A-B Block Polymer Dispersant for Inkjet Re-Dispersibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording methods face challenges with ink drying on low-absorbing media, leading to nozzle clogging and image quality issues due to conflicting requirements of re-dispersibility and water resistance.
Innovation Solution
A colored dispersion for inkjet using a specific A-B block polymer dispersant, composed of (meth)acrylic acid and cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, enhances re-dispersibility and water resistance by stabilizing colorants in aqueous ink, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring image durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If inks high in dryability are used to solve the problem of slow drying on ink-poorly absorbing media, then drying speed is improved, but nozzle clogging is easily caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dispersant by specifying a particular structure with hydrophilic groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) and controlling the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value within 10-16. This parameter optimization enables the dispersant to provide sufficient hydrophilicity for re-dispersibility while maintaining adequate water resistance, thereby achieving both fast drying and preventing nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite dispersant system combining specific polymer structures with functional groups that provide both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics. The dispersant contains a polymeric structure with repeating units comprising hydrophobic segments and hydrophilic segments, creating a composite material that simultaneously achieves water resistance and re-dispersibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hydrophilicity of a dispersant is raised to improve re-dispersibility, then re-dispersibility is improved, but water resistance of recorded images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the HLB value parameter within the specific range of 10-16 and controls the content of hydrophilic groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) to be 1-20 mmol/g. This parameter optimization enables the dispersant to provide sufficient hydrophilicity for re-dispersibility while maintaining adequate water resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersant structure incorporates both hydrophobic segments (for water resistance and adhesion to colorant particles) and hydrophilic segments (for re-dispersibility in aqueous ink). This local differentiation of properties within the same dispersant molecule allows it to simultaneously provide water resistance and re-dispersibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dispersion achieves improved re-dispersibility and water resistance, stabilizing ink ejection and maintaining image quality on various media types, reducing nozzle clogging and enhancing print durability.
Implementation Method 1
the dispersant has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 10 to 16; the dispersant contains a polymeric structure with repeating units comprising a hydrophobic segment and a hydrophilic segment
Implementation Method 2
the dispersant has an acid value of 100 to 159 mgKOH/g; the dispersant contains a polymeric structure with repeating units comprising a hydrophobic segment and a hydrophilic segment
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a colored dispersion for inkjet and a method for producing the same, the colored dispersion comprising a colorant, a dispersant, a tellurium compound, and water, wherein: the dispersant is an A-B block polymer; monomers constituting an A block are (meth)acrylic acid and butyl (meth)acrylate; the content of the (meth)acrylic acid in the A block is 26-42 mass%; a monomer constituting a B block includes cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate; the acid value of the dispersant is 100-159 mg KOH/g; and the mass-average molecular weight of the dispersant is 10,000-50,000. Moreover, provided are: an inkjet recording ink containing said dispersion; an inkjet recording method using said ink; recording media to which said ink adheres; and an inkjet printer equipped with a container containing said ink.