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, which increases greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating biodegradable structural elements such as [-OC(CH3)C(O)-] derived from lactic acid and [-OC(CH3)CH2C(O)-] derived from hydroxybutyric acid into radiation-curable components, along with spacers like aliphatic or polyether-based units, to create a radiation-curable ink composition that can be partially biodegraded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radiation-curable components are used in ink compositions, then the ink can be cured to form robust images, but the printed objects cannot be recycled or biodegraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining biodegradable structural elements (lactic acid and hydroxybutyric acid units) with radiation-curable (meth)acrylate groups. This creates a dual-function material that maintains the robustness needed for cured images while incorporating biodegradable components that enable environmental degradation, thus resolving the contradiction between image durability and recyclability
2Strength
If radiation-curable ink is applied and cured on a recording medium, then a robust polymeric layer is formed, but the printed object becomes difficult to reuse or recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the radiation-curable component by incorporating biodegradable structural elements with specific molecular structures (lactic acid and hydroxybutyric acid units). This parameter change allows the material to maintain its physical properties for forming strong polymeric layers while enabling biological degradation pathways, thus achieving both strength and recyclability
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 composition allows for the production of printed objects that can be recycled or decomposed, reducing environmental impact by minimizing landfill waste and 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. The ink applied onto the recording medium may be cured, for example using a suitable type of radiation, such as UV radiation
Implementation Method 2
The [-OC(CH 3 )C(O)-] structural element is derived from lactic acid. Lactic acids, as well as oligomers and polymers thereof, are biologically degradable. The [-OC(CH 3 )CH 2 C(O)-] structural element is derived from hydroxybutyric acid. Hydroxybutyric acids, as well as oligomers and polymers thereof, are biologically degradable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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.