristics A1-A24:

[0104] A1. Minimum wt / wt Water Carrier Liquid - In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component treatment formulation as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises at least 35% wt / wt water, or at least 40% wt / wt water, or at least 50% wt / wt water, or at least 55% wt / wt water.

[0105] A2. Maximum wt / wt Water Carrier Liquid - The first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises up to 75% wt / wt water, or up to 70% wt / wt water, or up to 65% wt / wt water.

[0106] A3. Wt / wt Water Carrier Liquid (Specific Ranges)—The first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises 35% wt / wt to 75% wt / wt water, or 40% wt / wt to 75% wt / wt water, or 40% wt / wt to 70% wt / wt water, or 50% wt / wt to 70% wt / wt water.

[0107] A4. Evaporation Load—In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., when stored in a reservoir) may have a 60°C evaporation load of at most 10:1, at most 9:1, at most 8:1, at most 7:1, at most 6:1, at most 5:1, at most 4:1, at most 3.5:1, or at most 3:1. Alternatively or additionally, the 60°C evaporation load may be at least 2:1, at least 2.2:1, or at least 2.5:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2:1 and 10:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2:1 and 8:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2.5:1 and 7:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2.5:1 and 5:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2.5:1 and 4:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2.5:1 and 3.5:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2.8:1 and 4:1. In some embodiments, the evaporation load is between 2.8:1 and 3.5:1.

[0108] Without intending to be bound by theory, in some embodiments, having a relatively "low" upper limit evaporation load can be useful to (i) increase the rate at which the viscosity of the first component increases (e.g., in step S211, e.g., to reduce and / or counteract the tendency of the first component to bead on the ITM surface) and / or (ii) increase the rate at which the viscosity of the mixture of the first and second components increases (e.g., in step S217, e.g., to prevent colorant particles from traversing the entire first component layer to contact ("weep" to) the surface of the ITM or the release layer). This can, for example, obviate the need to include or rely on the presence of a chelating agent or other agent in the first ink component that rapidly anchors solids to the target surface.

[0109] A5. Inclusion of one or more binders (minimum and / or maximum wt. %) - In some embodiments, the first aqueous first ink component formulation as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) includes at least 6 wt. / wt. % or at least 7 wt. / wt. % or at least 8 wt. / wt. % or at least 9 wt. / wt. % or at least 10 wt. / wt. % or at least 11 wt. / wt. % or at least 12 wt. / wt. % (i.e., based on the wt. % of the first ink component including the aqueous liquid carrier of the first aqueous ink component).

[0110] The binder may be useful to make the residual film tacky (e.g., at a relatively "cold" temperature) and / or to help maintain the tackiness of the residual film during transfer. As discussed below, in embodiments of the present invention, (i) the binder fraction of the second component is lower than the binder fraction of the first ink component, and (ii) during steps S213-S217, the binder droplets of the second component may be mixed and contained (e.g., formed) within a single, homogenized thin layer.

[0111] The binder plays an important role in the transferability of the dried first ink component and the dried ink image containing both ink components from the release layer of the ITM, and also in the adhesion of the dried ink image to the print substrate.

[0112] Examples of binders include polystyrene-acrylate copolymers, poly-acrylate polymers, polyurethanes (eg, aliphatic polyurethanes such as anionic aliphatic polyurethanes), urethane-acrylate copolymers, and polyesters (eg, polyethylene terephthalate).

[0113] Exemplary styrene-acrylic (or polystyrene-acrylate) copolymers include Joncryl® 77E, Joncryl® 586, Joncryl® 90, Joncryl® 8085, and Joncryl® ECO 2177.

[0114] An exemplary polyurethane is NeoRez® R-563, an anionic aliphatic polyurethane manufactured by DSM-PUD.

[0115] An exemplary acrylic or polyacrylic binder is Joncryl® 538, an acrylic polymer emulsion.

[0116] Exemplary polyesters include Plascoat Z-105, Plascoat Z-730, and Plascoat Z-750 (all from GOO Chemicals).

[0117] The binder can be provided in a variety of forms, such as a dispersion or emulsion, for example, where water is typically the primary carrier liquid.

[0118] In various embodiments, the presence of a binder can be adjusted to a specific transfer temperature T 転写 This may be useful for making the remaining film tacky and / or for providing tackiness during transfer.

[0119] A6. Has a surfactant concentration within a particular range - In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises up to 5% w / w or up to 4% w / w of surfactant.

[0120] A7. Moderately Hydrophilic Initial Aqueous Treatment Formulation—In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., while stored in a reservoir) is only moderately hydrophilic, e.g., has a static surface tension at 25° C. of at most 32 dynes / cm (e.g., 20-32 dynes / cm), or at most 30 dynes / cm (e.g., 20-32 dynes / cm), or at most 28 dynes / cm (e.g., 20-32 dynes / cm). Because the release surface of the ITM has moderately hydrophobic (or moderately hydrophilic) properties, using a first ink component with high hydrophilicity may not be useful because it may increase the thermodynamic tendency to bead during step S209.

[0121] A8. No Quaternary Ammonium Salts or at Most Low Concentrations - In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) is free of quaternary ammonium salts or contains at most 1% w / w, or at most 0.75% w / w, or at most 0.5% w / w, or at most 0.25% w / w of quaternary ammonium salts, or neutralizing equivalents thereof.

[0122] A9. Has a viscosity within a particular range - In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity of the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) is at most 100 mPa·s (milliPascal seconds) or at most 80 mPa·s.

[0123] A10. Has a viscosity within a particular range—In embodiments in which the first ink component is delivered by droplet deposition (e.g., by inkjet) in step S209, the low-viscosity first aqueous ink component may have a value of up to 35 mPa·s, up to 30 mPa·s, up to 25 mPa·s, up to 20 mPa·s, or up to 15 mPa·s.

[0124] A11. Has a viscosity within a particular range - In some embodiments, the viscosity of the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) is at least 3 mPa·s, at least 4 mPa·s, at least 5 mPa·s, or at least 6 mPa·s.

[0125] A12. No organic solvents, such as glycerol (or at most low concentrations)—In some embodiments, the presence of organic solvents with low vapor pressures may prevent the first ink component from drying on the ITM surface and / or the treated film may lose the desired elasticity and / or tack or tensile strength desired for the transfer step. In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., when stored in a reservoir) is free of organic solvents (regardless of vapor pressure) in the pure state and / or contains up to 3%, up to 2%, up to 1%, or up to 0.5%, up to 0.25%, or up to 0.1% by weight of organic solvent. In some embodiments, the formulation is free of organic solvents and / or contains up to 3%, up to 2%, up to 1%, or up to 0.5%, up to 0.25%, or up to 0.1% by weight of glycerol. In some embodiments, the formulation is completely glycerol-free.

[0126] A13. No chelating agent (or at most a low concentration) - In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) may be chelating agent-free and / or contain up to 3 wt%, up to 2 wt%, up to 1 wt%, or up to 0.5 wt%, or up to 0.25 wt%, or up to 0.1 wt% chelating agent.

[0127] A14. No (or at most low) concentration of) water-soluble film-forming polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) - In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) may be free of water-soluble film-forming polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and / or contain up to 3 wt%, up to 2 wt%, up to 1 wt%, or up to 0.5 wt%, and more typically up to 0.25 wt%, or up to 0.1 wt% of water-soluble film-forming polymer.

[0128] A15.Dry thin film glass transition temperature T g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dry thin film glass transition temperature, T g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component]) is at most 115°C, or at most 110°C, or at most 105°C, or at most 100°C, or at most 95°C, or at most 90°C, or at most 85°C, or at most 80°C, or at most 70°C, or at most 65°C, or at most 60°C, or at most 55°C. This reference is to the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the first ink component as a pure component. g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component]).

[0129] A16. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 115°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 115°C) is 1*10 7 mPa·s or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s or up to 4*10 6 mPa·s.

[0130] A17. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 110℃ g 乾燥薄膜([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 110℃) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s or up to 5*10 6 mPa·s or up to 4*10 6 mPa·s.

[0131] A18. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 105°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 105℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0132] A19. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 100℃ g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 100℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0133] A20. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 95°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 95℃) is up to 4*10 7 mPa·s, max. 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0134] A21. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 90°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 90℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s or up to 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0135] A22. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 80°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 80℃) is up to 2.5*10 7 mPa·s or up to 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s.

[0136] A23. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 70°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 70℃) is up to 6*10 7 mPa·s, max. 3*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 8*106 mPa·s.

[0137] A24. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 65°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 65℃) is up to 1*10 8 mPa·s, max. 5*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s.

[0138] A25. Starch-Free - In some embodiments, the first aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) may be starch-free and / or contain up to 3%, up to 2%, up to 1%, or up to 0.5%, more typically up to 0.25%, or up to 0.1% by weight of starch.

[0139] Considerations regarding step S203 In some embodiments, the aqueous ink component of the second ink of step S203 (ie, in pure form) may provide one or more (ie, any combination) of the following characteristics B1-B18:

[0140] B1. Minimum wt / wt Water Carrier Liquid - In some embodiments, the second aqueous ink component treatment formulation provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises at least 40% wt / wt water, or at least 45% wt / wt water, or at least 50% wt / wt water, or at least 55% wt / wt water, or at least 60% wt / wt water, or at least 65% wt / wt water.

[0141] B2. Percent Solids (Lower Limit) - In some embodiments, the second aqueous ink component treatment formulation as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises at least 6% wt / wt solids, or at least 7% wt / wt solids, or at least 8% wt / wt solids, where the term "solids" refers to materials that are solid at 60°C.

[0142] B3. Percent Solids (Upper Limit) - In some embodiments, the second aqueous ink component treatment formulation as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) contains up to 15% wt / wt solids, or up to 14% wt / wt solids, or up to 13% wt / wt solids, or up to 12% wt / wt solids, where the term "solids" refers to materials that are solid at 60°C.

[0143] B4. Percent Solids (Specific Ranges) - In some embodiments, the second aqueous ink component treatment formulation as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., as stored in a reservoir) comprises 7% w / w to 13% w / w solids.

[0144] B5. Weight Fraction of Binder (Upper Limit) - In some embodiments, the provided second aqueous ink component formulation (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises up to 3 wt / wt%, or up to 2.5 wt / wt%, or up to 2 wt / wt%, or up to 1.5 wt / wt%, or up to 1 wt / wt%, or up to 0.5 wt / wt% binder (i.e., based on the weight % of the second ink component including the aqueous liquid carrier of the second aqueous ink component).

[0145] B6. Binder:Pigment Ratio—In some embodiments, in the second aqueous ink component formulation as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., when stored in a reservoir), the ratio of (i) the weight fraction of the binder in the second aqueous ink component formulation to (ii) the weight fraction of the pigment in the second aqueous ink component formulation is at most 1.5:1, or at most 1.3:1, or at most 1.2:1, or at most 1.1:1, or at most 0.8:1, or at most 0.6:1, or at most 0.4:1.

[0146] B7. Redissolvable - In some embodiments, the second aqueous ink component provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM - e.g., when stored in a reservoir) is a redissolvable ink component.

[0147] B8. Nanoparticles—In some embodiments, the second aqueous ink component as provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., when stored in a reservoir) comprises nanoparticles, e.g., the primary colorant of the second aqueous ink component is a nanoparticle.

[0148] B9. Dry thin film glass transition temperature T g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—in some embodiments, the dry thin film glass transition temperature, T g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component]) is at least 90°C, or at least 95°C, or at least 100°C, or at least 105°C, or at least 110°C, or at least 115°C. This reference is to the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second ink component as a pure component. g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component]).

[0149] B10. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 115°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 115°C) is at least 8*10 6mPa·s, at least 1*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 6*10 7 mPa·s.

[0150] B11. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 110°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 110°C) is at least 1*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 5*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 8*10 7 mPa·s.

[0151] B12. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 105°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 105°C) is at least 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 5*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 1*10 8 mPa·s.

[0152] B13. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 100°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 100°C) is at least 1.5*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 7*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 2*10 8 mPa·s.

[0153] B14. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 95°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 95°C) is at least 2*10 7 mPa·s, at least 5*10 7 mPa·s, at least 1*10 8 mPa·s, or at least 3*10 8 mPa·s.

[0154] B15. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 90°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 90°C) is at least 2*10 7 mPa·s, at least 4*10 7 mPa·s, at least 6*10 7 mPa·s, at least 8*10 7 mPa·s, at least 1*10 8 mPa·s, at least 3*10 8 mPa, or at least 5*10 8 mPa.

[0155] B16. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 80°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 80°C) is at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 6*10 7 mPa·s, at least 8*10 7 mPa·s, at least 2*10 8 mPa·s, or at least 7*10 8 mPa·s.

[0156] B17. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 70°C g 乾燥薄膜([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 70°C) is at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 6*10 7 mPa·s, at least 8*10 7 mPa·s, at least 2*10 8 mPa·s, at least 5*10 8 mPa·s, or at least 9*10 8 mPa·s.

[0157] B18. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 60°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 60°C) is at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 6*10 7 mPa·s, at least 8*10 7 mPa·s, at least 2*10 8 mPa·s, at least 5*10 8 mPa·s, or at least 9*10 8 mPa·s.

[0158] First Consideration Regarding Steps S201 and S203 ("Combined Features" According to the Properties of Both the First and Second Ink Components) In some embodiments, the aqueous ink components of the first and second inks of steps S201 and S203, respectively (i.e., each in pure form) can provide one or more (i.e., any combination) of the following characteristics C1-C4:

[0159] C1. Binder Weight Fraction Ratio (Upper Limit)—In some embodiments, the first and second aqueous ink component formulations provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., when stored in a reservoir) collectively provide the following property: the ratio of (i) the weight fraction of binder in the first component to (ii) the weight fraction of binder in the second component is at least 1.5, or at least 1.75:1, or at least 2:1, or at least 2.25:1, or at least 2.25:1, or at least 3:1, or at least 4:1, or at least 5:1, or at least 6:1, or at least 7:1, or at least 8:1, or at least 9:1, or at least 10:1. This ratio can be infinite because the second ink component can be binder-free.

[0160] C2. Percent Solids Ratio—In some embodiments, the first and second aqueous ink component formulations provided (i.e., prior to delivery to the ITM—e.g., when stored in a reservoir) collectively provide the following property: the ratio of (i) the weight fraction of solids in the first component to (ii) the weight fraction of solids in the second component is at least 1.8, at least 2.0, at least 2.2, at least 2.5, or at least 3.0, where the term “solids” refers to materials that are solid at 60° C.

[0161] C3. Dry thin film glass transition temperature T g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component]) and T g 乾燥薄膜 ([first component])—in some embodiments, T g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component]) and T g 乾燥薄膜 ([first component]) is at least 0°C, or at least 1°C, or at least 2°C, or at least 3°C, or at least 4°C, or at least 5°C, or at least 6°C, or at least 7°C, or at least 8°C, or at least 9°C, or at least 10°C, or at least 12°C, or at least 15°C.

