Amorphous Urea Phase Change Inks for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase change inks face issues with thermal stability, hydrolysis, and insufficient rub resistance due to the use of ester-based amorphous components, which affect the robustness and durability of printed images, especially on coated substrates.
Innovation Solution
The development of phase change inks comprising a blend of crystalline and amorphous components, where the amorphous component is based on branched alkyl core ureas, providing improved thermal stability and rub resistance through strong hydrogen bonding and attenuated viscosities, allowing for robust images on both uncoated and coated paper substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ester-based amorphous components are used in phase change inks, then adhesion to substrate and plasticizing effect are improved, but thermal stability and rub resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of the amorphous component by replacing ester groups with urea functional groups. This parameter change maintains the amorphous nature and adhesion properties while significantly improving thermal stability and resistance to hydrolysis, as urea bonds are more thermally stable than ester bonds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite ink formulation combining crystalline components (for rapid phase change and hardness) with amorphous urea-based components (for adhesion and plasticizing). This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of both material types while using the urea-based amorphous component to provide superior thermal stability compared to traditional ester-based amorphous components.
2Strength
If ester-based amorphous components are used in phase change inks, then adhesion to substrate is improved, but rub resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical composition parameters by substituting ester functional groups with urea functional groups in the amorphous component. This change enhances rub resistance and overall durability of the printed image while preserving the adhesion benefits, as urea-based materials provide superior mechanical strength and wear resistance.
3Strength
If amorphous materials are used to aid adhesion and plasticize crystalline component, then embrittlement and cracking are prevented, but hydrolysis occurs compromising ink properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the hydrolysis issue by selecting amorphous components with urea functional groups that are resistant to hydrolysis. This converts the potential harm of using amorphous materials (which can be prone to degradation) into a benefit by choosing a chemically stable urea-based amorphous component that prevents both embrittlement and hydrolysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical stability parameters of the amorphous component by using urea-based materials with high resistance to hydrolysis. This parameter change maintains the beneficial plasticizing and crack-prevention effects while eliminating the hydrolysis problem associated with ester-based amorphous components.
4Ease of operation
If conventional liquid ink jet inks are used, then ease of jetting is achieved, but nozzle clogging from evaporation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition properties by formulating ink that transitions from liquid during jetting to solid upon contact with the substrate. The amorphous urea-based component enables this phase change while remaining stable in the liquid state during jetting, preventing evaporation and nozzle clogging, yet solidifying immediately to provide durable printed images.
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 use of branched alkyl core ureas in phase change inks enhances the robustness of printed images by providing superior scratch, fold, and rub resistance, while maintaining suitable viscosities for jetting and solidification, thus addressing the limitations of conventional inks.
Implementation Method 1
providing improved thermal stability and rub resistance through strong hydrogen bonding
Implementation Method 2
the ink droplets are applied directly onto the final recording medium, while the droplets solidify almost immediately upon contact
Data Source
AI summary
A phase change ink includes a crystalline component and an amorphous component, the amorphous component including a branched alkyl core and a urea functional group.