Aqueous Ink Particle Sizing for Chemical Resistance and Image Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous inks for ink jet recording struggle to achieve both high chemical resistance, particularly alcohol-rubbing resistance, and image clarity, as resin particles formed from crystalline polyester resins with carboxylic acid groups can lead to uneven distribution and reduced clarity due to crystal growth at the image surface.
Innovation Solution
The ink formulation includes resin particles formed from crystalline polyester resin with carboxylic acid groups, where the difference between the 50% cumulative particle diameters of the coloring material and resin particles (D50C−D50R) is maintained at 10 nm or more, ensuring even distribution and formation of a dense crystalline film that enhances chemical resistance without compromising image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resin particles are formed from crystalline polyester resin with carboxylic acid groups to improve chemical resistance, then alcohol-rubbing resistance is improved, but image clarity deteriorates due to crystal growth at the image surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size difference between coloring material particles and resin particles. By maintaining a specific difference (D50C - D50R) in the 50% cumulative particle diameters, the invention optimizes the distribution and behavior of particles during recording, preventing crystal growth that compromises image clarity while retaining chemical resistance benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring even distribution of resin particles throughout the ink formulation. By controlling the particle size difference parameter, the invention ensures that resin particles are uniformly distributed and do not aggregate at the image surface, maintaining local homogeneity that prevents light scattering and preserves image clarity
2Reliability
If resin particles are used to improve fixability of colorant to recording medium, then chemical resistance is improved, but image clarity deteriorates due to uneven distribution and light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the particle size difference between coloring material and resin particles. By controlling this physical parameter to maintain a specific difference value, the invention achieves even distribution of particles and prevents light scattering, thereby maintaining image clarity while preserving fixability improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by ensuring uniform distribution of resin particles throughout the ink formulation. The particle size difference control mechanism ensures that resin particles are evenly dispersed and do not aggregate, maintaining homogeneous distribution that prevents light scattering and preserves image clarity while achieving consistent fixability
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
This approach improves the chemical resistance of the recorded image by forming a dense crystalline film that prevents solvent permeation while maintaining image clarity, as the resin particles are evenly distributed and do not scatter light, thus enhancing the image's resistance to chemicals like alcohol.
Implementation Method 1
the resin particle is formed from a crystalline polyester resin having carboxylic acid groups
Implementation Method 2
forming a dense crystalline film that prevents solvent permeation
Implementation Method 3
crystalline polyester resin having carboxylic acid groups
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an aqueous ink for ink jet containing coloring material-particle and resin particle. The resin particle is formed from a crystalline polyester resin having carboxylic acid groups. A difference between a 50% cumulative particle diameter (D50C) in a volume-based particle size distribution of the coloring material-particle and a 50% cumulative particle diameter (D50R) in a volume-based particle size distribution of the resin particle (D50C−D50R) is 10 nm or more. In addition, an ink cartridge and an ink jet recording method using this aqueous ink are provided.