Biochar Black Ink for 100% Bio-Renewable Carbon Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The printing ink industry faces challenges in achieving 100% bio-renewable carbon (BRC) content in black inks due to limitations in sustainable carbon sources and the lack of suitable carbon-based intermediates, with existing carbon black pigments often containing non-sustainable carbon from ancient sources.
Innovation Solution
The development of black ink and coating compositions using pyrolyzed cellulose (biochar) pigment combined with a 100% BRC rosin adduct, which provides the necessary physical properties for printing applications while ensuring high BRC content, including microwave safety and robust mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional carbon black pigments are used in printing inks, then acceptable physical performance is achieved, but the BRC (bio-renewable carbon) content is low or zero due to ancient carbon sources
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of carbon source from ancient (petroleum/coal) to recent (plant-based) carbon, achieving 100% BRC content through pyrolyzed plant material while maintaining ink performance through careful formulation with rosin adducts and dispersants
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite pigment system combining pyrolyzed plant carbon with rosin adducts and surfactants, where the composite structure provides both the desired high BRC content and the physical performance properties needed for printing applications
2Object-affected harmful factors
If 100% BRC materials are used to replace ancient carbon materials, then environmental impact is reduced, but the necessary chemistries for acceptable physical performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses rosin adducts as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between pyrolyzed plant carbon and the final ink formulation, providing the necessary chemical functionality for performance while maintaining 100% BRC content through careful selection of renewable rosin derivatives
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters of plant-derived materials through pyrolysis and adduction reactions, transforming raw plant material into functional ink components with controlled properties that meet printing performance requirements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pyrolyzed cellulose (biochar) pigment is used to achieve high BRC content, then microwave safety is improved, but the formulation complexity increases due to need for compatible binders and dispersants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the pigment particles through controlled pyrolysis, creating biochar with specific surface area, porosity, and surface chemistry that enable microwave safety while requiring careful formulation with compatible binders and dispersants
Solution Approach 2:
The invention formulates a composite ink system where pyrolyzed cellulose particles are combined with rosin adducts and surfactants in specific ratios and configurations, creating a multi-component system that achieves both microwave safety and print performance through synergistic interactions
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 solution achieves 100% BRC content inks with improved physical properties, such as microwave safety, mechanical strength, and resistance to heat and chemical solvents, meeting the requirements of flexographic and rotogravure printing while reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The black inks and coating compositions of the present invention comprise water, biochar pigment, and a rosin adduct... pyrolyzed cellulose (e.g. biochar) pigment
Implementation Method 2
The inks and coatings of the present invention are microwave safe
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a water-based black ink, utilizing biochar as the black pigment. The black inks of the invention contain high bio-renewable carbon content (BRC), preferably 100% BRC. The inks exhibit the physical properties required to perform according to the requirements of rotogravure and flexographic printing.