Aqueous adhesive composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aqueous adhesives used in ink jet printing have inferior water resistance and mechanical strength, leading to reduced adhesion over time and the need for frequent reapplication, which complicates the washing process and increases environmental and operational costs due to the use of solvent-based adhesives.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous adhesive composition combining acrylic-based and urethane-based resins with a surfactant and water, where the acrylic-based resin content is higher, forming an adhesive layer that enhances adhesion, water resistance, and mechanical strength, while reducing environmental impact by eliminating organic solvents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an aqueous adhesive is used to reduce environmental loads and improve working conditions, then environmental sustainability and worker safety are improved, but water resistance and adhesion durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental loadVSAvoidadhesion durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite adhesive system combining multiple polymers (polyvinylidene fluoride, carboxymethyl cellulose, and starch derivatives) to achieve both environmental sustainability and adhesion durability. Each component contributes different properties: polyvinylidene fluoride provides water resistance, carboxymethyl cellulose enhances adhesion, and starch derivatives improve flexibility. This composite approach allows the aqueous adhesive to maintain strong bonding after repeated washings without requiring organic solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of starch by introducing carboxymethyl groups and further derivatizing with isocyanate-containing compounds to create crosslinked structures. This parameter change in molecular structure transforms the basic starch into a high-performance adhesive component that maintains durability in aqueous formulation, resolving the contradiction between being water-based and having water resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If an aqueous adhesive is used instead of solvent-based adhesive, then organic solvent usage is reduced, but mechanical strength and water resistance of the adhesive layer decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganic solvent usageVSAvoidadhesive layer strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polyvinylidene fluoride (providing excellent water resistance and mechanical strength), carboxymethyl cellulose (providing adhesion and film formation), and starch derivatives (providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness) in specific proportions. This composite formulation achieves adhesive layer strength comparable to or exceeding solvent-based adhesives while maintaining 100% aqueous composition, eliminating the need for organic solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates different functional zones within the adhesive layer through the composite formulation: the polyvinylidene fluoride component concentrates water resistance properties, the carboxymethyl cellulose provides adhesion to the substrate, and the starch derivatives contribute to overall structural integrity. This local differentiation of functional properties within the composite allows the aqueous adhesive to match the performance of solvent-based alternatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the adhesive is washed repeatedly with water, then remaining materials are removed from the transport member, but the adhesiveness of the aqueous adhesive gradually decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing easeVSAvoidadhesive service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates a composite adhesive where polyvinylidene fluoride provides exceptional water resistance that prevents water penetration and adhesion loss during washing. Carboxymethyl cellulose maintains bonding strength through repeated wet-dry cycles, while starch derivatives ensure the adhesive remains flexible and adherent. This composite system allows numerous wash cycles to be performed without significant adhesion degradation, extending the service life of the adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates crosslinked structures and hydrophobic components in advance within the adhesive formulation to cushion against the damaging effects of repeated water exposure. The isocyanate-containing compounds create crosslinks that lock the adhesive structure in place before washing begins, preventing water from disrupting the adhesion. This beforehand cushioning allows the adhesive to withstand repeated washings without losing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4438691A1Aqueous adhesive composition
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4438691A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4438691A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4438691A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An aqueous adhesive composition to form an adhesive layer on a surface of a cloth transport member of an ink jet printing apparatus is provided. The aqueous adhesive composition includes an acrylic-based resin, an urethane-based resin, a surfactant, and water, and a content A of the acrylic-based resin is higher than a content U of the urethane-based resin.