[0162] C4. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 115°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component])—In some embodiments, (i) μ g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 115°C) and (ii) μ g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second Component], 115°C) is at least 3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 7:1, at least 10:1, at least 15:1, or at least 25:1, and / or is in the range of 3:1 to 25:1, 3:1 to 10:1, 3:1 to 7:1, 5:1 to 25:1, 5:1 to 15:1, 5:1 to 10:1, 5:1 to 7:1, 7:1 to 25:1, 7:1 to 15:1, or 7:1 to 10:1.

[0163] Second Consideration Regarding Steps S201 and S203 ("Combined Features" According to the Properties of Both the First and Second Ink Components) In some embodiments, the aqueous ink components of the first and second inks of steps S201 and S203, respectively (i.e., each in pure form) can provide one or more (i.e., any combination) of the following characteristics D1-D10, each describing a mixture of the first component and the second component in a 5:1 weight ratio:

[0164] D1. Dry thin film glass transition temperature T g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component:first component 5:1]) (upper limit)—in some embodiments, the dry thin film glass transition temperature T g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component:first component 5:1]) is less than 115°C, or less than 110°C, or less than 105°C, or less than 100°C, or less than 95°C, or less than 90°C, or less than 85°C, or less than 80°C, or less than 70°C, or less than 65°C, or less than 60°C, or less than 55°C.

[0165] D2. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 115°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 115℃) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, max. 6*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 4*10 6 mPa·s.

[0166] D3. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 110°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 110℃) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or more typically up to 6*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 5*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 4*10 6 mPa·s.

[0167] D4. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 105°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 105℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0168] D5. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 100℃ g 乾燥薄膜([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 100℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0169] D6. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 95°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a first to second weight ratio of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 95℃) is up to 4*10 7 mPa·s, max. 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0170] D7. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 90°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 90℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s.

[0171] D8. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 80°C g 乾燥薄膜([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 80℃) is up to 2.5*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s.

[0172] D9. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 70°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 70℃) is up to 6*10 7 mPa·s, max. 3*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s.

[0173] D10. Dynamic viscosity μ of dried ink film at 65°C g 乾燥薄膜 ([First Component])—in some embodiments, the dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 65℃) is up to 1*10 8 mPa·s, max. 5*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s.

[0174] Consideration regarding step S205 in Figure 2 In some embodiments, the ITM provided in step S205 has a silicone-based release layer whose release surface may be less hydrophobic or significantly less hydrophobic than many conventional silicone-based release layers. This structural property can be measured and characterized in a variety of ways.

[0175] For example, as shown in step S205 of FIG. 2, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) may include a silicone-based release layer surface that exhibits sufficient hydrophilicity to satisfy at least one of the following characteristics: (i) a distilled water droplet deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface has a receding contact angle of at most 60°; and (ii) a distilled water droplet deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface has a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of at most 108°.

[0176] Any one of several techniques can be used to reduce the hydrophobicity of the silicone-based release layer.

[0177] In some embodiments, polar functional groups are introduced into and / or generated in the silicone-based release layer. As an example, functional groups can be added to a prepolymer batch (e.g., monomers in solution), and upon curing, these functional groups can become part of the silicone polymer network. Alternatively or additionally, the silicone-based release layer can be pretreated (e.g., by corona discharge or by electron beam), thereby increasing the surface energy of the release layer.

[0178] Alternatively, silicone-based release layers can be fabricated to have low hydrophobicity even when they are substantially free of functional groups. As an example, the silicone polymer backbone of the release layer can be constructed so that its polar groups (e.g., O-Si-O) are oriented substantially perpendicular to the local plane of the ITM surface and face "up" toward the release layer surface.

[0179] In various embodiments, one or more (ie, any combination) of the following features E1 to E5 may be provided.

[0180] E1: Release Layer - In some embodiments, the release layer is formed from a silicone material (eg, addition cure) - which provides the ITM with hydrophobic properties useful for step S117.

[0181] E2: Release Layers with Reduced Hydrophobicity—Silicone-based release layers have been produced in a manner that reduces their hydrophobicity. For example, instead of utilizing the addition of functional reactive groups to impart hydrophilicity to the release layer, the silicone release layer can be cured so that the polar atoms of the polar groups (e.g., the oxygen atoms in the polar moiety Si—O—Si) are aligned or otherwise face outward relative to the release layer surface. In this example, the oxygen atoms of “Si—O—Si” are incapable of chemically bonding to materials in processing solutions, dried ink images, and / or dried processing films under normal processing conditions. However, it is possible to benefit from the hydrophilic nature of the outwardly oriented polar “O.”

[0182] E3: Moderately Hydrophobic Release Layer—The release surface of the ITM has moderately hydrophobic properties but is not excessively hydrophobic. Thus, the release surface can have a surface energy (at 25° C.) of at least 20 dynes / cm, or at least 21 dynes / cm, or at least 22 dynes / cm, or at least 23 dynes / cm, or at least 25 dynes / cm, at least 28 dynes / cm, at least 30 dynes / cm, at least 32 dynes / cm, at least 34 dynes / cm, or at least 36 dynes / cm, and / or up to 48 dynes / cm, up to 46 dynes / cm, up to 44 dynes / cm, up to 42 dynes / cm, up to 40 dynes / cm, up to 38 dynes / cm, or up to 37 dynes / cm, or up to 35 dynes / cm.

[0183] E4: Receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on a release layer surface—The receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receiving surface or release layer surface is typically at least 30°, and more typically 30° to 80°, 35° to 80°, 30° to 75°, 35° to 75°, 30° to 65°, 30° to 55°, or 35° to 55°.

[0184] E5: No functional groups attached within the crosslinked polymer structure—The release layer of the ITM may be free or substantially free of functional groups attached within the crosslinked polymer structure, which the inventors believe may increase or promote undesirable adhesion.

[0185] Considerations regarding step S209 In some embodiments, step S209 is performed to provide one or more (ie, any combination) of the following features F1-F4:

[0186] The thickness of the coating wet volume of the first component on the F1-ITM surface (i.e., immediately after formation / application / delivery onto the ITM surface) is at least 6 μm, or at least 8 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 12 μm.

[0187] F2—The first ink component is delivered to the ITM surface by droplet deposition (eg, by inkjet).

[0188] F3—The first ink component is delivered to the ITM surface by droplet deposition (e.g., by inkjet) according to the pattern of the ink image formed in step S213 (e.g., the center of the droplet of the first ink component at the time of impact corresponds to the center of the ink image later formed in step S213).

[0189] A first ink component is delivered to the ITM surface while the F4-ITM surface is moving at a speed of at least 1 meter / second, or at least 1.5 meters / second, or at least 2 meters / second, and a wet treatment layer is formed thereon.

[0190] Considerations regarding step S211 In some embodiments, step S211 is performed to provide one or more (ie, any combination) of the following features G1-G2:

[0191] G1 - The ratio of (i) the thickness of the partially dried layer of the first ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component collides with the partially dried layer of the first ink component in step S213 to (ii) the thickness of the coated wet volume of the first component on the ITM surface (i.e., immediately after formation / application / delivery onto the ITM surface) in step S209 is at most 0.6, or at most 0.5, or at most 0.4.

[0192] G2 - The ratio of (i) the thickness of the partially dried layer of the first ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component collides with the partially dried layer of the first ink component in step S213 to (ii) the thickness of the coated wet volume of the first component on the ITM surface (i.e., immediately after formation / application / delivery onto the ITM surface) in step S209 is at least 0.25, or at least 0.3, or at least 0.35.

[0193] Considerations regarding step S213 In some embodiments, step S213 is performed to provide one or more (ie, any combination) of the following features H1-H5:

[0194] H1 - The second component is delivered by inkjet.

[0195] H2—In embodiments, within the inkjet nozzle during inkjet of the second component, and under the jetting conditions (e.g., temperature), the second aqueous ink component is a resolubilizable ink component. Thus, in some embodiments, deposition of droplets of the second aqueous ink component is carried out under a set of conditions under which the second ink component is fully resolubilizable.

[0196] Without intending to be bound by theory, this may be due, at least in part, to the relatively low binder fraction of the second aqueous ink component provided in step S203.

[0197] H3 - The liquid content of the layer of the first ink component immediately prior to the collision between the droplet of the second ink component and the layer of the first ink component is at least 10% w / w or at least 20% w / w or at least 30% w / w or at least 40% w / w.

[0198] H4—The thickness of the layer of the first ink component just prior to the collision between the droplet of the second ink component and the layer of the first ink component is at least 1 μm, or at least 1.5 μm, or at least 2 μm, or at least 3 μm, or at least 4 μm.

[0199] H5—Upon collision between a droplet of the second ink component and the layer of the first ink component, some or all of the colorant particles of the second ink component penetrate into the partially dried layer of the first ink component. In one example, for a given deposited droplet of the second component, at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 50%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the colorant particles may penetrate and mix with the partially dried layer of the first ink component.

[0200] Considerations regarding step S221 In some embodiments, step S221 is performed such that it has one or more of the following characteristics:

[0201] I1-Transfer temperature T 転写 is at least 60°C, at least 65°C, at least 70°C, at least 75°C, at least 80°C, at least 85°C, at least 90°C, at least 95°C, at least 100°C, at least 105°C, at least 110°C, or at least 115°C.

[0202] I2-Transfer temperature T 転写is at most 75°C, at most 80°C, or at most 85°C, or at most 90°C, or at most 95°C, or at most 100°C, or at most 105°C, or at most 110°C, or at most 115°C.

[0203] I3-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 60℃~70℃.

[0204] I4-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 65℃~75℃.

[0205] I5-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 70℃~80℃.

[0206] I6-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 75℃~85℃.

[0207] I7-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 80℃~90℃.

[0208] I9-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 85℃~95℃.

[0209] I10-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 90℃~100℃.

[0210] I11-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 95℃~105℃.

[0211] I12-Transfer temperature T 転写 is 105℃~115℃.

[0212] I13 - Transfer temperature T 転写 is above 115°C.

[0213] I14: Dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second ink component g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component]) is the transfer temperature T 転写(e.g., at least 5°C, or at least 10°C, or at least 12°C, or at least 15°C, or at least 20°C, or at least 30°C, or at least 40°C) above a dry thin film glass transition temperature T g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component:first component is 5:1]) is the transfer temperature T 転写 (e.g., at least 5°C, or at least 10°C, or at least 12°C, or at least 15°C, or at least 20°C, or at least 30°C, or at least 40°C).

[0214] Considerations regarding Figures 3 and 4 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one exemplary system for performing the method of Figure 2. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary system for performing the method of Figure 2. The system of Figure 3 includes: (i) a first ink component reservoir 120 that supplies a first ink component to the inkjet print nozzles of print bar 110A (i.e., print bar 110A includes one or more print heads, each print head including multiple inkjet nozzles supplied by reservoir 120); and (ii) one or more reservoirs 124A-124D of second ink components (i.e., having either the same composition or different compositions; i.e., each "second ink component" may be different in color but may share other properties in common (e.g., thermorheological properties)), each reservoir supplying a respective second ink component to a respective print bar 110B-110D.

[0215] In the example of FIG. 3 , the ITM 140 is a blanket (e.g., a flexible blanket) mounted around the multiple cylinders 104, 102. This is not limiting, and in other examples, the ITM 140 may be, for example, a rigid drum. In the example of FIG. 3 , the print bar 110A deposits droplets of a first ink composition onto the surface of the ITM 140 (e.g., see step S209 of FIG. 2 ), forming a layer of the first ink composition thereon. Movement of the ITM 140 transports this layer of the first ink composition from a position beneath the print bar 110A to a position beneath the print bar 110B, where droplets of a second ink composition are deposited (e.g., by inkjets) onto the layer of the first ink composition (e.g., see step S213 of FIG. 4 ). As a result, an ink image is formed on the surface of the ITM, which is transported to the image transfer position LocX. Once the ink image is transported, it is heated (e.g., see step S217 of FIG. 2 ) (e.g., in some embodiments, at least some drying is performed in drying station 130) to form a tacky residual film. The ink image residual film is transferred (e.g., see step S221) from the surface of the ITM to substrate 148 at image transfer location LocX (e.g., transfer is performed by applying pressure between impression cylinder 142 and plate cylinder 146, for example).

[0216] 3, multiple reservoirs of second ink compositions are provided. For example, each of the reservoirs 124 contains a different type (e.g., different color) of second ink composition. For example, each type of second ink composition can be applied sequentially to produce a color ink image.

[0217] 4 is similar to FIG. 3, except that the apparatus 118 for applying the first ink component does not utilize droplet deposition. In various examples, the apparatus 118 for continuously covering a "large" area (e.g., at least 1 cm x 1 cm) with a volume of the first ink component can include a coater and / or a spray assembly and / or a bath assembly (e.g., for immersion of an ITM surface). The amount of first ink component initially applied can be "oversized," and in some embodiments, the apparatus 118 includes a thinning assembly and / or a doctor blade.

[0218] An example of the operation of the system of FIG. 3 is shown in FIGS. 5A-5I. Each figure shows substance 112 being placed on the surface of ITM 140 at a different time “window.” Thus, in FIG. 5A, element 112[t1] shows a layer of the first component immediately after application (e.g., by droplet deposition, e.g., inkjet) onto the surface of ITM 140 (e.g., as of step S209) at location LocA directly below print bar 110A. In FIG. 5B, element 112[t2] shows a layer of the first component at a later time t2, at location LocB, slightly downstream of print bar 110A.

[0219] In Figure 5C, element 112[t3] shows the first ink component layer at a later time t3, at location LocC, slightly upstream of print bar 110B. In Figure 5D, element 112[t3] shows the combination of the first ink component layer and the second ink component droplet deposited by print bar 110B at a later time t4. As shown in Figure 5D, this combination is located at location D, directly below print bar 110B. Time t4 therefore corresponds to the time when the second ink component droplet is deposited on the first ink component layer in step S213 of Figure 2.

[0220] 5E to 5H correspond to the following three time points t5 to t8 and three subsequent locations on the ITM 140. FIG. 5I corresponds to image transfer time t9, at which time an image is transferred to the image transfer position LocX.

[0221] 6A-6I correspond to FIGS. 5A-5I, respectively, and illustrate 112[t1] in response to a particular scenario / set of operating parameters / example first and second aqueous ink compositions.

[0222] blanket ITMs can be manufactured in the manner illustrated by Figures 7B-7G, and are particularly suitable for Landa Corporation's Nanographic Printing® technology.

[0223] 7A, there is shown a schematic cross section through carrier 10. In all of these figures, carrier 10 is shown as a solid black line to distinguish it from the layers that will form part of the finished article. Carrier 10 has a carrier contact surface 12.

