Water-Based Ceramic Ink for Intense Yellow Coloration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-based inks for digital printing on ceramics lack the chemical-physical characteristics necessary for inkjet printing, particularly failing to produce a broad color gamut and intense yellow hue, and are not suitable for use with high concentrations of titanium dioxide.
Innovation Solution
A water-based ink composition comprising 3.0-15.0% titanium in the form of a titanium compound obtained through a specific reaction process, combined with 0.2-2.5% chromium or nickel, and up to 100% water or water-miscible solvents, applied to a ceramic paste with minimal titanium dioxide, allowing for inkjet printing and firing at high temperatures to achieve a saturated yellow color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based inks containing chromium, antimony and titanium are used for digital printing on ceramics, then safety and environmental conditions are improved, but the color gamut and yellow hue intensity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the water-based ink by incorporating specific compounds: chromium(III) acetate, antimony potassium tartrate, and titanium(IV) isopropoxide. The controlled molar ratios (Cr:Sb:Ti between 1:1:1 and 1:2:3) and concentration ranges create optimal conditions for generating intense yellow coloration while maintaining water-based safety advantages. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between safety and color performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite coloration system by combining three different metal compounds (chromium, antimony, and titanium) in specific proportions. This composite approach leverages the synergistic interaction between the metals during firing to produce superior yellow hue intensity and broad color gamut, while the water-based matrix maintains safety and environmental benefits.
2Strength
If high concentration of titanium dioxide is present in ceramic paste, then ceramic material properties are improved, but water-based inks fail to produce satisfactory yellow coloration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adjusts the chemical parameters of the coloring ink to compensate for the presence of high titanium dioxide in the ceramic paste. By optimizing the Cr:Sb:Ti molar ratios and using specific water-based compounds, the system achieves effective yellow coloration even when the substrate contains significant TiO2, which would otherwise interfere with color development.
3Quantity of substance
If solvent-based inks are used for digital printing on ceramics, then broad color gamut and intense yellow hue are achieved, but safety and environmental impact deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from organic to water-based, while compensating for any potential loss in color performance through optimized metal compound selection and ratios. The use of chromium(III) acetate, antimony potassium tartrate, and titanium(IV) isopropoxide in controlled proportions maintains broad color gamut and intense yellow hue while eliminating the safety and environmental hazards of organic solvents.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional water-based coloration solutions are used, then safety conditions are improved, but the solutions lack chemical-physical characteristics necessary for inkjet printing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the physical parameters of the water-based coloration solution by selecting compounds with appropriate solubility, viscosity, and stability characteristics for inkjet printing. The use of acetate, tartrate, and isopropoxide compounds ensures proper flow properties and deposition behavior, while the controlled metal ratios maintain color performance. This resolves the contradiction between safety and printability.
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 solution enables the production of a broad color gamut and intense yellow coloration during firing, while providing improved safety, hygiene, and environmental benefits compared to solvent-based inks, and allows for the creation of smooth, lapped ceramic products.
Implementation Method 1
reacting at least one titanium alkoxide of formula Ti(OR1)4 with water and, optionally, at least one alcohol, thereby obtaining a first reaction mixture
Implementation Method 2
adding glycolic acid to the reaction mixture of step (i) in a Ti:acid molar ratio comprised between 1:0.8 and 1:2.0, thereby obtaining a second reaction mixture comprising water, alcohol and at least one intermediate titanium compound
Implementation Method 3
firing the decorated, and optionally dried, ceramic paste in a ceramic kiln at a temperature of 900°-1300° C.
Implementation Method 4
The chromophoric metals give rise to the development of colouration during the firing of the coloured products
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a colouring composition, preferably an ink for ink jet printing, comprising:(A) 3.0-15.0% by weight of Ti in the form of a titanium compound obtained by a process comprising:(i) reacting at least one titanium alkoxide with water and, optionally, at least one alcohol, thereby obtaining a reaction mixture;(ii) adding glycolic acid in a Ti:acid molar ratio comprised between 1:0.8 and 1:2.0, thereby generating a mixture of water and alcohol comprising an intermediate titanium compound;(iii) optionally, but preferably, removing part of the mixture comprising water and alcohol;(iv) adding at least one compound of formula N(R2)3 with a Ti:N(R2)3 molar ratio comprised between 1:0.20 and 1:1.50; and(v) completely eliminating the alcohol;(B) 0.2-2.5% by weight of Cr and/or Ni in the form of at least one water-soluble organic compound of Cr and/or Ni;(C) up to 100% by weight of at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of water, organic solvents miscible with water and mixtures thereof,wherein the quantities (A), (B) and (C) refer to the overall weight of the colouring composition.