Ceramic Inkjet Inks with Multi-Size Glass Frit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet inks for printing on glass and ceramic substrates face challenges with sedimentation of glass frit and pigment particles, leading to print inhomogeneity and system blockages, requiring expensive agitation systems and high frit content, which increases production costs and reduces ink opacity and gloss.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inkjet ink with a mixture of two glass frit sizes (0.3-0.8 microns and 0.8-2.0 microns) and the use of controlled flocculation dispersants like BYK-220S, along with high viscosity solvents and anti-settling additives, to minimize sedimentation and maintain ink stability and print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sub-micron glass frit particles are used to prevent nozzle clogging, then the ink can be easily ejected from printhead nozzles, but the particle dispersions become unstable and tend to form sediments over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of glass frit from sub-micron (conventional) to micron-sized particles (1-10 microns). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by preventing sedimentation while maintaining nozzle compatibility, as the larger particles remain suspended in the ink vehicle without clogging the printhead nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite ink formulation combining micron-sized glass frit particles with specific organic vehicle components and dispersants. This composite approach creates a stable suspension system where the glass frit particles remain evenly distributed without sedimenting, eliminating the need for continuous agitation systems.
2Quantity of substance
If high frit content is used in the ink, then the ink provides sufficient opacity and coverage, but the sedimentation rate increases and print inhomogeneity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter from sub-micron to micron-sized (1-10 microns), which fundamentally alters the sedimentation behavior. This allows the ink to maintain high frit content for sufficient opacity while the larger particles remain suspended due to their size, preventing the rapid sedimentation that occurs with finer particles.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous agitation systems are installed to prevent sedimentation, then ink stability is maintained, but production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for continuous agitation systems by using micron-sized glass frit particles (1-10 microns) that inherently remain suspended in the ink vehicle. This particle size range provides natural stability without requiring mechanical agitation or circulation systems, significantly simplifying the printing system.
4Ease of operation
If sub-micron pigment and glass frit particles are used, then nozzle clogging is avoided, but expensive and complex agitation systems are required to prevent sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter from sub-micron to micron-sized (1-10 microns for glass frit). This parameter change simultaneously achieves both goals: the particles remain large enough to avoid clogging nozzle openings while being sufficiently small to remain suspended in the ink vehicle without requiring complex agitation 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 ink exhibits a significantly reduced sedimentation rate, allowing for stable ink properties without the need for continuous agitation, lower frit content, and improved opacity and gloss, reducing production costs and enhancing print quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flocculating agent... The flocculating agent is used to form a re-dispersible sediment of a pigment in an ink composition
Implementation Method 2
The density of the solvent and the glass frit are selected such that the difference between their densities is small
Data Source
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AI summary
The current document discloses an inkjet ink that is characterized by exceptionally low sedimentation rate of glass frit and pigment particles. Practically, the ink reversibly gels upon extended standing, thus preventing sedimentation entirely.