Bio-based Copolyester Latex for Inkjet Inks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latex inks face challenges in achieving optimal anti-blocking properties, waterfastness, and jettability due to conflicting material characteristics, such as brittleness and softening point requirements, while also needing to be biodegradable and derived from renewable resources.
Innovation Solution
A bio-based copolyester is developed with specific monomer ratios of isohexide, cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and aliphatic diol, optimized for acid number and molecular weight, to create a stable dispersion suitable for latex compositions and inkjet inks, ensuring the necessary properties for ink performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petrochemically based synthetic polyesters are used in latex inks, then good ink performance is achieved, but health issues arise and biodegradability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polyester by using bio-based monomers (isosorbide, isomannide, isoidide) instead of petrochemical monomers. This substitution maintains the polymer's functional properties for ink performance while improving biodegradability and eliminating health concerns associated with traditional petrochemical-based polyesters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polyester structure combining bio-based diols (isosorbide, isomannide, or isoidide) with dicarboxylic acids to form a copolyester that integrates the benefits of renewable resources with controlled polymer properties, achieving both good ink performance and improved environmental compatibility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polymers with improved biodegradability are used, then de-inkability and recycled paper quality improve, but ink performance properties such as anti-blocking and waterfastness become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the acid number (5-50 mg KOH/g) and molecular weight (10,000-100,000 g/mol) of the bio-based polyester to simultaneously achieve good ink performance properties (anti-blocking, waterfastness) and maintain biodegradability for improved de-inkability in paper recycling processes
Solution Approach 2:
The copolyester structure combines bio-based diols with dicarboxylic acids in specific ratios to create a composite material that balances biodegradability with ink performance requirements, ensuring both environmental compatibility and functional reliability in inkjet applications
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a resin is made softer to improve anti-blocking properties, then blocking resistance improves, but scratchfastness and waterfastness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the acid number (5-50 mg KOH/g) and molecular weight parameters of the polyester to achieve an optimal balance in the resin's mechanical properties, simultaneously improving anti-blocking characteristics while maintaining adequate scratchfastness and waterfastness for inkjet application requirements
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 bio-based copolyester achieves improved waterfastness, scratchfastness, and blocking resistance, while maintaining biodegradability and suitability for inkjet printing, enhancing the quality of recycled paper and ink performance.
Implementation Method 1
a copolymerization of a first diol being an isohexide, a cyclic dicarboxylic acid and a (second) diol
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a copolyester from between 30 and 50 mol % of a first monomer being an isohexide; between 40 and 60 mol % of a second monomer being an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid; and between 1 and 20 mol % of a third monomer being an aliphatic diol, the copolyester having an acid number of between 10 and 50. The invention also relates to a process for preparing such copolyesters, a latex composition comprising such a copolyester, a method for preparing such a latex composition and the use of a particular latex as an (ink-jet) ink.