Cationic Photocurable Ink Composition for High Dot Density Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cationic polymerization inkjet inks face challenges in achieving high optical density (OD value) on various substrates, including non-absorbent materials like plastics and glasses, due to reduced dot density after landing, which affects image quality and precision.
Innovation Solution
A cationic photocurable composition comprising specific proportions of cationic polymerizable compounds, epoxy compounds, and/or oxetane compounds, along with a cationic initiator, pigment, and sensitizer, which synergistically enhance dot density and optical density, ensuring high-precision images on diverse substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pigment concentration is increased to improve the OD value, then the optical density increases, but the stability of the composition decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing specific cationic polymerizable compounds (epoxy and vinyl ether types) and adjusting their ratios, along with using specific photoinitiators and additives, to achieve high OD values while maintaining composition stability throughout storage and printing processes
2Measurement precision
If the dot density is increased to improve the OD value, then the optical density increases, but the image resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters including the ratio of cationic polymerizable compounds, pigment concentration, and photoinitiator types to enable high OD values to be achieved through improved curing efficiency rather than increased dot density, thereby maintaining image resolution
3Measurement precision
If the ink amount per dot is increased to improve the OD value, then the optical density increases, but the infiltration phenomenon occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the composition parameters including using specific cationic polymerizable compounds with appropriate viscosity and reactivity, optimizing pigment dispersion, and selecting suitable photoinitiators to achieve high OD values with normal ink amounts without causing infiltration on non-absorbent substrates
4Manufacturing precision
If the droplet size is reduced to improve the image quality, then the image resolution improves, but the sensitivity is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using highly reactive cationic polymerizable compounds and efficient photoinitiators that enable complete curing even with small droplet sizes, thereby maintaining both high image resolution and adequate sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink composition combining multiple cationic polymerizable compounds (epoxy and vinyl ether types), pigments, photoinitiators, and additives that work synergistically to maintain sensitivity while enabling small droplet sizes for high-resolution printing
5Measurement precision
If the spacing between inkjet droplets is adjusted to achieve the required OD value, then the OD value may be improved, but the operability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ink composition parameters to achieve high OD values independent of droplet spacing, providing consistent performance across different printing conditions and maintaining good operability
6Reliability
If the cationic polymerization ink is used on non-absorbent substrates, then the oxygen inhibition is avoided, but the dot density after landing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters including using specific cationic polymerizable compounds with appropriate molecular weight and reactivity, optimizing pigment concentration and dispersion, and selecting suitable photoinitiators to maintain high dot density on non-absorbent substrates while achieving complete curing without oxygen inhibition
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 improves dot density and optical density, enabling high-precision images with good adhesion and rapid curing on various recording materials, expanding the applicability of cationic polymeric inks.
Implementation Method 1
The first cationic polymerizable compound and the second cationic polymerizable compound are used in combination, wherein the sum of the contents of the first cationic polymerizable compound and the second cationic polymerizable compound accounts for 30 wt % to 75 wt % of the total content of the cationic photocurable composition
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in the present invention are a cationic photocurable composition and use thereof. The composition comprises: in parts by weight, 10-30 parts of a first cationic polymerizable compound, 10-65 parts of a second cationic polymerizable compound, 20-60 parts of an epoxy compound or/and an oxetane compound, 1-10 parts of a cationic initiator, and 2-20 parts of a pigment, wherein the first cationic polymerizable compound and the second cationic polymerizable compound have structures shown in Structural Formula I and Structural Formula II; in the formulas, R0 is selected from hydrogen, a methyl, and an ethyl, R1 represents a methyl or ethyl, n is 1 or 2, and R2 represents a methyl or ethyl; and the sum of the contents of the first cationic polymerizable compound and the second cationic polymerizable compound accounts for 30-75 wt % of the total amount of the cationic photocurable composition. The composition can improve the ink dot density fluctuation after the ink is applied, can enhance the optical density, and has good adhesion and a high curing speed.