[0224] In some embodiments, the carrier contact surface 12 can be a well-polished, flat surface having a roughness (Ra) of up to about 50 nm, up to 30 nm, up to 20 nm, up to 15 nm, up to 12 nm, or more typically up to 10 nm, up to 7 nm, or up to 5 nm. In some embodiments, the carrier contact surface 12 is 1-50 nm, 3-25 nm, 3-20 nm, or 5-20 nm.

[0225] The hydrophilic properties of the carrier contact surface 12 are described below.

[0226] In some embodiments, the carrier 10 is inflexible and may be formed, for example, from a single piece of glass or a thick metal sheet.

[0227] In some embodiments, carrier 10 may be advantageously formed from a flexible foil (e.g., a flexible foil consisting essentially of or including aluminum, nickel, and / or chromium). In one embodiment, the foil is a sheet of aluminized PET (polyethylene terephthalate, polyester), e.g., PET coated with evaporated aluminum metal. The aluminum top coat may be protected by a polymer coating. The sheet typically has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.00 mm to maintain flexibility while resisting tight bends to avoid wrinkles.

[0228] In some embodiments, carrier 10 may be advantageously formed from an antistatic polymer film (e.g., a polyester film such as PET). The antistatic properties of the antistatic film are achieved by various means known to those skilled in the art, including the addition of various additives (e.g., ammonium salts) to the polymer composition.

[0229] In the step of the ITM manufacturing method, the result of which is shown in Figure 7B, a fluid first curable composition (shown as 36 in Figure 9B) is provided and a layer 16 is formed from that composition on the carrier-contacting surface 12. Layer 16 constitutes an initial release layer having an outer ink-transfer surface 14.

[0230] The fluid first curable composition of layer 16 may include an elastomer, typically comprised of a silicone polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane (eg, vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, etc.).

[0231] In some embodiments, the fluid first hardenable material comprises a vinyl-functional silicone polymer (eg, a vinyl silicone polymer that includes at least one pendant vinyl group in addition to a terminal vinyl group, such as, for example, a vinyl-functional polydimethylsiloxane).

[0232] In some exemplary embodiments, the fluid first curable material comprises a vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, a vinyl-functional polydimethylsiloxane that includes at least one pendant vinyl group on the polysiloxane chain in addition to the terminal vinyl group, a crosslinker, an addition cure catalyst, and optionally, a cure inhibitor.

[0233] As is well known in the art, the curable adhesive composition can include any suitable amount of addition cure catalyst on a molar basis (typically up to 0.01% per mole of prepolymer).

[0234] Representative formulations for the fluid first hardenable material are provided in the examples below.

[0235] A layer 16 of a fluid first curable composition is applied to the carrier-contacting surface 12 and then cured. Layer 16 can be developed to a desired thickness, for example, using a doctor blade (a knife mounted on a roll), so that the doctor blade does not contact the surface that will ultimately function as the ink transfer surface 14 of the ITM, thereby preventing imperfections in the doctor blade from affecting the quality of the finished product. After curing, the "release" layer 16 can have a thickness of from about 2 micrometers to about 200 micrometers. An apparatus in which such steps and methods are implemented is shown schematically in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0236] For example, the release layer formulation detailed above can be uniformly coated onto a PET support, uniformly coated to a thickness of 5 to 200 micrometers (μ) and cured at 120°C to 130°C for approximately 2 to 10 minutes. Surprisingly, the hydrophobicity of the ink transfer surface of the release layer so prepared, as estimated by its receding contact angle (RCA) with a 0.5 to 5 microliter (μl) droplet of distilled water, can be approximately 60°. Meanwhile, the other side of the same release layer (which acts to approximate the hydrophobicity of a layer conventionally prepared using an air interface) can have a significantly higher RCA (typically approximately 90°). The PET support used to produce the ink transfer surface 14 can typically exhibit an RCA of approximately 40° or less. Contact angle measurements were performed using a contact angle analyzer - Kruss® "Easy Drop" FM40Mk2 and / or Dataphysics OCA15 Pro (Particle and Surface Sciences Pty. Ltd., Gosford, NSW, Australia).

[0237] In a subsequent step of this method, the result of which is shown in Figure 9C, an additional layer 18 (called a compliant layer) is applied to layer 16 on the side opposite ink transfer surface 14. Compliant layer 18 is an elastomeric layer that allows layer 16 and its outermost surface 14 to closely conform to the surface contours of the substrate onto which the ink image is being imprinted. Attaching compliant layer 18 to the side opposite ink transfer surface 14 may involve the application of an adhesive or bonding composition in addition to the material of compliant layer 18. Generally, compliant layer 18 typically has a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 300 micrometers or more.

[0238] While compliant layer 18 has the same composition as release layer 16, material and processing economies may justify the use of less expensive materials. Furthermore, compliant layer 18 is typically selected to have different mechanical properties (e.g., greater resistance to tension) than release layer 16. Such desired differences in properties may be achieved, for example, by utilizing a different composition for release layer 16, by varying the ratios between the components used to prepare the release layer 16 formulation, by adding additional components to such formulation, and / or by selecting different curing conditions. For example, the addition of filler particles may desirably increase the mechanical strength of compliant layer 18 compared to release layer 16.

[0239] In some embodiments, the compliant layer 18 may include a variety of rubbers, preferably those that are stable at temperatures of at least 100° C. and may include rubbers such as alkyl acrylate copolymer rubber (ACM), methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), fluoroelastomer polymers, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene acrylic elastomer (EAM), and hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR).

[0240] As a non-limiting example, Silopren® LSR2530 (Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Waterford NY), a two-component liquid silicone rubber in which the two components are mixed in a 1:1 ratio, was applied to the aforementioned cured release layer 16. The silicone rubber mixture was metered / homogenized using a knife blade to obtain an initial compliant layer 18 having a thickness of approximately 250 micrometers, which was then cured at 150°C-160°C for approximately 5 minutes.

[0241] In a subsequent step of the method, the result of which is shown in Figure 7D, a reinforcement or support layer 20 is constructed on the compliant layer 18. The support layer 20 typically includes a fiber reinforcement in the form of a woven fabric or cloth to provide the support layer 20 with sufficient structural integrity to withstand stretching when the ITM is held under tension in a printing system. The support layer 20 is formed by coating the fiber reinforcement with a resin that is subsequently cured and that remains flexible after curing.

[0242] Alternatively, the support layer 20 may be formed separately as a reinforcing layer and include such fibers embedded and / or infused within an independently cured resin. In this case, the support layer 20 may be attached to the compliant layer 18 via an adhesive layer, eliminating the need to cure the support layer 20 in-situ, if desired. Generally, the support layer 20, whether formed in-situ on the compliant layer 18 or separately, may have a thickness of from about 100 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, a portion of which is contributed by the thickness of the fibers or fabric, which typically ranges from about 50 micrometers to about 300 micrometers. However, the support layer thickness is not critical. For heavy-duty applications, for example, the support layer may have a thickness of 200 micrometers or more, 500 micrometers or more, or even 1 mm or more.

[0243] For example, a support layer 20 comprising a woven glass fiber fabric was applied to the multilayered ITM structure described herein, including a vinyl-functionalized release coating 16 and a two-component silicone rubber compliant layer 18. The glass fiber fabric, approximately 100 micrometers thick, was a plain weave fabric with 16 yarns / cm in the vertical direction. The glass fiber fabric was embedded in a curable fluid containing Silopren® LSR2530, a liquid silicone rubber corresponding to the compliant layer. Overall, the resulting support layer 20 had a thickness of approximately 200 micrometers and was cured at 150°C for approximately 2-5 minutes. Preferably, a denser fabric (e.g., 24 x 23 yarns / cm) could be used.

[0244] After support layer 20 is formed in situ or installed, additional layers can be constructed on its opposite side as needed. FIG. 7E shows an optional felt blanket 22 secured (e.g., by a cured adhesive or resin) to the opposite side of support layer 20, and FIG. 7F shows a high-friction layer 24 coated on the opposite side of blanket 22. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various relatively soft rubbers can be used to provide layers with high-friction properties. Silicone elastomers are just one example of such rubbers. In situations where an intervening layer, such as blanket 22, is not present, high-friction layer 24 can be attached directly to support layer 20.

[0245] As noted above, all layers added to the release layer of the ITM (e.g., 18, 20, 22, 24, or any intervening adhesive or primer layers, etc.) collectively form the base of the structure, as shown for base 200 in Figure 8C.

[0246] Before the ITM can be used, it is necessary to remove the carrier 10 to expose the ink transfer surface 14 of the release layer 16, as shown in Figure 7G. Typically, the finished product can simply be peeled off the carrier 10.

[0247] If carrier 10 is a flexible foil, it may be preferable to leave it in place on the ITM until the ITM is installed in a printing system, etc. This foil would act to protect the ink transfer surface 14 of the ITM during storage, shipping, and installation. Additionally, carrier 10 may be replaced with an alternative foil suitable as a protective coating after the manufacturing process is complete.

[0248] 9A-9D are schematic diagrams of an apparatus 90 in which an ITM may be manufactured. In FIG. 9A, a schematic of such an apparatus 90 is provided, including an unwind roller 40 and a take-up roller 42 that move a flexible loop conveyor 100. Disposed along the path followed by the conveyor 100 are a dispensing station 52 capable of dispensing a hardenable fluid composition suitable for the desired ITM, a leveling station 54 capable of controlling the thickness of the hardenable layer as it moves downstream, and a curing station 56 capable of at least partially curing a layer so that it can serve as an initial layer for a subsequent step, if present. Dispensing station 52, leveling station 54, and curing station 56 constitute layer-forming station 50a. As indicated by 50b, the apparatus 90 may include two or more layer-forming stations, as desired. Furthermore, forming station 50 may include additional substations, indicated by dispensing roller 58 in station 50a.

[0249] In some embodiments, the need for loop conveyor 100 is eliminated and carrier 10 is tensioned directly between rollers 40 and 42. Untreated carrier 10 is unwound from unwind roller 40 and passes through stations 50a and 50b before being wound onto take-up roller 42.

[0250] Although not shown in the drawings, the apparatus may further include a "surface treatment" station upstream of the dispensing station. This surface treatment station facilitates subsequent application of the curable composition, if desired, or attachment of the curable composition to the carrier contact surface or initial layer, as the case may be. As described above with respect to the carrier, the optional surface treatment station (not shown) may be suitable for physical treatment (e.g., corona treatment, plasma treatment, ozone treatment, etc.).

[0251] FIG. 9B shows schematically how a carrier 10 disposed on a conveyor 100 can be coated at a forming station 50 of the apparatus 90. At a dispensing station 52, a hardenable composition 36 of the release layer 16 is applied to the carrier contact surface 12. As the carrier 10 is driven in the direction of the arrow, the hardenable composition 36 is leveled to a desired thickness at a leveling station 54, for example, by using a doctor blade. As the leveled layer advances downstream, it enters a curing station 56, which is configured to at least partially harden the hardenable composition 36, thereby allowing the initial layer 16 to form at the exit side of the curing station. Such representative steps have already been described in connection with FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0252] 9C and 9D show schematic diagrams of how additional layers (forming the base) are applied. In FIG. 9C, hardenable composition 38 is dispensed at dispensing station 52 (which may be the same or different from the station used to coat the carrier with release layer 16 shown in FIG. 9B). Hardenable composition 38 is leveled to a desired thickness at leveling station 54, then enters curing station 56, and emerges from curing station 56 sufficiently cured to serve as initial layer 18 for subsequent steps, etc. Representative such steps were previously described in connection with FIG. 7C. Referring now to FIG. 9C, FIG. 9C shows schematic diagrams of how hardenable composition 39 is applied at dispensing station 52. A backbone for the support layer (e.g., fabric) can be provided by dispensing roller 58. Representative fabric can be submerged beneath the hardenable composition at station 60 before entering curing station 56. In this manner, support layer 20 can be formed at the exit side of the curing station.

[0253] 8A and 8B show schematic diagrams of defects appearing in a cross section of an outer layer 80 (e.g., a release layer) prepared according to the above-described method. FIG. 8A illustrates a different phenomenon related to air bubbles that can be trapped in any hardenable composition if curing occurs before the bubbles can be eliminated (e.g., by venting). As can be seen in the figure, bubbles 82 flow toward the layer 80, above the body 800, toward the air interface in the direction of flow indicated by the arrows during fabrication. These bubbles 82 can then merge into larger bubbles. Air bubbles, regardless of their size, can remain trapped within the bulk of the layer or on its surface. The upper portion of the bubble envelope forms a protrusion 84. If a bubble adjacent to the surface bursts during layer curing, a crater 86 may remain, even if the area of ​​the bubble envelope protruding from the surface disappears. These phenomena thus typically provide a bubble "gradient." The upper regions generally contain larger bubbles and / or have a higher density of bubbles per cross-sectional area or stack compared to the lower regions. Note that lower and upper refer to the layer orientation at the time of fabrication. The impact of bubble-induced defects on the surface is self-evident, and surface inhomogeneity typically has a negative impact on any subsequent interaction, for example, with an ink image. Over time, under conditions where such ITMs typically operate under tension and / or pressure, the craters widen and merge, forming more pronounced cracks. Therefore, such phenomena can affect the structural integrity of the surface and any mechanical properties that such integrity may have imparted to the ITM.

[0254] FIG. 8B illustrates a different phenomenon involving solid contaminants, such as dust. While the illustrative example depicts dust as being added to air bubbles, this is not necessarily true; such surface or layer defects can occur independently. As can be seen in the figure, solid contaminants can remain on the surface. If the contaminants settle after the outer layer 80 is cured, such contaminants 92 can be removed simply by properly cleaning the outer layer. Even so, this phenomenon is undesirable, as additional cleaning of the ITM may be required before it can be used. If such contaminants occur while the layer is still uncured, they may be trapped on the surface of the layer 80 (e.g., contaminant 94, which appears to be "floating") or may even sink into the peeled layer (e.g., contaminant 96). As can be readily appreciated, larger / heavier contaminants may sink deeper than smaller contaminants.

[0255] The methods disclosed herein include forming a layer of a fluid first hardenable material with one side of the layer in contact with a carrier-contacting surface, which layer constitutes an initial release layer. The carrier-contacting surface functions to protect the initial release layer, thereby imparting desired properties to the ink transfer layer, while the carrier serves as a physically robust support structure onto which other layers are added to form the ITM until the ITM is complete. As a result, many potential sources of defects are avoided. Furthermore, the finish of the ink transfer surface is primarily, if not exclusively, determined by the carrier-contacting surface.

