Azo Pigment Inkjet Ink Stability via Synergist

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inkjet ink compositions containing azo pigments face challenges in achieving long-term dispersion stability across various liquid vehicles due to sensitivity to cosolvents and additives.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, an azo pigment with specific substituent groups, and a synergist having an ionic or ionizable group, where the diazo component of the synergist matches that of the azo pigment, providing enhanced dispersion stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional dispersants are used with azo pigments, then initial dispersibility is improved, but long-term dispersion stability across various liquid vehicles deteriorates due to sensitivity to cosolvents and additives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with liquid vehicles
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of the synergist by incorporating specific substituent groups (P1-P6) with defined chemical properties. The synergist contains an ionic or ionizable group (S2-S4) that can interact with both the azo pigment and liquid vehicle components, changing the chemical parameters to achieve universal compatibility across different ink vehicle formulations while maintaining long-term dispersion stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite system consisting of the azo pigment, the synergist with specific substituent groups, and the liquid vehicle. The synergist acts as a bridge component that combines pigment-specific interactions with vehicle-compatible features, forming a stable composite dispersion that resists degradation from cosolvents and additives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If azo pigments are used in inkjet inks, then color performance is achieved, but dispersion stability over time deteriorates in the presence of various additives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion stability over timeVSAvoidsensitivity to cosolvents and additives
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The synergist serves as an intermediary substance between the azo pigment and the liquid vehicle additives. It contains specific substituent groups that can interact with both the pigment particles and the cosolvents/additives, acting as a buffer that prevents harmful interactions while maintaining pigment dispersion stability over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The synergist is designed with pre-configured ionic or ionizable groups that can preemptively interact with potential harmful additives in the ink formulation. This preliminary interaction prevents additive-induced aggregation or precipitation of the azo pigment, maintaining dispersion stability throughout the ink's service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 combination of specific azo pigments and synergists achieves unexpected stability in different liquid vehicles, maintaining stability over time and allowing for flexible formulation, even in the presence of various additives.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of S2 - S4 comprises an ionic or ionizable group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP2417203B1Inkjet ink compositions comprising azo pigments
Publication Date: 2017.01.18 CABOT CORP

AI summary

Inkjet ink compositions comprising a liquid vehicle, an azo pigment, and a synergist are described. The colorant of the azo pigment and the synergist have specific structural features that, in combination, can be used to form an inkjet ink composition having long term stability in a variety of ink vehicles.