Aqueous Ink-Jet Inks Using Anionic and Non-Ionic Polymeric Binders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet inks for textiles face stability issues due to interaction with inorganic salt solutions used in pretreatment, leading to precipitation and compromised color image quality.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous ink-jet ink formulation containing a mixture of water-borne anionic polymeric binder and water-borne non-ionic polymeric binder, specifically polyurethane, acrylic, or polystyrene-acrylate, which improves salt stability and image quality by reducing interaction with substrate salts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a water-borne anionic polymeric binder is used in ink-jet ink, then good adhesion to textile substrates is achieved, but the ink interacts with inorganic salt solutions causing precipitation and compromised color image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines anionic polymeric binder and non-ionic polymeric binder in a specific weight ratio range (95:5 to 5:95) to create a composite binder system. The anionic binder provides adhesion to textile substrates while the non-ionic binder reduces interaction with inorganic salt solutions, preventing precipitation and maintaining color image quality. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the binder system by incorporating non-ionic polymeric binder alongside the anionic binder. This parameter change in the binder's ionic character reduces the electrostatic interaction between the ink and inorganic salt solutions in the pretreatment fluid, thereby improving salt stability while maintaining adhesion through the anionic component.
2Ease of manufacture
If inorganic salt solution is used for pretreatment of textile substrates, then fabric preparation is achieved, but the salt interacts with color inks causing precipitation and compromising printed color image
Solution Approach 1:
The non-ionic polymeric binder acts as an intermediary between the anionic binder and the inorganic salt solution. It forms a protective interface that reduces the direct interaction between the salt ions and the color inks, preventing precipitation while allowing the pretreatment process to proceed. This intermediary function protects the color image quality during substrate preparation.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-binder ink formulations are used, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but salt stability and wash fastness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite binder system combining anionic and non-ionic polymeric binders in optimized weight ratios. This composite formulation enhances wash fastness and salt stability by leveraging the complementary properties of both binder types: the anionic binder ensures substrate adhesion while the non-ionic binder provides resistance to salt-induced precipitation and improves durability through washing.
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 ink-jet ink achieves improved salt stability and superior wash fastness, enabling durable and high-quality printed images on various substrates, including textiles.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of an non-ionic polymeric binder in an ink reduces the interaction of the ink with salt(s) that are present in the print substrate, and consequently improves the quality of printed images
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides aqueous ink-jet inks having improved salt stability containing an aqueous vehicle, a colorant, and a mixture of a water-borne anionic polymeric binder and a water-borne non-ionic polymeric binder.