Aqueous Ink Composition with Radical Polymerizable Compound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet recording methods face challenges with complex systems, high production costs, and waste generation, particularly in electrophotographic and thermal transfer methods, while inkjet methods are cost-effective but require improved ink compositions for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous ink composition comprising a polymer with specific repeating units, a radical polymerizable compound, water, and a colorant, which includes a repeating unit with an alkyl group and a hydrophilic group, enhancing cross-linking reactions and ejection recovery properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrophotographic recording method is used, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electrophotographic mechanical system with a simpler inkjet printing system that uses aqueous ink containing polymer (a) and radical polymerizable compound (b). The ink cures upon contact with the substrate, eliminating the need for electrostatic latent image formation and complex photoreceptor drums, while maintaining image quality.
2Ease of manufacture
If thermal transfer method is used, then apparatus cost is reduced, but running cost increases due to ink ribbon usage
Solution Approach 1:
The aqueous ink composition contains polymer (a) with repeating unit (a1) having cross-linking capability and radical polymerizable compound (b), which enables the ink to self-cure upon ejection and contact with the substrate. This eliminates the need for continuous ink ribbon replacement and reduces running costs, while the inkjet apparatus remains simple and inexpensive.
3Stability of the object's composition
If aqueous ink is used for high-density inkjet recording, then viscosity is reduced for better ejection, but drying issues occur near the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aqueous ink with water as the main component to achieve low viscosity for high-density recording. To prevent premature drying, the ink contains polymer (a) and radical polymerizable compound (b) that remain stable in aqueous form during ejection but rapidly cure upon contact with the substrate, transforming from a mobile liquid state to a fixed cured state, thereby eliminating drying issues near the nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The ink composition is pre-formulated with polymer (a) and radical polymerizable compound (b) in aqueous solution, maintaining stability and low viscosity during storage and ejection. The curing reaction is triggered immediately upon contact with the substrate, preventing premature drying in the nozzle while ensuring proper ejection performance.
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 excellent ink curing properties, fixability, and ejection stability, reducing drying issues near the nozzle and improving inkjet performance with balanced viscosity and ejection recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a polymerizable substance, and a polymerization initiator that generates a radical in response to a radiation and initiates polymerization
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an ink composition including:(a) a polymer including a repeating unit (a1) having a group represented by the following Formula (1) and a repeating unit (a2) having a hydrophilic group;(b) a radical polymerizable compound;(c) water; and(d) a colorant;wherein, in Formula (1), each of Ra and Rb independently represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; Ra and Rb may be bound to each other to form a 4- to 6-membered alicyclic structure; and * represents a bonding site.