BaSO4 White Aqueous Inkjet Ink for Stable Opacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current white aqueous inkjet inks face challenges such as sedimentation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, leading to reduced optical density and print opacity, and regulatory concerns due to the use of TiO2, which necessitates a safe and non-toxic pigment replacement.
Innovation Solution
Employing barium sulfate (BaSO4) pigment with a wide particle size distribution (Span ≥ 0.75) to formulate a stable, non-sedimenting white aqueous inkjet ink that achieves desired whiteness and opacity without TiO2, utilizing a broad particle size distribution to enhance light reflection and scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If TiO2 pigment is used to achieve whiteness and opacity, then print quality is improved, but sedimentation occurs and long-term colloidal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of the TiO2 pigment, specifically using a Dv50 between 0.5-2.0 micrometers and controlling the particle size distribution with Span≥0.75. This parameter optimization prevents sedimentation while maintaining whiteness and opacity, resolving the contradiction between print quality and colloidal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining TiO2 pigment with specific binders, dispersants, and surfactants. This composite approach enhances the colloidal stability of the pigment suspension while preserving its optical properties, thereby maintaining both print quality and long-term stability.
2Illumination intensity
If TiO2 pigment is used to achieve desired color characteristics, then whiteness is improved, but safety and toxicity concerns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs readily available TiO2 pigment with controlled particle characteristics that balances performance and safety. By optimizing particle size and distribution, the patent achieves effective whiteness at lower pigment concentrations, reducing overall exposure and associated toxicity concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of TiO2 (particle size Dv50: 0.5-2.0 micrometers, Span≥0.75) to achieve optimal whiteness with minimized health risks. These parameter changes allow effective performance at reduced pigment loading, thereby lowering toxicity exposure.
3Illumination intensity
If high TiO2 loading is used to achieve desired color characteristics, then whiteness and opacity are improved, but pigment loading and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes TiO2 particle size parameters (Dv50: 0.5-2.0 micrometers, Span≥0.75) to maximize light scattering efficiency. This enables achievement of desired whiteness and opacity at lower pigment loadings, reducing both material quantity and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates a composite ink system with TiO2 pigment, binders, dispersants, and surfactants that enhances pigment efficiency. This composite approach achieves optimal whiteness and opacity with reduced TiO2 content, lowering both pigment loading and formulation costs.
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 BaSO4 pigment-based inkjet ink provides stable, non-sedimenting performance, achieving or exceeding the whiteness and opacity of TiO2-based inks at lower pigment loadings, ensuring safe and effective print quality.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a broad particle size distribution to enhance light reflection and scattering
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a broad particle size distribution to enhance light reflection and scattering
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous inkjet ink composition including water; an optional co-solvent; an optional dispersant; an optional resin; an optional wax; and a BaSO4 pigment; wherein a particle size distribution is defined as Span=(Dn90−Dn10)/(Dn50); and wherein the BaSO4 pigment has a wide particle size distribution wherein the Span is 0.75 or greater.