[0256] FIG. 8C shows a schematic cross section through an outer layer 16 (e.g., a release layer) prepared according to the present method. For comparison with previous figures, this cross section is shown in the same orientation as FIGS. 8A and 8B, without the carrier, but with fabrication performed in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrows. The base 200 (described in more detail below) is attached to the first outer layer 16 after it has at least partially cured, and thus is not equivalent to the body 800 that already serves as a support during the fabrication process. For illustrative purposes only, the layer 16 is depicted as containing numerous bubbles 82, although this is not necessarily true. However, if present, such bubbles would exhibit a more specific pattern than the bubble pattern previously described. First, because the ink transfer surface 14, now the uppermost surface of the layer 16, was previously in contact with the carrier, no protrusions are observed, and thus the release layer is free of the phenomenon previously indicated by bubbles 84 protruding from its surface. Similarly, the craters previously indicated as cavities 86 are largely absent. This is because such craters indicate the use of an incompatible hardenable layer and carrier. According to this method, the hardenable material forming the outer layer will adequately wet the carrier, and there will be virtually no air bubbles trapped between the carrier and the initial layer formed on the carrier. Therefore, even if any air bubbles exist, they will be located within the bulk of the layer. However, because the fabrication is performed in an inverted direction compared to conventional methods, the gradient of the air bubbles will be inverted for the same reason. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8C, small air bubbles will be closer to the outer surface than larger air bubbles, and larger air bubbles will be closer to the base.

[0257] The release layer structures of the present disclosure produced from addition-cured formulations may contain substantially no or only a small number (very few OH groups) of functional groups covalently bonded within the polymer matrix. Such functional groups may include moieties such as C=O, S=O, and OH.

[0258] Because these release layer structures contain, at most, very few such functional groups, it would be expected that the release layer would exhibit high hydrophobicity. The release layer surface produced by this method does indeed exhibit some hydrophilicity, and is clearly more hydrophilic than the corresponding release layer (i.e., a release layer having the same composition but produced using conventional curing techniques in which the release layer is exposed to air ("standard air curing"). It is believed that the intimate contact between the carrier-contacting surface and the initial release layer surface introduces some of the hydrophilic properties of the carrier-contacting surface into the release layer surface.

[0259] As discussed above, ITM release layers with low surface energy can facilitate the transfer of dried ink images to a print substrate. However, during the ink-receptive stage, aqueous ink droplets ejected onto such low-energy hydrophobic release layers tend to coalesce into beads after initial impact, thereby impairing image quality. Higher-energy, less hydrophobic release layers can mitigate this effect, but may be detrimental to image transfer quality. We have found that the release layer structures disclosed herein can typically have a characteristically moderately hydrophobic release surface, as represented by a receding contact angle with distilled water of up to 80°, or up to 70°, typically up to 60°, or up to 50°, and more typically 30°-60°, 35°-60°, 30°-55°, 30°-50°, 30°-45°, or 35°-50°. However, we have found that both ink-receptive and ink-transfer quality of the dried, heated ink image can be good.

[0260] It should be emphasized that even lower values ​​of the receding contact angle (and dynamic contact angle, discussed below) can be achieved by using a support surface that is more hydrophilic (having a lower contact angle for a drop of distilled water) and / or by corona (or similar) treatment.

[0261] The induced surface properties described above are believed to improve interactions between polar groups (e.g., O-Si-O) on the release layer surface and corresponding polar moieties (e.g., OH groups in water) in the aqueous liquid (e.g., aqueous ink-jet ink) deposited on the release layer surface. After subsequent drying of the ink and heating of the ink film to the transfer temperature, these interactions are weakened, allowing for complete transfer of the dried or substantially dried ink image. Thus, the performance of the inventive release layer structure of the present invention, both in the ink-receiving and ink-film transfer stages, is significantly better than would be expected for a release layer that has moderate hydrophobicity but does not have the special surface structure and properties induced by the carrier-contacting surface.

[0262] binder The binder plays an important role in the transferability of the dried first ink component and the dried ink image containing both ink components from the release layer of the ITM, and also in the adhesion of the dried ink image to the print substrate.

[0263] A wide variety of binders can be utilized in the first ink formulation of the present invention, including polystyrene-acrylate copolymers, poly-acrylate polymers, polyurethanes (e.g., aliphatic polyurethanes or anionic aliphatic polyurethanes), urethane-acrylate copolymers, and polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate).

[0264] Exemplary styrene-acrylic (or polystyrene-acrylate) copolymers include Joncryl® 77E (Tg=35°C), Joncryl® 586 (Tg=66°C), Joncryl® 90 (Tg=110°C), Joncryl® 8085 (Tg=57°C), and Joncryl® ECO 2177 (Tg=21°C).

[0265] An exemplary polyurethane is NeoRez® R-563, an anionic aliphatic polyurethane manufactured by DSM-PUD.

[0266] An exemplary urethane is NeoRez® R-600, an aliphatic urethane dispersion manufactured by DSM-PUD.

[0267] An exemplary acrylic or polyacrylic binder is Joncryl® 538 (Tg=64° C.), an acrylic polymer emulsion.

[0268] Exemplary polyesters include Plascoat Z-105 (Tg 52°C), Plascoat Z-730 (Tg 46°C), and Plascoat Z-750 (Tg 52°C) (all from GOO Chemicals).

[0269] The binder can be provided in a variety of forms, such as a dispersion or emulsion, with water typically being the primary carrier liquid.

[0270] The binder must be sufficiently soft at processing transfer temperatures so that it is tacky (and cohesive) enough to transfer completely from the release layer to the print substrate. Additionally, the binder must facilitate the transfer of the dried ink image (i.e., including the dried second ink components), which may contain components with poor transfer properties (e.g., the dried second ink components). Consequently, the binder's glass transition temperature is typically at most 100°C or at most 90°C, more typically at most 85°C, at most 80°C, at most 75°C, or at most 70°C.

[0271] It should be emphasized that the ink formulation may contain at least one plasticizer, which may help lower the glass transition temperature of the binder. In some cases, a plastic binder with a relatively low glass transition temperature may be incorporated into the first ink component. This plastic binder may help lower the glass transition temperature (and required transfer temperature) of the dried first ink component and / or the glass transition temperature (and required transfer temperature) of the dried ink image.

[0272] When the first ink component formulation is jetted (typically digitally applied), the binder concentration (based on binder solids) may range from 5% to 28% by weight of the formulation, except when the first ink component formulation is applied as a continuous layer, in which case the binder concentration may be from 5% to 55%.

[0273] Thus, if other non-volatile ingredients, including plasticizers, surfactants, etc., are present in the first ink component formulation, the total concentration of non-volatiles in this formulation may be between 8% and 35% for the jetting formulation and between 8% and 65% for the application formulation.

[0274] plasticizer Adding a plasticizer to make the material more flexible can lower the required temperature at which the dry film can be transferred to a print substrate.

[0275] The plasticizer series includes urea derivatives and sorbitan derivatives. Such sorbitan derivatives may include sorbitan esters (such as SPAN20, SPAN40, SPAN60, and SPAN80) and polyethoxylated sorbitan esters (e.g., polyethoxylated sorbitan monoesters such as TWEEN20, TWEEN40, TWEEN60, and TWEEN80), which may be particularly suitable. The structure of polyethoxylated sorbitan monoesters is as follows: [ka] where R is the alkyl group of the fatty acid, and the total number of moles of ethylene oxide is v + x + y. Typical plasticizers in this series include polyethoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyethoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyethoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyethoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, and polyethoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The plasticizer can also function as a nonionic surfactant.

[0276] In some embodiments, the HLB number of the plasticizer can be at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10. (For example, polyethoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate has an HLB number of 15.0.) Adjusting the HLB number of the polyethoxylated sorbitan monoester molecule by increasing or decreasing the number of ethylene oxide units can increase or decrease (respectively) its hydrophilicity (and generally its relative HLB number).

[0277] The ejection formulations of the present invention may contain at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, or at least 4% by weight of such surfactants, more typically in the range of 1% to 7%, 1.5% to 7%, 2% to 7%, 2.5% to 7%, 3% to 7%, 1.5% to 6%, 2% to 6%, 2.5% to 6%, 3% to 6%, or 2.5% to 5.5% by weight.

[0278] surfactants Surfactants can be used to reduce the surface tension of the formulation and / or improve wetting properties, for example, with a release layer.

[0279] Various types of surfactants may be suitable, including anionic surfactants (e.g., SDS). Surfactants particularly suitable for use in combination with the silicone-based release layer of the present invention include nonionic surfactants. These may include siloxanes and siloxane copolymers, such as polyether siloxane copolymers. Such surfactants are commercially available, for example, under the names Tego® Wet 240, Tego® Wet 280, Tego® Twin 4100, Byk® 348, Byk® 349, and Byk® 3455.

[0280] The ejection formulations of the present invention may contain at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, or at least 4% by weight of such surfactants, more typically in the range of 1% to 5%, 1.5% to 5%, 2% to 5%, 2.5% to 5%, 3% to 5%, 1.5% to 4.5%, 2% to 4.5%, 2.5% to 4.5%, 3% to 4.5%, or 2.5% to 4% by weight.

[0281] The application formulations of the present invention may contain the same amounts of such surfactants as the ejection formulations, although the application formulations may be free of such surfactants. More typically, the application formulations may contain 0% to 2%, 0.1% to 2%, or 0.3% to 1.5% of such surfactants.

[0282] Surface energy adjuster The use of a surface energy modifier can reduce the surface energy of the formulation, which can increase the wettability, for example, of the release layer surface.

[0283] One such family of surface energy modifiers includes silicone surfactants such as polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymers, which are commercially available, for example, as Byk® 307, Byk® 333, and Byk® 378.

[0284] pH adjuster The use of a pH adjuster can adjust the acidity up or down to within a desired range. Typically, the pH adjuster is basic and may contain an amine functional group. Specific examples include ammonia, triethanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (commercially available as AMP 95®), and dimethylethylamine.

[0285] Wetting agent Humectants can reduce the tendency of the formulation to dry out, allowing for reduced nozzle clogging and other adverse phenomena. The family of humectants includes, by way of example, alcohols, polyols, and glycols.

[0286] The concentration of the humectant or humectants in the first and second ink components may typically be in the range of 5% to 50% for jetting formulations and 0% to 25% for application formulations.

[0287] Additional considerations Inventive Concept 1. A method for printing a digital image onto a print substrate using an intermediate transfer member (ITM), comprising: a. i. a first aqueous ink component, wherein the first aqueous ink component is optionally transparent; and ii. a second aqueous ink component comprising colorant particles; b. delivering a quantity of the first ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first ink component; c. only partially drying the wet volume to produce a partially dried layer of the first ink component on the ITM; d. digitally depositing droplets of the second ink component onto the partially dried layer of the first component to form a wet color ink image on the ITM, wherein the partially dried layer of the first ink component is sufficiently wettable and permeable such that some or all of the colorant particles of the second ink component penetrate the partially dried layer of the first ink component; e. at least partially drying said wet color ink image; f. transferring the at least partially dried ink image from the ITM to a print substrate.

[0288] Inventive Concept 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in step (f), the at least partially dried ink image is tacky upon transfer from the ITM.

[0289] Inventive Concept 3. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein said drying in step (e) is at least partially performed by heating and / or said at least partially dried ink image is heated on said ITM prior to said transfer.

[0290] Inventive Concept 4. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein (i) said at least partial drying is carried out to produce a dry, tacky ink-image-bearing residual film, and (ii) said dry, tacky ink-image-bearing residual film is transferred from said ITM to said printing substrate in step (f).

[0291] Inventive Concept 5. A method for printing a digital image onto a print substrate using an intermediate transfer member (ITM), comprising: a. i. a first aqueous ink component, wherein the first aqueous ink component is optionally transparent; and ii. a second aqueous ink component comprising colorant particles; b. delivering a quantity of the first ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first ink component; c. only partially drying the wet volume to produce a partially dried layer of the first ink component on the ITM; d. digitally depositing droplets of the second ink component onto the partially dried layer of the first component to form a wet color ink image on the ITM, wherein the partially dried layer of the first ink component is sufficiently wettable and permeable such that some or all of the colorant particles of the second ink component penetrate the partially dried layer of the first ink component; e. at least partially drying and heating the wet color ink image to form a dry, tacky ink image-bearing residual film at a transfer temperature T 転写 and f.The transfer temperature T 転写and transferring the dried, tacky ink image-bearing residue from the ITM to a print substrate to generate the digital image on the print substrate.

[0292] Inventive concept 6. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the first aqueous ink component provided in step (a) is transparent.

[0293] Inventive concept 7. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein in step (b), the first ink component is delivered to the ITM surface by droplet deposition, optionally by inkjet.

[0294] Inventive Concept 8. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the first ink component is delivered to the ITM surface by droplet deposition according to the pattern of the ink image that is subsequently formed by the digital deposition of the droplets of the second ink component.

[0295] Inventive concept 9. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein in step (b), said second component is delivered by inkjet.

[0296] Inventive concept 10. The method of inventive concept 8, wherein said second aqueous ink component is a resolubilizable ink component during ink-jetting of said second ink component and under jetting conditions.

[0297] Inventive Concept 11. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the liquid content of said layer of said first ink component prior to collision between said droplets of said second ink component and said layer of said first ink component is at least 10% w / w, or at least 20% w / w, or at least 30% w / w, or at least 40% w / w.

[0298] Inventive Concept 12. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 10, wherein the liquid content of the layer of the first ink component immediately prior to collision between the droplet of the second ink component and the layer of the first ink component is at least 10% w / w, or at least 20% w / w, or at least 30% w / w, or at least 40% w / w.

[0299] Inventive Concept 13. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 11-12, wherein the liquid content of the layer of the first ink component is at least 20% w / w.

[0300] Inventive Concept 14. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 11-12, wherein the liquid content of the layer of the first ink component is at least 30% w / w.

[0301] Inventive Concept 15. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 11-12, wherein the liquid content of the layer of the first ink component is at least 40% w / w.

[0302] Inventive Concept 16. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein upon collision between the droplets of the second ink component and the layer of the first ink component, some or all of the colorant particles of the second ink component penetrate into the partially dried layer of the first ink component.

[0303] Inventive concept 17. The method of inventive concept 16, wherein at least pP % of the colorant particles of the second ink component penetrate and mix with the partially dried layer of the first ink component, and pP is a positive number having a value of at least 10.

[0304] Inventive concept 18. The method of inventive concept 15, wherein when droplets of the second ink component are deposited, at least pP % of the colorant particles penetrate and mix with the partially dried layer of the first ink component, and pP is a positive number having a value of at least 10.

[0305] Inventive concept 19. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 17-18, wherein the value of pP is at least 20.

[0306] Inventive concept 20. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 17-18, wherein the value of pP is at least 30.

[0307] Inventive concept 21. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 17-18, wherein the value of pP is at least 50.

[0308] Inventive concept 22. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 17-18, wherein the value of pP is at least 70.

