Aqueous Primer Composition for Inkjet Printing on Non-Absorptive Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing technologies face challenges when printing on non-absorptive or low-absorptive substrates, such as polymeric films and ceramics, due to issues like intercolor bleeding, line sharpness problems, dot spreading, and poor adhesion of inkjet inks without binders.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous coating composition is developed, comprising 20-79% by weight of a dispersed polymeric binder, 20-79% by weight of aluminum hydroxide oxide particles, 0.1-10% by weight of dissolved multivalent metal cations, and inorganic and/or organic counteranions, which forms a thin, inkjet-printable primer layer with low coating weight for high-speed inkjet printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional inkjet coating is applied to non-absorptive substrates, then the ink can be absorbed and fixed, but the coating weight becomes too high (at least 15 g/m²) and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the primer composition by using a specific polymeric binder with controlled molecular weight (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol) and functional groups, combined with multivalent metal salts, to achieve effective ink fixation at much lower coating weights (0.1-10 g/m²) compared to conventional coatings (≥15 g/m²)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite primer system combining organic polymeric binders with inorganic multivalent metal salts, where the metal ions crosslink with functional groups on the polymer chains to form a cohesive network structure that provides both adhesion and ink fixation capabilities at reduced coating weights
2Weight of stationary object
If the coating weight is reduced to lower costs, then material costs decrease, but adhesion between primer and substrate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the polymeric binder (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol) and the concentration of multivalent metal salts to achieve maximum adhesion strength at minimal coating weights, where the metal ions form strong crosslinks with polymer functional groups even at low concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized crosslinked regions through multivalent metal salt interactions with functional groups on the polymer chains, concentrating adhesion strength at specific interaction sites rather than requiring uniform high coating weight across the entire primer layer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous pigmented inks are used for printing, then environmental friendliness improves, but print quality deteriorates due to intercolor bleeding, line sharpness issues, and dot spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specially formulated primer layer as an intermediary between the non-absorptive substrate and the aqueous pigmented ink, where the primer's polymeric binder with multivalent metal salts creates a surface that provides both absorption and capillary control to prevent intercolor bleeding and dot spreading while maintaining environmental benefits of aqueous inks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a porous network structure through the crosslinked polymeric binder and multivalent metal salt complexes in the primer layer, which provides controlled porosity to absorb aqueous ink while the polymer matrix restricts lateral ink flow, preventing dot spreading and maintaining line sharpness
4Manufacturing precision
If a primer layer is applied to improve ink adhesion, then printing quality improves, but the coating process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional primer composition that simultaneously provides substrate adhesion, ink absorption, ink fixation, and surface smoothness control in a single coating layer, eliminating the need for multiple separate coating steps or additional treatment processes
5Strength
If the primer layer provides good adhesion, then ink fixation improves, but stickiness (antiblocking properties) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized crosslinked adhesion zones through multivalent metal salt interactions with polymer functional groups, while the bulk of the primer layer maintains a non-sticky surface morphology, achieving both strong adhesion and good antiblocking properties through spatial differentiation of material properties
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 coating composition enables high-quality inkjet printing with good adhesion between the primer and substrate, no stickiness, and high print resolution, even on non-absorptive substrates, while maintaining a low coating weight to reduce costs.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesion of inkjet inks to such non-adsorptive substrates can be critical
Implementation Method 2
comprising (a) from 20 to 79 % by weight of a dispersed polymeric binder, (c) from 0.1 to 10 % by weight of dissolved multivalent metal cations
Implementation Method 3
comprising (b) from 20 to 79 % by weight of aluminum hydroxide oxide particles
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an aqueous coating composition comprising (a) from 20 to 79 % by weight of a dispersed polymeric binder, (b) from 20 to 79 % by weight of aluminum hydroxide oxide particles, and (c) from 0.1 to 10 % by weight of dissolved multivalent metal cations, and (d) inorganic and/or organic counteranions of the metal cations. The aqueous coating composition is to be used for forming an inkjet-printable primer layer on non-absorptive or low-absorptive substrates. Also provided is a method for coating the substrates and inkjet-printing the coated substrates.