Aqueous Ink Composition Balancing Viscosity, Decapping, and VOC Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous inks for inkjet recording face challenges in maintaining ink ejection properties, ruggedness, and decapping properties while adhering to VOC regulation standards, particularly when viscosity is increased to improve ruggedness, leading to nozzle clogging and drying issues.
Innovation Solution
The aqueous ink formulation includes specific solvent and thickener ratios, with solvent group A having a weight change of more than 0.01 g and thickener viscosity of 10-14 mPa·s, along with a binder polymer, to balance viscosity, drying, and ejection properties, while adhering to VOC standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the viscosity of the aqueous ink is increased to improve ruggedness, then the image quality becomes sharper, but the ink ejection property deteriorates and the nozzle is likely to be clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the viscosity of the aqueous ink within the range of 10 mPa·s to 14 mPa·s. This optimized viscosity range allows the ink to maintain sufficient ruggedness for sharp image quality while remaining low enough to ensure proper ejection from the nozzle without clogging. The thickener is specifically selected to achieve this balanced viscosity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the viscosity of the aqueous ink is increased to improve ruggedness, then the image quality becomes sharper, but the decapping property deteriorates due to quick drying of the ink attached to the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the viscosity parameter within 10-14 mPa·s to prevent excessive drying. This optimized viscosity range ensures that the ink does not dry too quickly on the nozzle surface, maintaining good decapping properties while still achieving sharp image quality. The thickener is selected to achieve this balanced viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thickener that replicates the desired viscosity characteristics without introducing harmful drying effects. The thickener is specifically chosen to provide the necessary viscosity for sharp images while maintaining compatibility with the solvent system to prevent premature drying and nozzle clogging.
3Ease of operation
If the solvent ratio is increased to improve ink ejection property, then the viscosity is reduced and ejection becomes easier, but the VOC regulation standard may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solvent ratio parameter to achieve the desired ejection properties while maintaining VOC compliance. By carefully controlling the amount and type of solvent used, the formulation achieves good ink ejection without exceeding VOC regulation limits. The thickener is selected to work effectively with reduced solvent content.
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 solution maintains ink ejection properties, ruggedness, and decapping properties without violating VOC regulations, reducing nozzle clogging and improving image clarity and drying characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
A viscosity of the aqueous ink is 10 mPa·s to 14 mPa·s. The viscosity of the aqueous ink is adjusted to 10 mPa·s or more by the thickener, and thus, an image formed by the ink is hard to become unclear.
Implementation Method 2
A weight percent of the solvent group A in a total amount of the aqueous ink is 25.0 wt % to 30.0 wt %. The weight percent of the solvent group A in the total amount of the aqueous ink is 30.0 wt % or less, and thus the aqueous ink does not violate a VOC regulation standard.
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous ink contains water, a solvent group A having a weight change amount of more than 0.01 g when 1.5 g±0.1 g of the solvent group A is placed in an upwardly opened aluminum foil box of 40 mm×40 mm×10 mm and heated at a temperature of 100° C.±5° C. for 30 minutes indoors at a room temperature of 25° C. and a humidity of 65%, a thickener, and a binder polymer. A weight percent of the solvent group A in the total amount of the aqueous ink is 25.0 wt % to 30.0 wt %. A weight percent of the thickener in the total amount of the aqueous ink is 10.1% or more. A viscosity of the aqueous ink is 10 mPa·s to 14 mPa·s.