Composite Ink Receiving Layer for High-Speed Inkjet Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet printing technologies face challenges in achieving high-speed printing with excellent image quality, durability, and resistance to bleeding and coalescence, particularly when using cellulose-based substrates, which often result in suboptimal ink absorption rates and color gamut issues.
Innovation Solution
A printable recording media comprising a cellulose-based substrate with a composite ink receiving layer consisting of two distinct layers: a first 'ink fixation' layer and a second 'ink fusion' layer, where the second layer includes a polymeric binder, nano-size inorganic pigment particles, and an ionene compound, optimized for high-speed inkjet printing with enhanced ink absorption and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-layer ink receiving coating is applied on cellulose-based substrate, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the image quality and ink absorption rate are suboptimal for high-speed printing
Solution Approach 1:
The ink receiving coating is divided into two distinct layers: a first layer containing calcium chloride and a polymeric binder for ink fixation, and a second layer containing nano-size inorganic pigment particles, a polymeric binder, and an ionene compound for ink fusion. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, enabling high-speed printing while maintaining excellent image quality and color gamut.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in both layers: the first layer combines calcium chloride (an electrical charged substance) with a polymeric binder, and the second layer combines nano-size inorganic pigment particles with a polymeric binder and ionene compound. These composite formulations enhance ink absorption, fixation, and fusion properties, resolving the contradiction between printing speed and image quality.
2Reliability
If conventional ink receiving coatings are used on cellulose-based substrates, then the manufacturing cost is low, but ink bleed and coalescence resistance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is segmented into two functional layers with distinct compositions and roles. The first layer with calcium chloride provides ink fixation, while the second layer with ionene compound and nano-size inorganic pigment particles provides ink fusion. This segmentation enhances resistance to ink bleed and coalescence by ensuring proper ink management at each stage, justifying the increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific chemical parameters: calcium chloride in the first layer and ionene compound in the second layer. These parameter changes fundamentally alter the interaction between ink and substrate, providing superior resistance to ink bleed and coalescence compared to conventional coatings, while the two-layer structure manages the complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a two-layer composite ink receiving coating with calcium chloride and ionene compound is applied, then ink absorption and image quality are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex coating system is segmented into two distinct layers with well-defined compositions and functions. The first layer (calcium chloride + polymeric binder) handles ink fixation, and the second layer (ionene compound + nano-size inorganic pigment particles + polymeric binder) handles ink fusion. This clear segmentation makes the complex structure manageable and manufacturable while achieving superior image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific chemical parameters (calcium chloride in layer 1, ionene compound in layer 2) that fundamentally improve image quality, color gamut, and ink absorption. These parameter changes justify the increased structural complexity by delivering performance benefits that conventional single-layer coatings cannot achieve.
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 high-speed printing with vivid color gamut, low ink bleed, and excellent durability, maintaining image quality and resistance to abrasion and burnishing, while ensuring efficient ink absorption and preventing colorant migration, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The printable recording media comprises a cellulose based substrate and a composite ink receiving layer with a first and a second distinct layer, wherein the second distinct layer is applied on top of the first distinct layer and contains, at least, a polymeric binder, nano-size inorganic pigment particles and an ionene compound
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a printable recording media comprising a cellulose based substrate and a composite ink receiving layer that includes a first distinct layer and a second distinct layer. The second distinct layer is applied on top of the first distinct layer and comprises, at least, a polymeric binder, nano-size inorganic pigment particles and an ionene compound. Also disclosed herein is a method for making the printable recording media.