Amorphous Bis-Urea Phase-Change Ink Viscosity Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crystalline-amorphous phase-change inks face challenges with thermal stability and viscosity issues, particularly with amorphous components like TBCT, which affect rub resistance and scalability, and most ureas are too viscous for inkjet printing due to strong hydrogen bonding.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel amorphous bis-urea compounds with a branched alkyl bridge and alkyl groups, which reduce viscosity and enhance amorphous character, allowing for the creation of phase-change ink compositions suitable for inkjet printing by combining with crystalline components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional amorphous materials like TBCT are used in phase-change inks, then adhesion and plasticization are improved, but thermal stability deteriorates and rub resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the amorphous material by introducing bis-urea compounds with specific molecular weights and branching structures. This modifies the material's thermal properties and viscosity while maintaining adhesion, thereby resolving the contradiction between adhesion strength and thermal stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining crystalline components with novel amorphous bis-urea materials. This composite approach allows the crystalline phase to provide thermal stability while the amorphous phase maintains adhesion and plasticization properties
2Force
If ureas are used as amorphous components, then hydrogen bonding strength is improved, but viscosity increases making them unsuitable for inkjet printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the urea molecular structure by introducing branched alkyl groups and controlling molecular weight, which reduces intermolecular forces and viscosity while preserving the essential hydrogen bonding capability needed for ink performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces branching structures at specific positions in the urea molecule, creating local structural variations that reduce overall viscosity while maintaining hydrogen bonding regions, thereby resolving the contradiction between bonding strength and fluidity
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 amorphous bis-urea compounds achieve a viscosity of less than 15 cps at 140°C, enabling jettable ink compositions with improved rub resistance and robust image formation, surpassing the limitations of previous inks.
Implementation Method 1
novel amorphous bis-urea compounds with a branched alkyl bridge and alkyl groups, which reduce viscosity and enhance amorphous character
Implementation Method 2
The solid phase change ink composition is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the composition to liquefy the ink composition
Implementation Method 3
The crystalline material imparts a hardness and rapid phase change that is required for DTP (direct-to-paper) print architectures
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an amorphous bis-urea compound having a formula 1:where X is a branched alkyl bridge and R′ and R″ are alkyl groups.