Black Iron Oxide Pigment Composition for Oxidation-Stable Inkjet Inks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-based pigment inks with small particle sizes, such as nanometer size, are prone to oxidation, leading to discoloration issues during and after printing.
Innovation Solution
A pigment composition comprising black iron oxide with a median diameter of 30 nm to 1 μm, a dispersion medium of water, and an oxidation inhibitor like reduced isomaltulose, which stabilizes the pigment and prevents oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the particle size of the pigment is reduced to nanometer size to improve inkjet suitability, then the inkjet printing performance is improved, but the pigment becomes oxidized and discoloration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an oxidation inhibitor as an intermediary substance that mediates between the pigment particles and oxygen. This inhibitor specifically protects the nanometer-sized black iron oxide pigment from oxidation while maintaining the ink's jetting properties. The oxidation inhibitor acts as a protective layer or chemical barrier that prevents direct contact between the pigment surface and oxidizing agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: maintaining the pigment particle size within the nanometer range (30-1000 nm) for inkjet suitability, while controlling the oxidation inhibitor concentration (0.1-10 mass%) and selecting specific dispersants to achieve both small particle size and oxidation resistance. The pH value and other formulation parameters are also adjusted to create an environment that prevents oxidation.
2Ease of operation
If the particle size of the pigment is reduced to nanometer size to improve inkjet suitability, then the inkjet printing performance is improved, but discoloration of the pigment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidation inhibitor serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct oxidation of the pigment particles. This intermediary substance forms a protective environment around the nanometer-sized pigment, preventing discoloration while allowing the ink to maintain its inkjet printing capabilities. The dispersant also acts as an intermediary to stabilize the pigment distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation that combines nanometer-sized black iron oxide pigment with oxidation inhibitors and dispersants. This composite system integrates multiple functional components: the pigment provides color, the oxidation inhibitor prevents discoloration, and the dispersant maintains stability. The synergistic interaction of these components achieves both inkjet suitability and color stability.
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 effectively prevents pigment oxidation and discoloration, enhancing print suitability and color stability in inkjet inks, particularly for pharmaceutical tablets and capsules.
Implementation Method 1
the oxidation inhibitor is reduced isomaltulose
Data Source
AI summary
A pigment composition for a pigment contained in ink or the like is provided, the pigment composition being capable of better preventing oxidation of the pigment from occurring in the ink or after printing, and better reducing discoloration of the pigment, even when the pigment has a small particle size such as a nanometer size. Further, a tablet and a capsule are provided. For example, the pigment composition includes: a black iron oxide; a dispersion medium; a dispersant; and an oxidation inhibitor, wherein the black iron oxide has a median diameter D50 of 30 nm or greater and 1 μm or less, and the oxidation inhibitor is reduced isomaltulose.