[0309] Inventive concept 23. The method according to any one of inventive concepts 17-18, wherein the value of pP is at least 80.

[0310] Inventive concept 24. The at least partially dried ink image is heated to T 転写 10. A method according to any prior inventive concept,

[0311] Inventive Concept25. A. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second ink component g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component]) is at the transfer temperature T 転写 at least X°C above B. The glass transition temperature T of the dried thin film in which the weight ratio of the first ink component to the second ink component is 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component:first component is 5:1]) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is at least Y°C lower than the reference temperature, where Y is a second positive integer.

[0312] Inventive Concept26. A. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second ink component g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component]) is at the transfer temperature T 転写at least X°C above B. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the first ink component g 乾燥薄膜 ([first component]) is at the transfer temperature T 転写 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is at least Y°C lower than the reference temperature, where Y is a second positive integer.

[0313] Inventive concept 27. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of X is at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 15, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40.

[0314] Inventive concept 28. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of Y is at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 15, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40.

[0315] Inventive concept 29. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of X is at least 5.

[0316] Inventive concept 30. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of X is at least 10.

[0317] Inventive concept 31. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of X is at least 15.

[0318] Inventive concept 32. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of X is at least 20.

[0319] Inventive concept 33. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of X is at least 30.

[0320] Inventive concept 34. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26, wherein the value of X is at least 40.

[0321] Inventive concept 35. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26 or 29-34, wherein the value of Y is at least 5.

[0322] Inventive concept 36. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26 or 29-34, wherein the value of Y is at least 10.

[0323] Inventive concept 37. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26 or 29-34, wherein the value of Y is at least 15.

[0324] Inventive concept 38. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26 or 29-34, wherein the value of Y is at least 20.

[0325] Inventive concept 39. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26 or 29-34, wherein the value of Y is at least 30.

[0326] Inventive concept 40. The method of any one of inventive concepts 25-26 or 29-34, wherein the value of Y is at least 40.

[0327] Inventive Concept41. A. The transfer temperature T 転写 The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the second aqueous ink component at g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], T 転写 )and, B. The transfer temperature T 転写 The dynamic viscosity μ of a dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 at g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component:First component is 5:1], T 転写 ) is at least a positive number V, and the value of V is at least 2.5 or at least 3 or at least 4 or at least 5 or at least 7 or at least 10 or at least 15 or at least 25 or at least 50.

[0328] Inventive concept 42. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 3.

[0329] Inventive concept 43. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 4.

[0330] Inventive concept 44. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 5.

[0331] Inventive concept 45. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 7.

[0332] Inventive concept 46. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 10.

[0333] Inventive concept 47. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 15.

[0334] Inventive concept 48. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 25.

[0335] Inventive concept 49. The method of inventive concept 41, wherein the value of V is at least 50.

[0336] Inventive Concept50. A. The transfer temperature T 転写 The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the second aqueous ink component at g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], T 転写 )and, B. The transfer temperature T 転写 The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the first aqueous ink component at g 乾燥薄膜 ([first component], T 転写 ) is the ratio of The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein W is at least a positive number, and the value of W is 2.5 or at least 3 or at least 4 or at least 5 or at least 7 or at least 10 or at least 15 or at least 25 or at least 50.

[0337] Inventive concept 51. The method of inventive concept 50, wherein the value of W is at least 3.

[0338] Inventive concept 52. The method of inventive concept 50, wherein the value of W is at least 4.

[0339] Inventive concept 53. The method of inventive concept 50, wherein the value of W is at least 5.

[0340] Inventive concept 54. The method of inventive concept 50, wherein the value of W is at least 7.

[0341] Inventive concept 55. The method of inventive concept 50, wherein the value of W is at least 10.

[0342] Inventive concept 56. The method of inventive concept 50, wherein the value of W is at least 15.

[0343] Inventive concept 57. The method of inventive concept 50, wherein the value of W is at least 25.

[0344] Inventive Concept 58. The method of claim 50, wherein the value of W is at least 50.

[0345] Inventive Concept 59. A method according to any preceding claim, carried out without forming a gel or gelatin phase of the first aqueous ink component on the ITM surface.

[0346] Inventive Concept 60. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the provided first aqueous ink component comprises (i) 40% w / w to 70% w / w water, and (ii) further comprises at least 10% w / w binder.

[0347] Inventive Concept 61. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the surface energy (at 25°C) of the ITM target surface is at least 20 dynes / cm, or at least 21 dynes / cm, or at least 22 dynes / cm, or at least 23 dynes / cm.

[0348] Inventive Concept 62. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the ITM comprises a silicone-based release layer surface.

[0349] Inventive Concept 63. The method of Inventive Concept 62, wherein the silicone-based release layer surface is sufficiently hydrophilic to satisfy at least one of the following characteristics: (i) a distilled water droplet deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface has a receding contact angle of at most 60°; and (ii) a distilled water droplet deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface has a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of at most 108°.

[0350] Inventive concept 64. The method of any of inventive concepts 63, wherein the 10 second DCA is at most 108°, at most 106°, at most 103°, at most 100°, at most 96°, at most 92°, or at most 88°, optionally at least 60°, at least 65°, at least 70°, at least 75°, at least 78°, at least 80°, at least 82°, at least 84°, or at least 86°, further optionally in the range of 60-108°, 65-105°, 70-105°, 70-100°, 70-96°, 70-92°, 75-105°, 75-100°, 80-105°, 80-100°, 85-105°, or 85-100°.

[0351] Inventive Concept 65. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 63-64, wherein the surface of the silicone-based release layer is sufficiently hydrophilic that a distilled water droplet deposited on the surface of the silicone-based release layer has a receding contact angle of at most 60°.

[0352] Inventive Concept 66. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 63-65, wherein the surface of the silicone-based release layer is sufficiently hydrophilic that a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a distilled water droplet deposited on the surface of the silicone-based release layer is at most 108°.

[0353] Inventive Concept 67. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 63-66, wherein the provided ITM comprises a support layer, a release layer having a silicone-based release layer surface, and a second surface (i) opposite the silicone-based release layer surface and (ii) attached to the support layer, wherein the release layer is formed of an addition-cured silicone material, and wherein the thickness of the release layer is at most 500 micrometers (μm).

[0354] Inventive concept 68. The method of inventive concept 67, wherein the release layer of the provided ITM has a structural characteristic in which the addition-cured silicone material consists essentially of or contains at least 95% by weight of the addition-cured silicone.

[0355] Inventive Concept 69. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 67-68, wherein the functional groups within the silicone-based release layer surface of the provided ITM comprise up to 3% by weight of the addition-cure silicone material.

[0356] Inventive concept 70. The method of any one of inventive concepts 67-69, wherein a polyether glycol functionalized polydimethylsiloxane is loaded into the addition-cured silicone material of the provided ITM.

[0357] Inventive Concept 71. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 67-70, wherein the release layer of the provided ITM is adapted such that polar groups on the ink-receptive surface are oriented away from or opposite the second surface.

[0358] Inventive Concept 72. The method of any one of Inventive Concepts 63-71, wherein the surface hydrophobicity of the silicone-based release layer of the provided ITM is less than the bulk hydrophobicity of the cured silicone material within the release layer, the surface hydrophobicity being characterized by the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the ink-receptive surface, and the bulk hydrophobicity being characterized by the receding contact angle of a distilled water droplet disposed on an inner surface formed by exposing an area of ​​the cured silicone material within the release layer to form an exposed area.

[0359] Inventive Concept 73. The method of any of Inventive Concepts 63-72, further comprising, prior to performing steps b-f, reducing the hydrophobicity of the silicone-based release surface by pretreating the silicone-based release surface with at least one of a corona treatment, a plasma treatment, and an ozone treatment.

[0360] Inventive Concept 74. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided first aqueous ink component comprises at least 35% w / w water, or at least 40% w / w water, or at least 50% w / w water, or at least 55% w / w water.

[0361] Inventive Concept 75. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided first aqueous ink component comprises up to 75% w / w water, or up to 70% w / w water, or up to 65% w / w water.

[0362] Inventive Concept 76. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided first aqueous ink component comprises 35% w / w to 75% w / w water, or 40% w / w to 75% w / w water, or 40% w / w to 70% w / w water.

[0363] Inventive Concept 77. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60°C evaporation loading of said provided first aqueous ink component is at most 10:1, at most 9:1, at most 8:1, at most 7:1, at most 6:1, at most 5:1, at most 4:1, at most 3.5:1, or at most 3:1.

[0364] Inventive concept 78. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60° C. evaporation load of said provided first aqueous ink component is at least 2:1, at least 2.2:1, or at least 2.5:1.

[0365] Inventive Concept 79. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60°C evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is from 2:1 to 10:1, or from 2:1 to 8:1.

[0366] Inventive Concept 80. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60°C evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is between 2:1 and 9:1.

[0367] Inventive Concept 81. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60°C evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is 2:1 to 8:1.

[0368] Inventive Concept 82. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60°C evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is between 2.5:1 and 7:1.

[0369] Inventive Concept 83. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60°C evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is between 2.5:1 and 5:1.

[0370] Inventive Concept 84. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60°C evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is between 2.5:1 and 4:1.

[0371] Inventive Concept 85. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60° C. evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is between 2.5:1 and 3.5:1.

[0372] Inventive Concept 86. A method according to any of the prior inventive concepts, wherein the 60°C evaporation load is between 2.8:1 and 4:1.

[0373] Inventive Concept 87. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the 60° C. evaporation load of the provided first aqueous ink component is between 2.8:1 and 3.5:1.

[0374] Inventive Concept 88. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided first aqueous ink component comprises at least 6% w / w, or at least 7% w / w, or at least 8% w / w, or at least 9% w / w, or at least 10% w / w, or at least 11% w / w, or at least 12% w / w of binder.

[0375] Inventive Concept 89. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first aqueous ink component has a static surface tension at 25°C of at most 32 dynes / cm, at most 30 dynes / cm, or at most 28 dynes / cm, and optionally at least 20 dynes / cm, at least 22 dynes / cm, or at least 23 dynes / cm, and further optionally within the range of 20-33 dynes / cm, 21-31 dynes / cm, 21-30 dynes / cm, 21-28 dynes / cm, 21-27 dynes / cm, or 21-26 dynes / cm.

[0376] Inventive Concept 90. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided first aqueous ink component is free of quaternary ammonium salts, or contains up to 1% w / w, or up to 0.75% w / w, or up to 0.5% w / w, or up to 0.25% w / w of quaternary ammonium salts, or neutralized equivalents thereof.

[0377] Inventive Concept 91. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the dynamic viscosity of the provided first aqueous ink component is at most 100 mPa·s (milliPascal seconds) or at most 80 mPa·s.

[0378] Inventive Concept 92. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the dynamic viscosity of the provided first aqueous ink component is at most 35 mPa·s, at most 30 mPa·s, at most 25 mPa·s, at most 20 mPa·s, or at most 15 mPa·s.

[0379] Inventive Concept 93. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the dynamic viscosity of the provided first aqueous ink component is at least 3 mPa·s, at least 4 mPa·s, at least 5 mPa·s, or at least 6 mPa·s.

[0380] Inventive Concept 94. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first aqueous ink component is free of organic solvents and / or comprises at most 3 wt%, at most 2 wt%, at most 1 wt%, or at most 0.5 wt%, or at most 0.25 wt%, or at most 0.1 wt% organic solvents.

[0381] Inventive Concept 95. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first aqueous ink component is glycerol-free and / or comprises at most 3%, at most 2%, at most 1%, or at most 0.5%, or at most 0.25%, or at most 0.1% by weight of glycerol.

[0382] Inventive Concept 96. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first aqueous ink component is free of chelating agents and / or comprises at most 3%, at most 2%, at most 1%, or at most 0.5%, or at most 0.25%, or at most 0.1% by weight of a chelating agent.

[0383] Inventive Concept 97. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first aqueous ink component is starch-free and / or comprises at most 3%, at most 2%, at most 1%, or at most 0.5%, or at most 0.25%, or at most 0.1% by weight of starch.

[0384] Inventive Concept 98. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first aqueous ink component is free of water-soluble film-forming polymer and / or comprises up to 3 wt%, up to 2 wt%, up to 1 wt%, or up to 0.5 wt%, and more typically up to 0.25 wt% or up to 0.1 wt% of a water-soluble film-forming polymer.

[0385] Inventive concept 99. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the first ink component provided g 乾燥薄膜The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein ([first component]) is at most 115°C, or at most 110°C, or at most 105°C, or at most 100°C, or at most 95°C, or at most 90°C, or at most 85°C, or at most 80°C, or at most 75°C, or at most 70°C, or at most 65°C, or at most 60°C, or at most 65°C.

[0386] Inventive concept 100. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the first ink component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 115°C) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s or up to 4*10 6 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0387] Inventive concept 101. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the first ink component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 110℃) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 5*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 4*10 6 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0388] Inventive concept 102. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the first ink component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 105°C) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0389] Inventive concept 103. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the first ink component provided g乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 100℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0390] Inventive concept 104. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the first ink component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 95℃) is up to 4*10 7 mPa·s, max. 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0391] Inventive concept 105. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the first ink component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([First component], 90℃) is up to 4*10 7 mPa·s, max. 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0392] Inventive Concept 106. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided second aqueous ink component comprises at least 40% w / w water, or at least 45% w / w water, or at least 50% w / w water, or at least 55% w / w water, or at least 60% w / w water, or at least 65% w / w water.

[0393] Inventive Concept 107. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided second aqueous ink component comprises at least 6% wt / wt solids, or at least 7% wt / wt solids, or at least 8% wt / wt solids, where the term "solids" refers to materials that are solid at 60°C.

[0394] Inventive Concept 108. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided second aqueous ink component comprises up to 15% wt / wt solids, or up to 14% wt / wt solids, or up to 13% wt / wt solids, or up to 12% wt / wt solids, where the term "solids" refers to materials that are solid at 60°C.

[0395] Inventive Concept 109. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided second aqueous ink component comprises 7% w / w to 13% w / w solids.

[0396] Inventive Concept 110. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein said provided second aqueous ink component comprises up to 3% w / w, or up to 2.5% w / w, or up to 2% w / w, or up to 1.5% w / w, or up to 1% w / w, or up to 0.5% w / w of a binder, based on the weight % of said second aqueous ink component including said liquid carrier of said second ink component.

[0397] Inventive Concept 111. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein, in said provided second aqueous ink component, the ratio of (i) the weight fraction of binder in said second aqueous ink component to (ii) the weight fraction of pigment in said second aqueous ink component is at most 1.5:1, or at most 1.3:1, or at most 1.2:1, or at most 1.1:1, or at most 0.8:1, or at most 0.6:1, or at most 0.4:1.

