Biodegradable Radiation-Curable Ink Composition for Recyclable Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation-curable inkjet ink compositions are difficult to recycle or reuse, leading to environmental pollution due to landfilling and incineration, necessitating the development of biodegradable components.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of biodegradable diacrylate components derived from lactic acid or hydroxybutyric acid into radiation-curable ink compositions, which remain biodegradable even after curing, along with a method for preparing such compositions and printed objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiation-curable ink compositions are used to form robust images, then image durability is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the radiation-curable component by using biodegradable monomers (lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid) instead of conventional non-biodegradable monomers. This parameter change allows the ink composition to maintain curing capability while achieving biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between image durability and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining radiation-curable functional groups with biodegradable polymer chains. The composite structure enables both the robustness needed for durable images and the biodegradability required for environmental compatibility, eliminating the need for landfilling or incineration.
2Reliability
If conventional radiation-curable components are used, then ink composition performance is maintained, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the radiation-curable component to incorporate biodegradable units while maintaining the necessary functional groups for ink composition performance. This parameter change enables the ink to remain effective for printing while becoming recyclable through biological decomposition.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable components are incorporated, then environmental impact is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation-curable component into distinct functional units: biodegradable monomer units (lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid) and functional groups (acrylate, methacrylate). This segmentation allows for modular synthesis and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling the use of readily available biodegradable building blocks rather than requiring complex one-step synthesis.
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 biodegradable ink compositions allow for the creation of printed objects that can be decomposed chemically or biologically, reducing environmental impact by minimizing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
When curing the ink, a polymerization reaction may occur within the ink, thereby transforming the radiation-curable ink in a polymeric layer attached to the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radiation-curable component The present invention further relates to an ink composition comprising a radiation-curable component and to a method for preparing such ink composition. The present invention also relates to an ink set The present invention further relates to a method of printing and to a printed object In addition, the present invention relates to a method for recycling a printed object.