Ceramic Ink Preparation via Metal Carbamate Decomposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing ceramic ink face challenges in achieving excellent dispersibility, stability, and high ink color depth, particularly due to difficulties in producing nano particles with low thermal efficiency, high production costs, and issues with particle size and solubility in existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of ceramic ink using a metal carbamate solution, where metal carbamates are dissolved in solvents, mixed with ceramic pigments, and a dispersant, followed by pulverization in an ultrasonic oscillator, to create a stable and high-color-depth ink.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser ablation method is used to prepare nano particles, then particle size can be reduced to 500nm or below, but production cost increases significantly due to low thermal efficiency and expensive equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle sizeVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/laser ablation system with a chemical solution-based approach. Metal carbamate compounds are dissolved in organic solvents to form uniform solutions, which are then applied and fired to produce nano particles. This chemical method eliminates the need for expensive laser equipment while achieving the desired particle size and uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the metal precursors by using carbamate compounds with specific molecular structures. These compounds decompose at controlled temperatures during firing to produce nano particles of the desired size. The organic solvent parameter enables uniform dissolution and distribution, leading to consistent nano particle formation without expensive equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If mechanical pulverizing is used to prepare nano particles, then production cost is reduced, but particle size cannot be reduced to 500nm or below and dispersion stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidparticle size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by using metal carbamate compounds that decompose at specific temperatures to form nano particles. This chemical transformation enables particle size reduction to 500nm or below while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as the process uses simple heating and decomposition rather than expensive mechanical pulverization equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition through thermal decomposition. The metal carbamate compounds undergo phase change from solid to gaseous decomposition products during firing, forming nano particles in the process. This phase transition mechanism achieves fine particle size control without requiring mechanical pulverization equipment, maintaining both low cost and high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Stability of the object's composition

If excessive dispersant is used to prevent precipitation, then dispersion stability improves, but ink viscosity and surface tension deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion stabilityVSAvoidink properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses organic solvents as a medium to dissolve metal carbamate compounds, creating a uniform solution that prevents precipitation without requiring excessive dispersants. The solvent acts as a copying medium, carrying the metal compounds in a stable, uniform distribution. This approach maintains dispersion stability while keeping ink viscosity and surface tension within acceptable ranges, as the solvent itself provides the stabilizing effect rather than requiring large amounts of dispersant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Stability of the object's composition

If metal carbamate solution is prepared and mixed with ceramic pigment, then dispersibility and stability are improved, but additional processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedispersibilityVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the metal carbamate solution preparation with the ceramic pigment mixing step. The organic solvent solution containing metal carbamates is directly mixed with ceramic pigment in a single processing step, creating a uniform dispersion. This merging of operations improves dispersibility and stability while minimizing the number of separate processing steps, as the solution-based approach integrates multiple functions into one operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This method enables the production of ceramic ink with improved dispersibility and stability, allowing for deep color expression and reduced dilution effects, while maintaining a sufficient content of metal solid matter, thus enhancing the ink's performance in inkjet printing applications.

Implementation Method 1

preparing a metal carbamate solution by dissolving metal carbamate in a solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

pulverizing the obtained mixture of the metal carbamate solution, the ceramic pigment and the dispersant in an ultrasonic oscillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3284792B1Method for preparing ceramic ink comprising metal precursor and ceramic pigment and ceramic ink manufactured by the same
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 INKTEC CO LTD
  • EP3284792B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3284792B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3284792B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for preparing ceramic ink that includes a metal precursor and a ceramic pigment, and the ceramic pigment prepared by the same, allowing in depth color expression, maintaining dispersion stability and easily preparing a ceramic ink having good dissolubility.