Aqueous ink jet composition and method for producing recording

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ink jet printing with sublimation or disperse dyes faces limitations in producing strong colors on a wide range of recording media, as high temperatures can cause unwanted discoloration or melting of certain media, restricting the choice of recording surfaces and increasing energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous ink jet composition with a high polyester-to-dye ratio, containing sublimation or disperse dyes, water, and polyester particles, which allows for strong color production at lower temperatures, preventing dye spread and improving productivity and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heating temperature is increased to improve color strength, then dye fixation is improved, but recording medium may undergo unwanted discoloration or melting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor strengthVSAvoidunwanted discoloration or melting of recording medium
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink jet composition by incorporating polyester particles and specific additives that enable effective dye fixation at lower temperatures, thus preventing thermal damage to heat-sensitive recording media while maintaining strong color output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The polyester particles in the ink composition act as intermediaries that facilitate dye transfer and fixation onto the recording medium at reduced temperatures, mediating between the dye and the heat-sensitive substrate to achieve strong color without causing discoloration or melting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If heating temperature is increased to produce strong color, then dye fixation is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the ink composition parameters to include polyester and specific additives that lower the processing temperature required for effective dye fixation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining strong color strength in the final recording

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If polyester content is increased to improve color strength, then dye fixation is improved, but ink composition complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a composite ink composition integrating polyester particles, dyes, and functional additives in specific ratios, creating a unified formulation that achieves strong color fixation while managing composition complexity through defined parameter ranges and standardized ingredient combinations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 strong color production on various media, including heat-sensitive materials, while reducing energy consumption and preventing dye spread, thus enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the ink jet printing process.

Implementation Method 1

The composition achieves strong color production on various media, including heat-sensitive materials, while reducing energy consumption and preventing dye spread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

contains at least one dye composed of at least one of sublimation dyes or at least one of disperse dyes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Data Source

PatentUS20220169876A1Aqueous ink jet composition and method for producing recording
Publication Date: 2022.06.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An aqueous ink jet composition is provided that 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.