Aqueous composition for inkjet and method for producing recorded matter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink jet technologies using sublimation or disperse dyes require a polyester surface on the recording medium, limiting the range of usable media and often cause unwanted discoloration due to high heating temperatures.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous ink jet composition with a specific ratio of polyester to dye content, using disperse dyes like C.I. Disperse Orange 60, allows for strong color production on a variety of media even at lower temperatures, preventing dye diffusion and unwanted discoloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heating temperature is increased to improve color strength, then dye fixation is improved, but unwanted discoloration occurs due to melting or burning of the recording medium

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor strengthVSAvoidunwanted discoloration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the inkjet ink by incorporating specific disperse dyes and polyester components in controlled ratios. This allows the dye to bond effectively with polyester-containing media at lower temperatures (100-160°C), achieving strong color fixation without the harmful discoloration that occurs at higher temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite ink formulation combining disperse dyes with polyester particles or polyester-containing compounds. This composite approach enables the ink to interact with polyester fibers in the recording medium to form a stable color bond at reduced temperatures, avoiding thermal damage to the substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If polyester surface is required on recording medium to produce strong color, then color strength is improved, but range of usable recording media is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor strengthVSAvoidrange of recording media
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal inkjet ink formulation that can effectively dye various types of polyester-containing media including textiles, fabrics, and other polymeric substrates. The disperse dye-polyester combination in the ink provides multi-functional capability to bond with different polyester-based materials while maintaining strong color fastness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By adjusting the ink composition parameters—specifically the ratio of disperse dye to polyester content (0.03 to 3 mass%) and controlling particle size (20-300 nm)—the ink achieves effective bonding with polyester fibers across diverse media types without requiring pre-treatment or specific substrate preparation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If polyester content in ink is increased to enhance color strength, then dye fixation is improved, but viscosity and handling properties may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor strengthVSAvoidink composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the polyester content parameter within a specific range (0.03 to 3 mass% relative to dye content) to achieve effective color fixation without excessive viscosity increase. The polyester is incorporated as fine particles (20-300 nm average diameter) or as polyester-containing compounds that disperse well in the aqueous medium, maintaining ink flowability and printability

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 produces strong colors on diverse media with reduced heat exposure, enhancing productivity and energy efficiency while preventing dye spread, suitable for fabrics and other materials.

Implementation Method 1

ink jet inks that contain a sublimation dye, i.e., a dye that sublimates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Implementation Method 2

a disperse dye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

the recording medium with the aqueous ink jet composition attached thereto is heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3950354B1Aqueous composition for inkjet and method for producing recorded matter
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided an aqueous ink jet composition that produces a strong color with a wide variety of recording media. A method for producing a recording by which recordings superior in color strength can be produced is also provided. An aqueous ink jet composition according to the present invention contains at least one dye composed of at least one of sublimation dyes or at least one of disperse dyes, polyester, and water. The polyester content is higher than or equal to 4 times and lower than or equal to 300 times the dye content. Preferably, the polyester content is 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less. Preferably, the dye content is 0.1% by mass or more and 7.5% by mass or less.