Calcium Acetate Sizing Composition for Inkjet Print Density and Corrosion Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Calcium chloride, currently used in papermaking to enhance inkjet print density and dry time, causes corrosion problems, quenches optical brightening agents, and is associated with low pH, leading to compatibility issues with common papermaking chemicals.

Innovation Solution

A paper sizing composition comprising a water-soluble salt of Ca(II) and at least one organic acid, along with starch, is used to improve inkjet print density and dry time, reduce corrosion, and enhance optical properties while maintaining compatibility with common papermaking chemicals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If calcium chloride is used to enhance inkjet print density and dry time, then print density and dry time are improved, but corrosion problems occur and optical brightening agents are quenched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinkjet print densityVSAvoidcorrosion and quenching of optical brightening agents

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing calcium chloride with calcium acetate and adjusting pH levels. This parameter change maintains the beneficial effects on print density and dry time while eliminating the harmful corrosion and OBA quenching effects associated with calcium chloride and low pH conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful low pH environment into a beneficial neutral to slightly alkaline environment by using calcium acetate. This transformation maintains the necessary chemical reactivity for print quality while preventing corrosion and OBA quenching that occur in acidic conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Manufacturing precision

If calcium chloride is used to enhance inkjet print density and dry time, then print density and dry time are improved, but compatibility issues with common papermaking chemicals occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinkjet print densityVSAvoidcompatibility with papermaking chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting calcium chloride with calcium acetate and adjusting pH to neutral or slightly alkaline levels. This parameter change improves compatibility with common papermaking chemicals while maintaining print density enhancement effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces calcium acetate as an intermediary substance that mediates between the desired print quality enhancement and the compatibility requirements with papermaking chemicals. Calcium acetate acts as a compatible alternative that provides the necessary calcium ions without the harmful effects of calcium chloride

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional sizing compositions are used to improve paper machine runnability, then runnability is improved, but inkjet print density and optical properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper machine runnabilityVSAvoidinkjet print density

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite sizing composition that combines starch with calcium acetate and optional optical brightening agents. This composite formulation simultaneously achieves good paper machine runnability, enhanced inkjet print density, and improved optical properties, resolving the trade-off between productivity and manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhanced inkjet print density and dry time, reduces corrosion and quenching of optical brightening agents, and improves optical properties, while being compatible with common papermaking chemicals, resulting in improved paper machine runnability and ink fastness.

Implementation Method 1

Calcium chloride, CaCl2, is currently used to enhance inkjet print density and dry time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCalcium ion deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

calcium chloride is associated with low pH, with the result that calcium chloride often is not compatible with common papermaking chemicals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutralization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

calcium chloride quenches optical brightening agents (OBAs)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH control: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS9062227B2Paper sizing composition with salt of calcium (II) and organic acid, products made thereby, method of using, and method of making

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 COBANK ACB AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

AI summary

A paper sizing composition is provided, which comprises a water-soluble salt of Ca(II) and at least one organic acid; and starch. Methods of making and using the composition, and methods of making and using the recording sheets which include the composition, are disclosed.