Aqueous Ink Composition for Non-Absorbent Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous inks face challenges when used on non-absorbent surfaces, as they tend to have poor adherence and durability due to shear stresses in high-speed printing processes, and their drying is slower compared to absorbent surfaces, leading to performance issues.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous ink composition comprising a polycarbonate-based urethane silanol polymer, a polyester-based urethane silanol polymer, colorants, solvents, a pH modifier, and optionally surfactants and crosslinkers, with specific viscosity and surface tension properties to ensure proper adhesion and durability on non-absorbent surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If aqueous ink is used on non-absorbent surfaces, then environmental benefits are achieved by reducing VOC emissions, but the ink exhibits poor adherence and durability due to shear stresses in high-speed printing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the aqueous ink by incorporating specific polymers (acrylic, vinyl, polyurethane), silane coupling agents, and adhesion promoters in controlled amounts to enhance adherence to non-absorbent surfaces while maintaining the water-based formulation that reduces VOC emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The ink formulation combines multiple material components including polymer resins, silane compounds, adhesion promoters, and colorants to create a composite aqueous ink system that achieves both environmental benefits and improved mechanical adherence on challenging non-absorbent substrates
2Device complexity
If aqueous ink is applied to non-absorbent surfaces, then the ink composition can be simplified compared to solvent-based inks, but the drying process becomes slower as the ink sits on top of the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the viscosity parameters of the aqueous ink to optimal ranges that balance ease of application with accelerated drying performance, and incorporates fast-drying solvents and drying agents to reduce drying time while keeping the formulation relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces drying agents and fast-evaporating solvent components as intermediary substances that facilitate quicker moisture removal from the ink film on non-absorbent surfaces, acting as mediators between the water-based ink and the environment to accelerate the drying process
3Ease of operation
If the ink viscosity is reduced for easier application on non-absorbent surfaces, then the ink can be applied more smoothly, but the ink may spread excessively and lose definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the aqueous ink to a specific range that allows for smooth application without excessive spreading, and adjusts the surface tension parameters to control ink behavior on non-absorbent surfaces, maintaining both ease of application and print definition
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 composition provides improved adherence and long-term durability on non-absorbent surfaces, resisting water exposure, rubbing, and scratching, while maintaining suitable viscosity for high-speed printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the ink has an initial surface tension of less than about 50 dynes per centimeter on application
Implementation Method 2
a silane-modified polymer in an amount from about 3 percent to about 15 percent by weight of the ink composition
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, an ink composition includes a colorant, one or more polymers such as a polyurethane siloxane, a surfactant, water, and a solvent. The ink composition has a total solids content of less than about 20% by weight. Further the ink has an initial surface tension of less than about 50 dynes per centimeter on application and the surface tension on drying should not increase by more than 20 percent.