Water-based anionic pigment ink for school and office paper stationary flexogaphic printing without synthetic polymer binders and resin

Abstract

This invention relates to a water-based anionic pigment ink composition designed for high-speed flexographic (flexo) ruling machines used in converting paper into exercise notebooks and office stationery. Formulated without synthetic polymer binders or resins, the ink maintains performance at speeds exceeding 100 meters per minute, eliminating issues such as roller clogging and frequent cleaning. The composition includes anionic pigments with particle sizes less than one micron, a blend of polar solvents, glycols, poly glycols ethers, wetting agents, and a non- silicone-based defoamer. The ink is environmentally friendly, stable across various temperatures, and provides long-lasting, wash-fast prints. It ensures continuous high-speed printing, easy machine roll cleaning, and reduced water consumption, enhancing both production efficiency and environmental compliance. The preparation process involves specific steps to achieve optimal viscosity, pH, and stability, making it suitable for diverse printing conditions

Description

[0001] Title of Invention

[0002] Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink for Flexo Printing Exercise

[0003] Notebooks Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin.

[0004] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] This invention relates to water-based printing ink formulated without synthetic polymer binders or resins, designed specifically for use in high-speed flexographic (flexo) ruling machines converting paper to exercise notebooks and Office paper stationary. The ink maintains performance at speeds exceeding 100 meters per minute and eliminates common issues associated with synthetic polymer binder or resin-based inks, such as roller clogging, the necessity for frequent cleaning, and additional components like de foamers or buffers in the ink bath.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Users of flexo ruling machines frequently encounter technical issues when using synthetic polymer binder or resin-based inks. These inks tend to dry quickly during storage, forming a film on open containers. During high-speed operation (exceeding 100 meters per minute) or prolonged machine stoppages, synthetic polymer binder and resin- based inks necessitate frequent roll washing to remove the film, leading to significant production downtime. Additionally, these inks require the use of defoamers and buffers to maintain print qualify and prevent machine damage. In high-temperature conditions, such as those prevalent during Indian summers, these problems are exacerbated, necessitating increased water usage for washing and leading to more severe production losses. Furthermore, prints made with synthetic polymer binder and resin- based inks may fade or wash off after 12-18 months due to insufficient film stability.

[0008] Object of the Invention

[0009] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a range of water- based Anionic pigment Dispersion ruling inks without synthetic polymer binders or resins that can be used on flexo ruling machines operating at speeds greater than 100 meters per minute. The specific objectives include:

[0010] > Ensuring continuous, uninterrupted high-speed printing.

[0011] > Eliminating clogging or sticking issues on the printing rolls.

[0012] > Preventing damage to flexo machine rolls, parts, and plates.

[0013] > Utilizing highly anionic dispersed pigments, from yellow to black, with particle sizes less than one micron.

[0014] > Formulating inks suitable for various environmental temperatures, enabling drying without the need for a drying zone in the flexo machine.

[0015] > Providing printed materials with wash fastness, ensuring no fading even after storage for over a year.

[0016] > Designing ink formulations without silicone defoamers to comply with machine manufacturer instructions. > Facilitating easy washing of machine rolls with less water consumption, enabling recycled wash water use, reducing pollution and water consumption.

[0017] > Reducing overall pollution and decreasing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).

[0018] > Minimizing foaming due to inbuilt defoamers.

[0019] Statement of Invention

[0020] The development of water-based anionic dispersible pigment-based ink without synthetic polymer binders or resins addresses several issues inherent in synthetic polymer binder or resin-based inks. This invention provides significant advantages, including improved machine performance, reduced maintenance, enhanced environmental compliance, and superior print longevity.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0022] It will be convenient to further describe the present invention with respect to the accompanying drawings that illustrate possible arrangements of tiie invention. Other arrangements of the invention are possible, and consequently the particularity of the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.1 represents the supplementary information about the different composition of the products Detailed description of the invention

[0024] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments, as depicted in different figures as described above and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0025] The present invention relates to a water-based pigment anionic ruling ink specifically designed for converting paper into exercise notebooks and office stationary paper using a flexo printing machine. This innovative ink formulation is free from synthetic polymer binders or resins, making it environmentally friendly and suitable for various printing conditions.

[0026] 1. Solvents

[0027] The ink formulation comprises a blend of Polar solvents, including polar solvents, glycols, poly glycols ethers and etc additives. These solvents are used in varying concentrations to optimize the ink’s viscosity, pH, dry ing time, and stability. The polar solvents help in dissolving the other components, while glycols and poly glycols improve the flow and flexibility of the ink. Alcohol ethers are included to enhance the drying speed mid reduce the risk of smudging during the printing process.

