Clear Ink Resin Particles Scratch Resistance Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inks used on impermeable print media, such as plastic films, face challenges in achieving sufficient scratch resistance and preventing poor drying, which can lead to blocking issues.
Innovation Solution
A clear ink formulation comprising resin particles with a volume average particle diameter of 50 nm or less, water, and a compound represented by General Formula (1), where the dried film of the clear ink has glass transition temperatures between 50°C and 0°C, enhancing scratch resistance and blocking resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional inks are used on impermeable print media, then basic printing function is achieved, but scratch resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ink formulation combines multiple resin components (polyester resin with specific functional groups, acrylic resin, and polyurethane resin) in defined proportions to create a composite coating system that simultaneously achieves scratch resistance through crosslinked film formation and proper drying performance through controlled evaporation and curing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges including resin composition ratios (polyester resin 30-70 wt%, acrylic resin 10-40 wt%, polyurethane resin 10-40 wt%), particle size distribution (volume average 5-50 μm), and functional group content (carboxyl group 0.1-5 mmol/g) to optimize both scratch resistance and drying performance
2Strength
If higher deposition amounts are applied to improve scratch resistance, then coating thickness increases, but blocking resistance deteriorates due to poor drying
Solution Approach 1:
The ink utilizes phase transition mechanisms where water evaporates from the coating and resin components undergo curing transformation to form a crosslinked film, enabling the coating to maintain flexibility and prevent blocking even at higher deposition amounts while building sufficient thickness for scratch resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The coating film exhibits dynamic properties through its composition that allows it to adapt between a softer state during drying (preventing blocking) and a harder state after curing (providing scratch resistance), with the resin blend creating a film that transitions appropriately during the drying process
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 clear ink forms a coating film with excellent scratch resistance and prevents poor drying, thereby achieving superior blocking resistance, even at high deposition amounts.
Implementation Method 1
a dried film of the clear ink has glass transition temperatures (Tg) at 50 degrees Celsius or higher and at lower than 0 degrees Celsius
Implementation Method 2
The resin particles have a volume average particle diameter of 50 nm or less. A dried film of the clear ink has glass transition temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A clear ink includes resin particles, water, and a compound represented by General Formula (1) below. The resin particles have a volume average particle diameter of 50 nm or less. A dried film of the clear ink has glass transition temperatures (Tg) at 50 degrees Celsius or higher and at lower than 0 degrees Celsius.In the General Formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 or more but 4 or less carbon atoms.