[0398] Inventive concept 112. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein within said provided second aqueous ink component there is a redissolvable ink component.

[0399] Inventive concept 113. A method according to any prior inventive concept, comprising including nanoparticles within said provided second aqueous ink component, e.g., as a primary colorant of said second aqueous ink component.

[0400] Inventive concept 114. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second ink component (i.e., as a pure component) g 乾燥薄膜 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein ([second component]) is at least 60°C, or at least 65°C, at least 70°C, or at least 75°C, at least 80°C, or at least 85°C, at least 90°C, or at least 95°C, or at least 100°C, or at least 105°C, or at least 110°C, or at least 115°C.

[0401] Inventive concept 115. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the second component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 115°C) is at least 8*10 6 mPa·s, at least 1*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 6*10 7 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0402] Inventive concept 116. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the second component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 110°C) is at least 1*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 5*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 8*10 7 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0403] Inventive Concept 117. Dynamic Viscosity μ of Dry Ink Film g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 105°C) is at least 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*107 mPa·s, at least 5*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 1*10 8 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0404] Inventive concept 118. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the second component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 100°C) is at least 1.5*10 7 mPa·s, at least 3*10 7 mPa·s, at least 7*10 7 mPa·s, or at least 2*10 8 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0405] Inventive concept 119. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the second component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 95°C) is at least 2*10 7 mPa·s, at least 5*10 7 mPa·s, at least 1*10 8 mPa·s, or at least 3*10 8 The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is mPa·s.

[0406] Inventive concept 120. The dynamic viscosity μ of the dried ink film of the second component provided g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component], 90°C) is at least 2*10 7 mPa·s, at least 4*10 7 mPa·s, at least 6*10 7 mPa·s, at least 8*10 7 mPa·s, at least 1*10 8 mPa·s, at least 3*10 8 mPa, or at least 5*10 8 3. The method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the temperature is 100° C. or 200° C.

[0407] Inventive Concept 121. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein said first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide the property that the ratio of (i) the weight fraction of binder in said first component to (ii) the weight fraction of binder in said second component is at least 1.5, or at least 1.75:1, or at least 2:1, or at least 2.25:1, or at least 2.25:1, or at least 3:1, or at least 4:1, or at least 5:1, or at least 6:1, or at least 7:1, or at least 8:1, or at least 9:1, or at least 10:1, or that this ratio is infinity.

[0408] Inventive Concept 122. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein said first and second aqueous ink components jointly provide the property that the ratio of (i) the weight fraction of solids in said first component to (ii) the weight fraction of solids in said second component is at least 1.8, at least 2.0, at least 2.2, at least 2.5, or at least 3.0, where the term "solids" refers to materials that are solid at 60°C.

[0409] Inventive Concepts 123.T g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component]) and T g 乾燥薄膜 10. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein said first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide a temperature difference from ([first component]) by at least 0°C, or at least 1°C, or at least 2°C, or at least 3°C, or at least 4°C, or at least 5°C, or at least 6°C, or at least 7°C, or at least 8°C, or at least 9°C, or at least 10°C, or at least 12°C, or at least 15°C.

[0410] Inventive concept 124. The glass transition temperature T of a dry thin film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜10. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein said first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide a property that the ink temperature ([second component:first component 5:1]) is less than 115°C, or less than 110°C, or less than 105°C, or less than 100°C, or less than 95°C, or less than 90°C, or less than 85°C, or less than 80°C, or less than 75°C, or less than 70°C, or less than 65°C, or less than 60°C, or less than 55°C.

[0411] Inventive concept 125. The dynamic viscosity μ of a dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1. g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 115℃) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 4*10 6 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide the property of being in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mPa·s.

[0412] Inventive concept 126. The dynamic viscosity μ of a dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1. g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 110℃) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or more typically up to 6*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 5*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 4*10 6 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide the property of being in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mPa·s.

[0413] Inventive concept 127. The dynamic viscosity μ of a dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1. g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 105℃) is up to 2*10 7mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide the property of being in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mPa·s.

[0414] Inventive concept 128. The dynamic viscosity μ of a dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1. g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 100℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide the property of being in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mPa·s.

[0415] Inventive concept 129. Dynamic viscosity μ of a dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first to the second ink of 5:1 g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 95℃) is up to 2*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6 mPa·s, or up to 6*10 6 The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide the property of being in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mPa·s.

[0416] Inventive concept 130. The dynamic viscosity μ of a dried ink film having a weight ratio of the first component to the second component of 5:1. g 乾燥薄膜 ([Second component: First component 5:1], 90℃) is up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, max. 1.2*10 7 mPa·s, or more typically up to 1*10 7 mPa·s, or up to 8*10 6The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein the provided first and second aqueous ink components collectively provide the property of being in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mPa·s.

[0417] Inventive Concept 131. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein immediately after applying said coating wet volume of said first component to said ITM surface, said coating wet volume has a thickness of at least 6 μm, or at least 8 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 12 μm.

[0418] Inventive Concept 132. The method of any prior inventive concept, wherein immediately after applying the coating wet volume of the first component to the ITM surface, the thickness of the coating wet volume is at least 8 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 12 μm.

[0419] Inventive Concept 133. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the first ink component is delivered to the ITM surface while the ITM surface is moving at a velocity of at least 1 meter / second, or at least 1.5 meters / second, or at least 2 meters / second.

[0420] Inventive Concept 134. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the droplets of the second ink component are deposited onto the partially dried layer of the first component while the ITM surface is moving at a velocity of at least 1 meter / second, or at least 1.5 meters / second, or at least 2 meters / second.

[0421] Inventive Concept 135. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the method is performed such that the ratio of (i) the thickness of the partially dried layer of the first ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component impacts the partially dried layer of the first ink component in step (d) to (ii) the thickness of the coated wet volume of the first component immediately after applying the coated wet volume of the first component to the ITM surface is at most 0.6, or at most 0.5, or at most 0.4.

[0422] Inventive Concept 136. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the method is performed such that the ratio of (i) the thickness of the partially dried layer of the first ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component impacts the partially dried layer of the first ink component in step (d) to (ii) the thickness of the coated wet volume of the first component immediately after applying the coated wet volume of the first component to the ITM surface is at least 0.25, or at least 0.3, or at least 0.35.

[0423] Inventive Concept 137. A method according to any prior inventive concept, comprising, in said provided second aqueous ink component, nanoparticles as a primary colorant of said second aqueous ink component.

[0424] Inventive Concept 138. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein the thickness of the layer of the first ink component immediately prior to collision between the droplet of the second ink component and the layer of the first ink component is at least 1 μm, or at least 1.5 μm, or at least 2 μm, or at least 3 μm, or at least 4 μm.

[0425] Inventive concept 139. The transfer temperature T 転写 is at least 60°C, or at least 65°C, or at least 70°C, or at least 75°C, or at least 80°C, or at least 85°C, or at least 90°C, or at least 95°C, or at least 100°C, or at least 105°C, or at least 110°C, or at least 115°C.

[0426] Inventive concept 140. The transfer temperature T 転写 is at most 65°C, or at most 70°C, or at most 75°C, or at most 80°C, or at most 85°C, or at most 90°C, or at most 95°C, or at most 100°C, or at most 105°C, or at most 110°C, or at most 115°C.

[0427] Inventive concept 141. The transfer temperature T 転写is at least 60°C and at most 115°C.

[0428] Inventive concept 142. The transfer temperature T 転写 is 65°C to 70°C.

[0429] Inventive concept 143. The transfer temperature T 転写 is 70°C to 75°C.

[0430] Inventive concept 144. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is between 75°C and 80°C.

[0431] Inventive concept 145. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is 80°C to 85°C.

[0432] Inventive concept 146. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is between 85°C and 90°C.

[0433] Inventive concept 147. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is 90°C to 95°C.

[0434] Inventive concept 148. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is 90°C to 100°C.

[0435] Inventive concept 149. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is 95°C to 100°C.

[0436] Inventive concept 150. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is between 95°C and 105°C.

[0437] Inventive concept 151. The transfer temperature T 転写 is 100°C to 105°C.

[0438] Inventive concept 152. The transfer temperature T 転写 is 100°C to 110°C.

[0439] Inventive concept 153. The transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of Inventive Concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is 105°C to 110°C.

[0440] Inventive concept 154. The transfer temperature T 転写 is 105°C to 115°C.

[0441] Inventive concept 155. The transfer temperature T 転写 is 110°C to 115°C.

[0442] Inventive concept 156. The transfer temperature T 転写 is greater than 115°C.

[0443] Inventive concept 157. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second ink component g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component]) is the transfer temperature T 転写 and the glass transition temperature T of the dried thin film is P°C above the glass transition temperature T of the dried thin film having a weight ratio of the first ink component to the second ink component of 5:1. g 乾燥薄膜 ([second component:first component is 5:1]) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method of any one of inventive concepts 1 to 138, wherein the temperature is Q°C lower than

[0444] Inventive concept 158. The method of inventive concept 157, wherein the value of P is at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 12, or at least 15, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40.

[0445] Inventive concept 159. The method of any one of inventive concepts 157-158, wherein the value of Q is at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 12, or at least 15, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40.

[0446] Inventive Concept 160. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein during step (d), the layer of the first component prevents the colorant particles of the second component from directly contacting the ITM surface, such that during the transfer, there is a layer of the ITM surface below the colorant particles of the second component that is free of colorant particles.

[0447] Inventive Concept 161. A method according to any prior inventive concept, wherein during step (d), and while the layer of first component contains at least 10% w / w water or at least 20% w / w water, the layer of first component prevents the colorant particles of the second component from directly contacting the ITM surface, such that during the transfer, a layer free of colorant particles is present on the ITM surface beneath the colorant particles of the second component.

[0448] Inventive concept 162. A digital printing system comprising: a. a rotatable intermediate transfer member (ITM); b. a drying device for heating a material disposed on the ITM; c. a reservoir for each of first and second aqueous ink components, wherein the first aqueous ink component is optionally transparent and the second aqueous ink component comprises colorant particles; d. a first fluid delivery station in which the first reservoir is disposed, the first fluid delivery station being configured to deliver a quantity of the first ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first ink component; e. a second fluid delivery station in which the second reservoir is disposed, the second fluid delivery station configured to digitally deposit droplets of the second ink component into a volume of the first component after downstream transport on the rotatable ITM to form a wet color ink image, wherein the system comprises: i. only partially drying the wet volume of the first ink component at the second fluid delivery station after a portion of the surface has been coated and before the droplets of the second ink component impact the surface, thereby rendering the first ink component sufficiently wettable and penetrative, so that some or all of the colorant particles of the second ink component penetrate the partially dried layer of the first ink component; ii. after formation of the ink image at the second fluid delivery station, the ink image is controlled to at least partially dry to produce a dry, tacky ink film; and a transfer station that transfers the thin film of dry ink from the ITM to a print substrate.

[0449] Inventive concept 163. A digital printing system comprising: a. a rotatable intermediate transfer member (ITM); b. a drying device for heating a material disposed on the ITM; c. a reservoir for each of first and second aqueous ink components, wherein the first aqueous ink component is optionally transparent and the second aqueous ink component comprises colorant particles; d. a first fluid delivery station in which the first reservoir is disposed, the first fluid delivery station being configured to deliver a quantity of the first ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first ink component; e. a second fluid delivery station in which the second reservoir is disposed, the second fluid delivery station configured to digitally deposit droplets of the second ink component into a volume of the first component after downstream transport on the rotatable ITM to form a wet color ink image, wherein the system comprises: i. only partially drying the wet volume of the first ink component at the second liquid delivery station after a portion of the surface has been coated and before the droplets of the second ink component impact the surface, thereby rendering the first ink component sufficiently wettable and penetrative upon impact, such that some or all of the colorant particles of the second ink component penetrate the partially dried layer of the first ink component; ii. the drying device is controlled to at least partially dry the wet color image onto the ITM; The digital printing system, wherein the system further includes a transfer station that transfers the at least partially dried ink image from the ITM to a print substrate.

[0450] Inventive concept 164. A system according to any one of inventive concepts 162-163, wherein the drying device is a heating and drying device for both heating and drying a substance placed on the ITM.

[0451] Inventive concept 165. The system of inventive concept 164, wherein the partially dried ink image is heated by the heated drying device sufficiently to become tacky upon transfer from the ITM to the substrate at the transfer station.

[0452] Inventive Concept 166. A system according to any of Inventive Concepts 162-165, wherein (i) the system is controlled to produce a dried, tacky ink image-bearing residual film by the at least partial drying, and (ii) the dried, tacky ink image-bearing residual film is transferred from the ITM to the printing substrate at the transfer station.

[0453] Inventive Concept167. i. the first fluid delivery station includes a first print bar array of one or more print bar(s), the first print bar array configured to deliver at least a portion of an amount of the first ink component to the target surface of the ITM by droplet deposition; ii. A system described in any one of inventive concepts 86-162-166, wherein the second liquid delivery station includes a second print bar array consisting of one or more print bar(s) located downstream of the first print bar array, and the second print bar array is configured to digitally deposit at least a portion of the droplets of the second ink component.

[0454] Inventive concept 168. A series of print bars are arranged around the ITM, thereby i. a first print bar in the series of print bars belongs to a first fluid delivery station and deposits the amount of the first liquid component onto the target surface by droplet deposition; ii. The system of any one of inventive concepts 162-166, wherein all other print bars in the series of print bars belong to a second fluid delivery station.

[0455] Inventive concept 169. The system of any one of inventive concepts 162-168, wherein the first fluid delivery station includes one or more inkjet printheads.

[0456] Inventive concept 170. The system of any one of inventive concepts 162-169, wherein the first liquid delivery station includes at least one (i.e., any combination) of a coater, a spray assembly, a bath assembly, a thinning assembly, and a doctor blade. [Example]

[0457] Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate the invention in a non-limiting fashion. [Table 1] TIFF0007731937000003.tif196135TIFF0007731937000004.tif207133TIFF0007731937000005.tif117135

[0458] Example 1 Preparation of the first ink component Water, wetting agent, and optional pH adjuster were added and stirred in a mixing vessel. Mixing was continued while the other ingredients were added. Next, the plasticizer was added, followed by the binder / resin, followed by the surfactant.

[0459] Example 2 An exemplary first ink component of the present invention had the following composition (all numbers given in weight percent): Joncryl® 538 40% Tween® 80 5% Tego® Wet 240 3.3% Byk-333 0.3% by weight AMP 95 (registered trademark) 0.2% Propylene glycol 8% Remainder: water This composition was formulated according to the procedure set forth in Example 1. The pH was 8.0.

[0460] Example 3 Another exemplary first ink component of the present invention had the following composition: Joncryl® 538 15% Tween® 40 2% Tego® Wet 240 2.5% Byk®-333 0.3% by weight AMP 95 (registered trademark) 0.2% Propylene glycol 32.5% Remainder: water This composition was formulated according to the procedure set forth in Example 1.

