Aqueous Ink Jet Recording Method for Abrasion Resistance and Filter Passability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording methods for non-absorbent recording media face challenges in achieving both abrasion resistance and filter passability, particularly due to issues with volatile organic compounds, polymerizable monomers, and dissolved gases in ink formulations, which affect environmental sustainability and storage stability.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet recording method using an aqueous ink with a dissolved oxygen level of 3.0 mg/L or less, containing a pigment, wax, and a dispersant, with a wax and dispersant content of 0.8% to 5.0% by mass, and a resin particle, which is stored in a deaerated ink storage bag with a metal layer to prevent air bubble formation and ensure filter passability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solvent-based ink containing volatile organic solvent is used to record on non-absorbent recording medium, then the image can be recorded, but a large amount of VOC occurs causing environmental load and safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the ink formulation from solvent-based to aqueous-based, replacing volatile organic solvents with water as the primary carrier. This parameter change eliminates VOC emissions while maintaining the ability to record on non-absorbent recording media through careful selection of pigments, surfactants, and resin components that ensure proper ink behavior on such surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an aqueous environment as an inert alternative to volatile organic solvents. Water serves as the carrier liquid, creating a non-volatile, environmentally friendly atmosphere that eliminates harmful emissions while still enabling effective image recording on non-absorbent media through controlled ink formulation.
2Reliability
If a curable ink containing polymerizable monomer is used to record on non-absorbent recording medium, then the image can be recorded, but heating or UV irradiation is required causing additional process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the polymerizable monomer component from the ink formulation, eliminating the need for curing processes. Instead, the invention uses a aqueous-based formulation with pigments and surfactants that allows direct recording and drying without requiring heating or UV irradiation equipment, thereby simplifying the overall recording system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable, single-use ink formulation that does not require complex curing infrastructure. The aqueous ink is designed to dry and set naturally without needing expensive heating systems or UV irradiation equipment, making the recording process more accessible and less complex.
3Ease of operation
If deaerated ink with inert gas dissolved is used to improve introduction and ejection properties, then the ink performance is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach to ink deaeration by using a simple filtration system with specific pore sizes (1-10 μm) rather than complex deaeration processes involving inert gas dissolution. This parameter change in the filtration approach maintains ink ejection performance while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, cost-effective filtration method using disposable filters with specific pore size ranges instead of expensive and complex deaeration equipment. This approach achieves the necessary ink purification and bubble removal through straightforward filtration during or before ink filling, eliminating the need for sophisticated deaeration systems.
4Strength
If wax and dispersant are added to aqueous ink to improve abrasion resistance, then the image durability is improved, but the filter passability deteriorates due to aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of wax and dispersant components within specific ranges (wax: 0.01-5% by mass, dispersant: 0.01-3% by mass) to achieve the right balance between abrasion resistance and filter passability. This precise parameter control prevents excessive aggregation while maintaining sufficient image durability. The patent also specifies ink viscosity ranges (1-10 mPa·s) to ensure proper flow through filters while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional components at different concentrations and distributions within the ink formulation. The wax provides localized abrasion resistance at the image surface, while the dispersant is distributed throughout the ink to prevent aggregation and ensure filter passability. This local quality approach allows simultaneous optimization of both image durability and ink flow characteristics.
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 method achieves excellent abrasion resistance and filter passability of the ink after storage, reducing environmental impact and improving the durability of recorded images without the need for curing processes like heating or UV irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
the aqueous ink has a dissolved oxygen amount (mgAL) of 3.0 mg/L or less
Implementation Method 2
a dispersant for dispersing the wax
Implementation Method 3
a filter configured to pass the aqueous ink therethrough
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an ink jet recording method which can record an image excellent in abrasion resistance and in which an ink after storage is excellent in filter passability. The ink jet recording method includes ejecting an aqueous ink to a recording medium to record an image with an ink jet recording apparatus including: the aqueous ink; an ink storage bag configured to store the aqueous ink; and a recording head of an ink jet system configured to eject the aqueous ink. The recording head includes, in an inside thereof, a filter configured to pass the aqueous ink therethrough. The aqueous ink contains a pigment, a wax, a dispersant for dispersing the wax and a resin particle.