Cationic Copolymer Fixer for Ink-Jet Image Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dye-based ink-jet inks suffer from inadequate water fastness and permanence, and existing fixer compositions often compromise printhead reliability and cause yellowing when used in ink-jet printing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first ink-jet pen with ink-jet ink and a second pen with a fixer composition containing a cationic copolymer of epihalohydrin and amine, which is used to enhance image permanence and smudge resistance without affecting printhead reliability, with the fixer composition being ink-jettable and free of pigment and dye colorant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cationic polymer and anionic dye are used in fixer fluid to enhance water fastness, then image water fastness and permanence are improved, but printhead reliability deteriorates and yellowing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cationic polymer by using copolymers with specific monomer ratios (epihalohydrin and amine) and controlling molecular weight and degree of polymerization. This creates a polymer that provides the necessary water fastness while maintaining printhead reliability and preventing yellowing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite cationic polymers formed by copolymerizing epihalohydrin and amine monomers. This composite material structure allows the fixer to achieve both water fastness improvement and printhead compatibility, resolving the contradiction between image durability and device reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional cationic materials are used in fixer fluid to improve image permanence, then image durability is enhanced, but excessive yellowing is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific monomers (epihalohydrin and amine) and controlling their ratio, molecular weight, and degree of polymerization. These parameter changes result in a cationic polymer that provides long-term image permanence without causing excessive yellowing.
3Productivity
If dye-based ink-jet inks are used for high-speed recording, then recording speed is improved, but water fastness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cationic copolymer acts as an intermediary substance between the water-soluble dye and the substrate. It binds to the dye molecules and creates a water-fast complex, allowing high-speed dye-based printing to achieve water fastness comparable to pigment-based systems.
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 use of cationic copolymers of epihalohydrin and amine in the fixer composition significantly improves the water fastness and durability of ink-jet images, while maintaining printhead reliability and preventing excessive yellowing, as demonstrated by superior decap performance and water fastness tests compared to other known polymers.
Implementation Method 1
when the cationic polymer and the anionic dye contact one another on a substrate, a reaction between the dye and the cationic material creates an image with improved water fastness and permanence
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions, systems, and methods for providing smudge resistant and durable ink-jet images having good optical density are provided. Specifically, a system for printing durable ink-jet ink images can comprise a first ink-jet pen containing an ink-jet ink and a second ink-jet pen containing a fixer composition. The ink-jet ink can comprise a first liquid vehicle and a colorant. The fixer composition can comprise a second liquid vehicle, and from 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % of a cationic copolymer of an epihalohydrin and an amine. Upon overprinting or underprinting the fixer composition with respect to the ink-jet ink on a substrate, a durable image can be formed.