[0461] Example 4 Another exemplary first ink component of the present invention had the following composition: Joncryl® 538 40% Tween® 60 3.5% Tego® Twin 4100 3.5% AMP 95 (registered trademark) 0.2% Propylene glycol 8.1% Remainder: water This composition was formulated according to the procedure set forth in Example 1.

[0462] Example 4A Another exemplary first ink component had the following composition: Joncryl® 90 22% Joncryl® 8085 12.2% Tween® 20 3.5% Tego® Wet 240 2.5% AMP 95 (registered trademark) 0.2% Propylene glycol 18% Remainder: water This composition was formulated according to the procedure set forth in Example 1.

[0463] Example 4B Another exemplary first ink component had the following composition: Joncryl® 90 10% Joncryl® 8085 22% Tween® 60 3.5% Tego® Wet 240 2.5% AMP 95 (registered trademark) 0.2% Propylene glycol 18% Remainder: water This composition was formulated according to the procedure set forth in Example 1. The pH was 7.9.

[0464] Example 5 Preparation of the second ink component A pigment concentrate containing pigment, water, and dispersant is dispersed using a high-shear mixer. The resulting product is then milled in a bead mill. The milling progress is monitored and controlled based on particle size measurements (e.g., Malvern® and Nanosizer® devices). When an average particle size (d50) of 70-100 nm is reached, milling is scaled down.

[0465] Example 6 Dynamic viscosity measurement The viscosity of the ink components described herein was measured using a viscometer (DVII+Pro by Brookfield) at 25° C. Viscosities were typically in the range of about 2 mPa to 100 mPa·s.

[0466] Example 7 Surface tension measurement The surface tension of the ink components was measured using a standard liquid tensiometer (EasyDyne by Kruss) and was generally in the range of about 20-40 mN / m.

[0467] Example 8 Opacity measurement procedure The opacity of the first ink component was measured using an i1Pro spectrophotometer manufactured by X-Rite. Measurements were taken on a Form 2A Opacity card manufactured by Leneta Company, Inc.

[0468] The opacity (as measured by contrast ratio) of each ink sample was determined according to the following formula: Opacity=Yb*100 / Yw During the ceremony, Yb is the measurement of the black half of the card, Yw is the measurement of the white half of the card, where Yb and Yw are the average of three measurements taken at different locations in each region. The lower the opacity, the higher the transparency.

[0469] Evaluation is generally carried out according to the international standard ISO 6504-3. After dispensing the sample onto an ITM, the dry film was transferred to a Leneta Opacity card.

[0470] Example 9 Opacity result Without the transparent layer, the "reference" opacity card will have an opacity of approximately 0.87.

[0471] When the transparent layer of the present invention was disposed over an opacity card, the opacity ranged from 0.87 to 1.17. More typically, the opacity of the transparent layer of the present invention disposed over an opacity card falls within the ranges of 0.87 to 4, 0.87 to 3, 0.87 to 2.5, 0.87 to 2, 0.87 to 1.5, 0.87 to 1.2, 0.9 to 4, 0.9 to 3, 0.9 to 2.5, 0.9 to 1.5, or 0.9 to 1.2.

[0472] Example 10 A millbase containing black pigment in a dispersant, prepared according to the method of Example 5, had the following composition: [Table 2]

[0473] Example 11 An exemplary second ink component of the present invention, formulated using the millbase of Example 10 according to the procedure set forth in Example 5, had the following composition: [Table 3] The total nonvolatile content was 12.5%. The ink had the following measured properties: [Table 4]

[0474] Example 12 Another exemplary second ink component of the present invention, formulated according to the procedure set forth in Example 5 and utilizing the millbase of Example 10, had the following composition: [Table 5] The total nonvolatile content was 11.5%. The ink had the following measured properties: [Table 6]

[0475] Example 12A A millbase containing black pigment in a dispersant, prepared according to the method of Example 5, had the following composition: [Table 7] The solids content was about 40% by weight.

[0476] Examples 13 to 20 An exemplary second ink component of the present invention, formulated utilizing the millbase of Example 12A according to the procedure set forth in Example 5, had the following composition: [Table 8] TIFF0007731937000013.tif207133TIFF0007731937000014.tif62135

[0477] Example 20A A millbase containing a blue pigment in a dispersant, prepared according to the method of Example 5, had the following composition: [Table 9] The solids content was about 42.5% by weight.

[0478] Example 21 An exemplary second ink component of the present invention, formulated utilizing the millbase of Example 12A according to the procedure set forth in Example 5, had the following composition: [Table 10]

[0479] Example 22 The viscosities of various exemplary first ink components measured at 25° C. are shown below (all values ​​in mPa·s): Example 2 = 6.5 Example 3 = 6.3 Example 4A = 5.4 Example 4B = 6.5

[0480] Example 23 The surface tensions of the following exemplary first ink components measured at 25° C. are shown below (all values ​​in mN / m): Example 2 = 25.3 Example 4B = 23.3 More typically, the surface tension of the first ink component of the present invention measured at 25° C. falls within the ranges of 20 to 35 mN / m, 20 to 32 mN / m, 22 to 28 mN / m, or 22 to 26 mN / m.

[0481] Example 24 Ink drying procedure 20 grams of sample was placed into two aluminum pans (90 mm diameter). The pans were placed in an oven set at 90°C and allowed to dry for a minimum of 48 hours. The pans were weighed after 24 and 48 hours. If the weight difference was greater than 1%, heating was continued for an additional 24 hours and the pans were reweighed. This was repeated until the criterion of a maximum weight difference of 1% was met. None of the samples presented herein required heating for more than 48 hours.

[0482] Example 25 Redissolution characterization Resolubility was determined as follows: 1 gram of ink was placed in a polypropylene beaker with a capacity of approximately 100 ml and dried in an oven at 40°C for 24 hours. 2 grams of fresh ink was then added to the beaker and the contents mixed by manually stirring for a maximum of 10 minutes. An ink is considered to be resolubility if no film residue remains on the bottom of the beaker and / or if the mixture passes through a 0.7GF syringe filter without clogging.

[0483] Example 26 Resolubility results The resolubility of the second ink components of Examples 14, 15, 17, 18, and 20 was evaluated according to the procedure set forth in Example 25. No film residue was left behind on the bottom of the beaker, and the mixture passed through the syringe filter without clogging. Thus, each Example demonstrated resolubility.

[0484] Examples 27-28 A 1:1 (weight to weight) mixture of the first ink component of Example 2 and the second ink component of Example 21 ("Example 27") was prepared by mixing at room temperature. Similarly, a 2.5:1 (weight to weight) mixture was prepared ("Example 28").

[0485] Example 29 Glass transition temperature measurement The sample was placed in a Q2000 differential scanning calorimeter (TA Instruments) and DSC measurements were performed. To detect whether any narrow T peaks were present, the DSC was first run in modulated operation mode. This mode had a temperature amplitude of 1.27°C, a duration of 60 seconds, and a heating rate of 2°C per minute. No such narrow peaks were observed in modulated operation. Therefore, a less stringent procedure ("standard operation mode") was performed without modulation and with a scan rate of 8°C per minute.

[0486] Before starting the scan mode, the sample was first heated to 120°C and held for 60 seconds to allow for thermal equilibrium.

[0487] Examples 30-33: Glass transition temperature results Example 30 The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the dried residue of the cyan-colored second ink component of Example 21 was evaluated according to the procedure of Example 29. The residue was obtained according to the drying procedure of Example 24. No Tg was observed up to a temperature of about 120°C, except for the melting point.

[0488] Examples 31 to 33 Following the drying procedure of Example 24, the Tg of the first ink component of Example 2 and the mixtures of Examples 27-28 were evaluated according to the procedure of Example 29. The three samples exhibited similar glass transition temperatures, Tg = 56 ± 2°C. Thus, the softness and transferability of the second ink component of Example 21 were significantly enhanced by mixing it with the first ink component of Example 2 in a weight ratio of 2.5:1 and even 1:1.

[0489] Example 34 Thermorheological characterization of dried ink films A Discovery HR-2 rheometer (TA Instruments) was used to characterize the viscosity of the dried ink film as a function of temperature. Following the drying procedure of Example 24, strain sweeps of the dried ink film were first performed at a frequency of 1 Hz to demonstrate that the behavior of the material being characterized was well within the linear viscoelastic range. As a result, subsequent viscosity characterizations were performed at 1 Hz.

[0490] First, the dried residual ink was heated to 120°C, after which any excess material was removed. After the temperature was held at 120°C for 60 seconds, the viscosity was measured twice (at 60 second intervals), and the temperature was then reduced to 90°C and held for 60 seconds. The viscosity was measured twice (at 60 second intervals) at 90°C, and the temperature was then reduced to 70°C and held for 60 seconds. Following the two viscosity measurements (at 60 second intervals) at 70°C, the temperature was reduced to 50°C and held for 60 seconds, after which two final viscosity measurements (at 60 second intervals) were taken at 50°C. Viscosity results were obtained by averaging each of the two measurements.

[0491] Examples 35 to 38 Thermorheological characterization - results Thermorheological characterization was performed on the first ink component of Example 2, the cyan-colored second ink component of Example 21, and the mixtures of Examples 27-28 using the procedure of Example 34. The viscosity results are shown in the following table. [Table 11]

[0492] Example 39 The ITM release layer of Example 39 had the following composition (wt / wt): [Table 12] The release layer was prepared substantially as described in the next preparation procedure below.

[0493] Blanket Preparation Procedure (for release layer cured to carrier surface) All components of the release layer formulation were thoroughly mixed. An initial release layer of the desired thickness was coated onto the PET sheet using a rod / knife (other coating methods may also be used), and then cured at 150°C for 3 minutes. Subsequently, Siloprene LSR 2530 was coated onto the top of the release layer using a knife to achieve the desired thickness. Curing was then carried out at 150°C for 3 minutes. An additional layer of Siloprene LSR 2530 was coated on top of the previous (cured) silicone layer, and the glass fiber fabric was incorporated into this wetted fresh layer so that the wetted silicone penetrated the fabric structure. Curing was then carried out at 150°C for 3 minutes. A final layer of Siloprene LSR 2530 was then coated onto the glass fiber fabric, and again cured at 150°C for 3 minutes. The integrated blanket structure was then cooled to room temperature, and the PET was removed.

[0494] Example 40 The ITM release layer of Example 40 had the following composition: [Table 13] The blanket was prepared essentially as described in Example 39.

[0495] Example 41 The ITM release layer of Example 41 had the following composition: [Table 14] The blanket was prepared essentially as described in Example 39.

[0496] Example 42 The ITM release layer of Example 42 had the following composition: [Table 15] The blanket was prepared essentially as described in Example 39.

[0497] Example 43 The ITM release layer of Example 43 was prepared from Silopren® LSR2530 (Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Waterford, NY), a two-component liquid silicone rubber, in which the two components were mixed in a 1:1 ratio. The blanket was prepared essentially as described in Example 39.

[0498] Example 44 The ITM release layer of Example 44 has substantially the same composition as the ITM release layer of Example 4, but contains SR545 (Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Waterford, NY), a commercially available silicone-based resin containing polar groups. The polar groups are of the "MQ" type, where "M" represents MeSiO and "Q" represents SiO. The complete composition is shown below. [Table 16] The blanket was prepared essentially as described in Example 39.

[0499] Example 45 The ITM release layer of Example 45 has substantially the same composition as the ITM release layer of Example 44, but includes polymer RV5000, which comprises a vinyl-functional polydimethylsiloxane with a high density of vinyl groups, as described above. The complete composition is shown below. [Table 17] The blanket was prepared essentially as described in Example 39.

[0500] Comparative Examples 39A-39F ITM release layers were prepared as "matching release layers" or "reference release layers" for the compositions of Examples 39-44, such that the corresponding release layers (designated Comparative Examples 39A-39F) had the same compositions as Examples 39-44, respectively, except that the release layer surface (or "ink-receiving surface") was exposed to air ("standard air cure") during the release layer cure according to the conventional preparation procedure described below.

[0501] Comparative Blanket Preparation Procedure (for release layers exposed to air during cure) A first layer of Siloprene LSR2530 was coated onto a PET sheet using a rod / knife and then cured at 150°C for 3 minutes to achieve the desired thickness. An additional layer of Siloprene LSR2530 was coated on top of the previous (cured) silicone layer, and the glass fiber fabric was incorporated into this wetted fresh layer so that the wetted silicone penetrated the fabric structure. Next, Siloprene LSR2530 was coated on top of the glass fiber fabric, followed by curing at 150°C for 3 minutes. All components of the release layer formulation were thoroughly mixed together before forming the initial release layer. A release layer was coated on top of the cured Siloprene LSR2530 to achieve the desired thickness and subsequently cured at 150°C for 3 minutes while the release layer surface was exposed to air.

[0502] Example 46 The contact angle of a distilled water droplet on the release layer surface was measured using a proprietary Dataphysics OCA15 Pro contact angle measurement device (Particle and Surface Sciences Pty. Ltd., Gosford, NSW, Australia). The procedure used to perform the receding contact angle (RCA) and advancing contact angle (ACA) measurements is a conventional technique detailed by Dr. Roger P. Woodward ("Contact Angle Measurements Using the Drop Shape Method," inter alia, www.firsttenangstroms.com / pdfdocs / CAPaper.pdf).

[0503] The results for Examples 39-44 are provided below, along with the results for release layers prepared according to Comparative Examples 39A-39F.

[0504] In virtually all cases, the release surfaces produced on the substrate surfaces exhibited lower receding contact angles than the same formulations cured in air. More specifically, the release surfaces produced on the substrate surfaces exhibited lower receding contact angles by a difference of at least 5°, at least 7°, at least 10°, at least 12°, or at least 15°, or by a difference within the ranges of 5°-30°, 7°-30°, 10°-30°, 5°-25°, 5°-22°, 7°-25°, or 10°-25°.

[0505] Example 47 The release layers produced in Examples 39-44 and each of the release layers produced in Comparative Examples 33A-39F were aged at 160°C for 2 hours to simulate aging under long-term operating conditions. Receding contact angles were measured and the results are listed below. [Table 18]

[0506] For the comparative examples, it is clear that the receding contact angle was substantially maintained after aging. However, for inventive Examples 39-44, it is clear that the receding contact angle increased by typically 4°-15° after aging. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that the increase in contact angle in the release layer structures of the present invention is due to a loss in hydrophilic behavior (or increased hydrophobic behavior) resulting from some change in the location of polar groups (e.g., Si-O-Si) on the release layer surface.