[0028] 3. Anionic Pigment dispersion The pigments used in this ink formulation range from yellow to black. These pigments are finely dispersed using an anionic dispersion method, achieving particle sizes of less than one micron. This fine dispersion ensures stable suspensions that do not settle over time, maintaining consistent color quality and performance. The pigment content in the ink formulations varies from 8% to 30%, allowing for a wide range of color intensities suitable for different printing requirements.

[0029] 3. Wetting Agents

[0030] Wetting agents are included in the formulation to facilitate the dispersion of pigments. These agents ensure that the pigments are thoroughly wetted, which aids in the milling process and enhances the uniformity of the pigment dispersion. Proper wetting and dispersing of pigments are crucial for achieving smooth and consistent ink films during printing.

[0031] 4. Defoamer

[0032] A non-silicone-based defoamer is incorporated into the ink formulation to prevent the formation of foam during the mixing and application processes. The absence of silicone in the defoamer is essential to prolong the life of the rubber rolls used in fiexo printing machines, as silicone can cause degradation and reduce the lifespan of these components.

[0033] 5. Environmental Adaptability

[0034] The pigment-based ruling ink is designed to perform well under various environmental conditions, from cold to hot temperatures. This adaptability ensures that the ink remains stable and effective, regardless of the printing environment. The robust formulation prevents issues such as coagulation or excessive viscosity changes, which can affect print quality and machine performance.

[0035] Advantages

[0036] • Environmentally Friendly: Free from synthetic polymer binders or resins.

[0037] • Stable Dispersion: Pigment particles are finely dispersed to less than one micron, ensuring long-term stability.

[0038] • Versatile Solvent System: A combination of polar solvents, glycols, poly glycols ether, and optimizes ink performance.

[0039] • Machine Compatibility: Non-silicone defoamer protects rubber rolls, enhancing machine longevity.

[0040] • Temperature Resilience: Performs consistently across a wide range of environmental conditions.

[0041] This invention provides a high-quality, stable, and environmentally friendly ink solution for the production of exercise notebooks using flexo printing machines, addressing the needs of both manufacturers and users in various climates and conditions.

[0042] While, the invention has been described with respect to the given embodiment, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims are for the purpose of description and not limitations.

Claims

We claim1. Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin comprising with Water-Based Anionic Pigment InkWherein a water-based anionic pigment ink composition for high-speed flexographic (flexo) ruling machines converting, wherein the ink is formulated without synthetic polymer binders or resins.

2. Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pigment dispersion consists of anionic pigments selected from yellow to black, with particle sizes of less than one micron.

3. Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the solvent system comprises a blend of polar solvents, glycols, poly glycols ethers, and alcohol ethers, used in varying concentrations to optimize the ink's viscosity, pH, drying time, and stability.4, Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1 , wherein wetting agents are included to facilitate the dispersion of pigments, ensuring that the pigments are thoroughly wetted and enhancing the uniformity of the pigment dispersion.

5. Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a non-silicone- based defoamer is incorporated to prevent the formation of foam during mixing and application processes, prolonging the life of the rubber rolls used in flexo printing machines.

6. Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ink composition is environmentally friendly, free from synthetic polymer binders or resins, reducing pollution, and decreasing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) which is used under various environmental conditions, from cold to hot temperatures, ensuring stability and preventing coagulation or excessive viscosity changes.

7. Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printed materials exhibit wash fastness, ensuring no fading even after storage for over a year.

8. Water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ink composition ensures continuous, uninterrupted high-speed printing without clogging or sticking issues on the printing rolls, and facilitates easy washing of machine rolls with less water consumption, enabling the use of recycled wash water.

9. A method for preparing water-Based Anionic Pigment Ink Without Synthetic Polymer Binders and Resin as claimed in claim 1 , comprising the steps of: a. Taking anionic pigment dispersion in a stainless steel jacketed vessel with a variable RPM stirrer; b. Stirring at 100-200 RPM while adding polar solvents, glycol, glycol ether, non-silicone-based defoamer, anti-skinning agent, and natural polymer solution, maintaining a temperature between 20 to 40 degrees Celsius for 2-4 hours; c. Adding water with 5-50 conductivity and stirring for 2-4 hours; d. Increasing the RPM from 200 to 2800 over two hours, keeping the temperature up to 80 degrees Celsius for 6-10 hours and maintaining for 2-3 hours; e. Maintaining pH between 3,5 to 11.00 and viscosity of 10 to 30 seconds in a Ford D cup.

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