Aqueous ink jet ink composition, ink set, and recording method

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Solution Overview

Problem

The storage stability of ink compositions used in textile printing ink jet inks is compromised due to the reactivity of crosslinking agents, which affects the rubbing fastness and texture of printed materials.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous ink jet ink composition containing an organic solvent with an SP value of 9.5 to 10.5, resin particles, and a plasticizer, which enhances film formability and solubility, thereby improving storage stability and rubbing fastness without compromising delamination resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a crosslinking agent and resin are used in combination to improve rubbing fastness, then the rubbing fastness of printed matter is improved, but the storage stability of the ink composition decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverubbing fastnessVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the crosslinking agent from the ink composition entirely, extracting the problematic reactive component that causes storage instability. Instead, it uses a non-reactive resin system with specific film formers and plasticizers to achieve rubbing fastness through film formation rather than crosslinking chemistry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the resin system by specifying resins with particular functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) and controlling the resin content within 5-30 mass%. It also controls the plasticizer content and uses specific SP value ranges for solvents to optimize film formation without crosslinking reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If resin content is increased to improve film formability and rubbing fastness, then the rubbing fastness is improved, but the ink composition becomes more reactive and less stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverubbing fastnessVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the resin content parameter within a specific range (5-30 mass%) and specifies resins with particular chemical characteristics (functional groups, molecular weight ranges). It also adjusts related parameters including plasticizer content (1-10 mass%) and solvent SP values (9.0-11.0) to achieve optimal film formation while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite resin system combining multiple resin types (film formers with specific functional groups) and plasticizers in controlled proportions. This composite approach achieves enhanced film formability and rubbing fastness through synergistic interactions while avoiding the reactivity issues of single-component or crosslinked systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 composition achieves enhanced storage stability, rubbing fastness, and texture of printed materials while maintaining delamination resistance, addressing the limitations of previous ink compositions.

Implementation Method 1

an organic solvent with an SP value of 9.5 to 10.5... enhances film formability and solubility, thereby improving storage stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubility: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS11725114B2Aqueous ink jet ink composition, ink set, and recording method
Publication Date: 2023.08.15 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An aqueous ink jet ink composition contains an organic solvent with an SP value of 9.5 to 10.5, resin particles, a plasticizer, and water. With respect to the amount of the aqueous ink jet ink composition, 1.0% by mass to 10.0% by mass of the organic solvent is contained.