[0507] Example 47 The release layer prepared in Example 2 was subjected to contact angle measurements. The receding contact angle was 45°. Importantly, the release layer surface of Example 40 prepared against an antistatic PET carrier surface exhibited a receding contact angle that was approximately 50° less than the receding contact angle of the same composition prepared while exposed to air.

[0508] Example 48 The carrier surface utilized in Example 40 was subjected to contact angle measurements to determine both the advancing and receding contact angles. The advancing contact angle was 40°, while the receding contact angle was 20°. Importantly, the hydrophilic behavior of the carrier surface was at least partially induced in the respective release surfaces: the formulation cured while exposed to air had an RCA of 65°, the same formulation made against an antistatic PET surface had an RCA of 45°, and the antistatic PET carrier used exhibited an RCA of 20°. Thus, this release layer structure possesses a release surface whose hydrophilic / hydrophobic properties fall between those of the same formulation cured in air and the carrier surface itself.

[0509] Example 49 The release layer surface energy was calculated for the ink-receptive surface of Example 39, which was cured against an antistatic PET surface and then subjected to a standard aging procedure of 2 hours at 160° C. after curing against the antistatic PET surface. These surfaces have the same chemical formulation.

[0510] For each of these examples, the total surface energy was calculated using the traditional "harmonic mean" method (also known as the Owens-Wendt surface energy model; see, e.g., KRUSS Technical Note TN306e). The results are shown below. [Table 19]

[0511] When cured against an anti-static PET surface, Example 39 exhibited a viscosity of approximately 26 J / m 2After this formulation was subjected to a standard aging procedure, the total surface energy was approximately 26 J / m 2 from 23 J / m 2 This result appears to confirm the RCA results obtained for various aged and unaged materials of this exemplary formulation.

[0512] Example 50 The release layer surface energies relative to the ink-receptive surface were calculated for the following examples: Example 40, cured against an antistatic PET surface, and Example 40-Aged, cured against an antistatic PET surface and then subjected to the standard aging procedure at 160° C. for 2 hours. These examples have the same chemical formulation.

[0513] The total surface energy was calculated using the traditional "harmonic mean" method, as in Example 49. The results are shown below. [Table 20]

[0514] Example 40 cured against an anti-static PET surface yielded approximately 49 J / m 2 This is significantly less hydrophobic than the "air-cured" sample. After this formulation was subjected to the standard aging procedure, the total surface energy was approximately 49 J / m 2 to about 40 J / m 2 This result appears to confirm the RCA results obtained for various aged and unaged materials of this exemplary formulation.

[0515] Example 51 The temperature on the blanket surface is maintained at 75°C. An image (typically a 10-100% color gradation) is printed onto the blanket at a speed of 1.7 m / s with a resolution of 1200 dpi. Uncoated paper (A4 Xerox Premium Copy Paper, 80 gsm) is placed between the pressure roller and the blanket, and the pressure is set to 3 bar, pressing the pressure roller against the blanket. The pressure roller moves over the paper, applying pressure at the contact line between the blanket and the paper to facilitate the transfer process. In some cases, incomplete transfer (residual ink remaining on the blanket surface) can be observed. To assess the extent of residual ink, a glossy paper (A4 Burgo glossy paper, 130 gsm) is placed on the blanket in the same way as the uncoated paper, and the transfer process is repeated. Any ink remaining on the blanket and not transferred to the uncoated paper will be transferred to the glossy paper. Therefore, glossy paper can be rated for residual ink according to the following scale (% of image surface area): A - No visible residue B - Visible residue is 1-5% C - Visible residue is greater than 5% The results of the evaluation are provided below. [Table 21]

[0516] Example 52 Example 51 was repeated for the release surfaces of Examples 40 and 41, except that the printing speed was 3.4 m / sec on the blanket. Both release surfaces retained a transfer grade of A.

[0517] Example 53 The ITM release layer compositions of Examples 40 and 41 were cured against a PET substrate according to the procedure set forth in Example 39. The samples were then subjected to dynamic contact angle (DCA) measurements for 10 seconds followed by 70 seconds according to the following procedure.

[0518] The droplet is placed on a smooth PTFE film surface, with the smallest possible drop falling so that kinetic energy does not cause the droplet to expand. A pendant drop is then formed. The specimen is subsequently raised until it contacts the base of the droplet. If the droplet is large enough, adhesion to the surface will detach the droplet from the tip of the needle. The needle tip is positioned above the surface at a height where the growing pendant drop contacts the surface and separates before free-falling under its own weight.

[0519] The dynamic contact angle is then measured at 10 seconds and 70 seconds, and the results are shown below. [Table 22]

[0520] It is observed that an initial measurement of the dynamic contact angle at 10 seconds provides a strong indication of the hydrophilicity of the release layer surface. A subsequent measurement at 70 seconds provides an indication of the extent to which any liquid (e.g., polyether glycol-functionalized polydimethylsiloxane) placed within the release layer is incorporated into the droplet. Such incorporation can further reduce the measured DCA.

[0521] Example 54 10A is a cross-sectional SEM micrograph of a dried two-component ink image in which the second ink component (Example 13) is jetted onto a substantially completely dried first component layer (Example 2). Two ink layers can be observed in the micrograph: a thinner layer of substantially uniform thickness of about 600 nm, and an overlying thicker layer of substantially uniform thickness of about 2800-3000 nm.

[0522] Example 55 10B is an SEM micrograph cross-sectional view of a dried two-component ink image according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the second ink component of Example 54 is jetted onto the only partially dried first ink component layer of Example 54. This shows that the second ink component was able to completely penetrate the first ink component layer and form a single ink image layer. The dried ink image is formed of a single ink layer (containing solid residue from both the first and second ink components) having a substantially uniform thickness of about 4000 nm.

[0523] Conclusion Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

[0524] In this specification and claims of this disclosure, the verbs "comprise," "include," and "have" and their conjugations are used to indicate that the object(s) of the verb are not necessarily an exhaustive list of members, components, elements, steps, or portions of the subject(s) of the verb. These terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of."

[0525] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references and mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless otherwise specified.

[0526] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the word "and / or" between the last two elements of a list of alternatives for selection indicates that one or more of the listed alternatives may be selected.

[0527] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "%" refers to % by weight unless otherwise specified.

[0528] Similarly, the term "ratio" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to weight ratio unless otherwise specified.

[0529] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the adjectives "substantially" and "about" modifying a state or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the present technology should be understood to mean that the state or characteristic is defined within an acceptable margin of error for the operation of the embodiment for the application for which the technology is intended.

[0530] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, when a set of upper and lower limits is contemplated, all combinations of the upper and lower limits are expressly contemplated. 転写 is at least 60°C, or at least 65°C, or at least 70°C, or at least 75°C, or at least 80°C, or at least 85°C, or at least 90°C, or at least 95°C, or at least 100°C, or at least 105°C, or at least 110°C, or at least 115°C, and the transfer temperature T 転写 In the examples below where the transfer temperature T is at most 65°C, or at most 70°C, or at most 75°C, or at most 80°C, or at most 85°C, or at most 90°C, or at most 95°C, or at most 100°C, or at most 105°C, or at most 110°C, or at most 115°C, any individual temperature is expressly contemplated. 転写 In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 is at least 75° C. In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 is at least 100° C. In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 is at least 110° C. In some embodiments, the transfer temperature T 転写 is at least 115°C.

[0531] Furthermore, transfer temperatures T such as 60°C to 65°C, 60°C to 70°C, 60°C to 75°C, 60°C to 80°C, 60°C to 85°C, 60°C to 90°C, 60°C to 95°C, 60°C to 100°C, 60°C to 105°C, 60°C to 110°C, and 60°C to 115°C, 65°C to 70°C, 65°C to 75°C, 60°C to 80°C, 65°C to 85°C, 65°C to 90°C, 65°C to 95°C, 65°C to 100°C, 65°C to 105°C, 65°C to 110°C, and 65°C to 115°C are also available. 転写 Any combination of upper and lower bounds, including

Claims

1. 1. A method for printing a digital image onto a print substrate using an intermediate transfer member (ITM), comprising: a. i. a first aqueous ink component; ii. providing a second aqueous ink component comprising colorant particles; b. delivering a quantity of the first aqueous ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first aqueous ink component; c. only partially drying a volume of the first aqueous ink component to produce a partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component on the ITM; d. digitally depositing droplets of the second aqueous ink component onto the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component to form a wet color ink image on the ITM; e. at least partially drying said wet color ink image; f. transferring the at least partially dried ink image from the ITM to a print substrate. the method is carried out such that a ratio of (i) a thickness of the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component impacts the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component in step (d) to (ii) a thickness of the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component immediately after applying the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component to the ITM surface is at least 0.25; during step (d), the layer of the first aqueous ink component prevents the colorant particles of the second aqueous ink component from directly contacting the ITM surface, so that upon transfer, there is a layer of the ITM surface below the colorant particles of the second aqueous ink component that is free of colorant particles.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first aqueous ink component provided in step (a) is clear.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein during step (e), the layer of the first aqueous ink component prevents the colorant particles of the second aqueous ink component from directly contacting the ITM surface, such that upon transfer, there is a layer of the ITM surface below the colorant particles of the second aqueous ink component that is free of colorant particles.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second aqueous ink component comprises nanoparticles.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the primary colorant of the second aqueous ink component is a nanoparticle.

6. A. The temperature of the at least partially dried ink image at the time of transfer from the ITM is equal to or exceeds the transfer temperature T 転写 and B. Dry Thin Film Glass Transition Temperature T of the Second Water-Based Ink Component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 at least 5°C above C. Dry thin film glass transition temperature T of a mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 at least 5°C lower than The method of claim 1.

7. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the temperature is at least 10°C above

8. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the temperature is at least 15°C above

9. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the temperature is at least 20°C above

10. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the temperature is at least 10°C lower than the

11. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the temperature is at least 15°C lower than the

12. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the temperature is at least 20°C lower than the

13. 1. A method for printing a digital image onto a print substrate using an intermediate transfer member (ITM), comprising: a. i. a first aqueous ink component; ii. providing a second aqueous ink component comprising colorant particles; b. delivering a quantity of the first aqueous ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first aqueous ink component; c. only partially drying a volume of the first aqueous ink component to produce a partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component on the ITM; d. digitally depositing droplets of the second aqueous ink component onto the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component to form a wet color ink image on the ITM; e. at least partially drying said wet color ink image; f. transferring the at least partially dried ink image from the ITM to a print substrate. the method is carried out such that a ratio of (i) a thickness of the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component impacts the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component in step (d) to (ii) a thickness of the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component immediately after applying the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component to the ITM surface is at least 0.25; A. The temperature of the at least partially dried ink image at the time of transfer from the ITM is equal to or exceeds the transfer temperature T 転写 and B. Dry Thin Film Glass Transition Temperature T of the Second Water-Based Ink Component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 at least 5°C above C. Dry thin film glass transition temperature T of a mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 at least 5°C lower than the

14. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the temperature is at least 10°C above

15. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the temperature is at least 15°C above

16. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the temperature is at least 20°C above

17. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the temperature is at least 10°C lower than the

18. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the temperature is at least 15°C lower than the

19. The dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the temperature is at least 20°C lower than the

20. 1. A system for indirectly printing a digital image onto a print substrate, comprising: The system comprises: a. an amount of a first aqueous ink component; b. a quantity of a second aqueous ink component comprising colorant particles; c. an intermediate transfer member (ITM); d. a first print bar configured to deliver a quantity of the first aqueous ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first aqueous ink component; e. a second print bar; f. a transport system for transporting a substance disposed on the ITM, the transport system configured to transport a volume of the first aqueous ink component on the ITM from the first print bar to the second print bar such that the volume of the first aqueous ink component is only partially dried to produce a partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component when it reaches the second print bar, and the second print bar configured to digitally deposit droplets of the second aqueous ink component onto the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component to form a wet color ink image on the ITM; g. a transfer station, wherein said transport system transports said wet color ink image such that said wet color ink image is at least partially dried upon reaching said transfer station, said transfer station configured to transfer said at least partially dried ink image from said ITM to a print substrate; and the system is configured such that a ratio of (i) a thickness of the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component impacts the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component in step (d) to (ii) a thickness of the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component immediately after applying the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component to the ITM surface is at least 0.25; The system is further configured such that the layer of the first aqueous ink component prevents the colorant particles of the second aqueous ink component from directly contacting the ITM surface, thereby resulting in a layer free of colorant particles present on the ITM surface below the colorant particles of the second aqueous ink component upon transfer.

21. The system comprises: A. The temperature of the at least partially dried ink image at the time of transfer from the ITM is equal to or exceeds the transfer temperature T 転写 and B. Dry Thin Film Glass Transition Temperature T of the Second Water-Based Ink Component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 at least 5°C above C. Dry thin film glass transition temperature T of a mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the system is configured to be at least 5°C cooler than the

22. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the temperature is at least 10°C above

23. 1. A system for indirectly printing a digital image onto a print substrate, comprising: The system comprises: a. an amount of a first aqueous ink component; b. a quantity of a second aqueous ink component comprising colorant particles; c. an intermediate transfer member (ITM); d. a first print bar configured to deliver a quantity of the first aqueous ink component to a target surface of the ITM to cover a portion of the target surface with a wet volume of the first aqueous ink component; e. a second print bar; f. a transport system for transporting a substance disposed on the ITM, the transport system configured to transport a volume of the first aqueous ink component on the ITM from the first print bar to the second print bar such that the volume of the first aqueous ink component is only partially dried to produce a partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component when it reaches the second print bar, and the second print bar configured to digitally deposit droplets of the second aqueous ink component onto the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component to form a wet color ink image on the ITM; g. a transfer station, wherein said transport system transports said wet color ink image such that said wet color ink image is at least partially dried upon reaching said transfer station, said transfer station configured to transfer said at least partially dried ink image from said ITM to a print substrate; and the system is configured such that a ratio of (i) a thickness of the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component when the droplet of the second aqueous ink component impacts the partially dried layer of the first aqueous ink component in step (d) to (ii) a thickness of the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component immediately after applying the wet volume of the first aqueous ink component to the ITM surface is at least 0.25; The system further comprises: A. The temperature of the at least partially dried ink image at the time of transfer from the ITM is equal to or exceeds the transfer temperature T 転写 and B. Dry Thin Film Glass Transition Temperature T of the Second Water-Based Ink Component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 at least 5°C above C. Dry thin film glass transition temperature T of a mixture of the first aqueous ink component and the second aqueous ink component in a weight ratio of 5:1 ｇ 乾燥薄膜 (the second aqueous ink component: the first aqueous ink component is 5:1) is the transfer temperature T 転写 The system is configured to be at least 5°C cooler than

24. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the temperature is at least 10°C above

25. the dry thin film glass transition temperature T of the second aqueous ink component ｇ 乾燥薄膜 ([second aqueous ink component]) is transferred at a temperature T 転写 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the temperature is at least 20°C above

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