Alkoxy-Modified Acrylic Ink Composition for Low Viscosity and Scratch Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photopolymerizable inks containing (meth)acrylic acid esters pose skin sensitization risks and have issues with ink viscosity and film durability, leading to problems with inkjet printing, such as nozzle clogging and incomplete layer formation.

Innovation Solution

An active energy ray curing type composition combining diethylene glycol dimethacrylate and alkoxy-modified (meth)acrylic acid ester with polyether-modified polysiloxane, which reduces skin sensitization risk, maintains low viscosity for inkjet compatibility, and enhances film robustness and uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional (meth)acrylic acid esters are used in photopolymerizable ink, then low cost and easy availability are achieved, but skin sensitization toxicity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost and availabilityVSAvoidskin sensitization toxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of (meth)acrylic acid esters by introducing alkoxy groups at specific positions (beta or gamma positions) to modify their biological properties. This structural modification reduces skin sensitization potential while maintaining the essential polymerization properties needed for ink functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite monomer systems combining diethylene glycol dimethacrylate with alkoxy-modified (meth)acrylic acid esters. This composite approach allows the ink to benefit from the low cost and good availability of conventional esters while the alkoxy-modified components provide reduced toxicity, achieving both affordability and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If viscosity of ink is increased by blending various materials such as pigments and additives, then film robustness is improved, but ink discharging performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm robustnessVSAvoidink discharging performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the viscosity parameter of the ink composition by selecting monomers with appropriate molecular weights and structures. The use of diethylene glycol dimethacrylate and alkoxy-modified esters provides a balance where the viscosity is high enough to form robust films but low enough to enable proper inkjet discharging, resolving the contradiction between strength and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If inkjet nozzles are clogged, then ink discharging is disrupted, but incomplete layer formation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveink discharging reliabilityVSAvoidlayer formation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity and surface tension parameters of the ink to prevent nozzle clogging while ensuring complete layer formation. The specific monomer combination achieves a viscosity range that prevents clogging and a surface tension that ensures proper spreading and coverage, thereby maintaining both discharging reliability and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition achieves a cured film with improved scratch resistance and uniformity, preventing ink omission and cracking, while ensuring safety from skin sensitization and maintaining low viscosity for efficient inkjet printing.

Implementation Method 1

active energy ray curing type composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS9120946B2Active energy ray curing type composition, container that accommodates composition, inkjet discharging device having container, and cured matter
Publication Date: 2015.09.01 RICOH CO LTD
  • US9120946B2 patent drawing
  • US9120946B2 patent drawing
  • US9120946B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An active energy ray curing type composition contains (meth)acrylic acid ester; and polyether-modified polysiloxane, wherein (meth)acrylic acid ester comprises diethylene glycol dimethacrylate and alkoxy-modified (meth)acrylic acid ester.