Black Sublimation Ink Composition for Consistent Hue Across Light Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing black ink compositions for inkjet textile printing using sublimation transfer methods face challenges in maintaining consistent black color hue across different light sources and require high sublimation transfer efficiency, especially when using transfer papers with small basis weights or ink receiving layers, which affects the quality and light resistance of the dyed products.

Innovation Solution

A black ink composition for inkjet textile printing is developed, containing a water-soluble organic solvent, a resin emulsion, and at least four sublimable dyes, with specific dyes selected from C.I. Disperse Yellow, C.I. Disperse Red, and C.I. Disperse Blue, and a dispersant, which ensures stable dispersion and absorption properties, enhancing color rendering and sublimation transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple sublimable dyes are combined to express black, then black color hue is improved, but color rendering consistency under different light sources deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblack color hueVSAvoidcolor rendering consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting specific dyes with defined absorption characteristics (maximum absorption wavelengths) and adjusting their proportions in the ink composition. This optimization of compositional parameters ensures consistent color rendering under different light sources while maintaining good black color hue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite dye system combining multiple sublimable dyes (including C.I. Disperse Yellow, C.I. Disperse Red, and C.I. Disperse Blue) with specific absorption characteristics. This composite approach allows the ink to achieve both good black color hue and consistent color rendering across different illumination conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If transfer paper with small basis weight or small ink receiving layer is used, then productivity is improved, but sublimation transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsublimation transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the ink composition parameters by incorporating specific additives and adjusting the ratio of sublimable dyes to enable effective transfer even with minimal ink receiving layers, thus maintaining high sublimation transfer efficiency while using lightweight transfer papers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary substances (additives) in the ink composition that facilitate the sublimation and transfer process, ensuring efficient dye transfer from the intermediate recording medium to the hydrophobic fiber even when the medium has small basis weight or thin ink receiving layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dispersed ink is used for hydrophobic fibers, then adaptability is improved, but dispersion stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with hydrophobic fibersVSAvoiddispersion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite ink formulation combining multiple sublimable dyes, water-soluble organic solvents, and specific additives dispersed in water. This composite structure maintains dispersion stability while ensuring compatibility with hydrophobic fibers through the sublimation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses water as an intermediary medium to disperse the water-insoluble sublimable dyes, creating a stable aqueous dispersion that can be jetted onto intermediate recording media while maintaining compatibility with hydrophobic fibers through the sublimation transfer mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composition achieves a dyed product with minimal hue variation under different light sources, high sublimation transfer efficiency, and excellent light resistance, even with transfer papers of small basis weight, resulting in high-quality black color and improved printability.

Implementation Method 1

the sublimation transfer method is a textile printing method in which ink is applied (printed) to an intermediate recording medium (a special transfer paper, etc.), then an ink application surface of the intermediate recording medium and a hydrophobic fiber are superimposed on each other, and then a dye is transferred by heat from the intermediate recording medium to the hydrophobic fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSublimation: Sublimation

Implementation Method 2

an aqueous ink in which a water-insoluble sublimable dye is dispersed in water has been generally used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

containing a water-soluble organic solvent, a resin emulsion, and at least four sublimable dyes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11820904B2Black ink composition for inkjet printing, and method for printing on hydrophobic fibers
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 NIPPON KAYAKU CO LTD

AI summary

A black ink composition for inkjet printing that contains a water-soluble organic solvent, a resin emulsion, a dispersing agent, and at least four types of sublimation dyes. At least three of the sublimation dye types are C.I. disperse yellow, C.I. disperse red, and C.I. disperse blue, and at least one of the sublimation dye types has a maximum absorption wavelength in the wavelength band of 640 nm to less than 680 nm as measured from a visible spectral absorption of a solution obtained by dissolving the dye in acetone. An ink set for inkjet printing that includes the black ink composition for inkjet printing, and a method for printing on hydrophobic fibers that uses the composition and the ink set.