Compostable Wax Phase Change Ink for Eco-Friendly Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change inks contain non-compostable waxes, leading to environmental concerns and a need for improved environmental friendliness, biodegradability, ink rheology, print banding, filtration properties, jetting robustness, and thermal stability, while also requiring reduced production costs.
Innovation Solution
Development of phase change inks using compostable paraffin or polymethylene waxes that degrade biologically during composting, combined with suitable carrier components like stearyl stearamide and urethane resins, to create a more environmentally friendly and performance-enhanced inkjet printing solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-compostable waxes are used in phase change inks, then the ink exhibits good printing performance and stability, but the environmental friendliness and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the wax from non-compostable polyethylene to compostable paraffin or polymethylene waxes with specific carbon chain lengths (C20-C40). This parameter change maintains the phase change properties and printing performance while improving biodegradability and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining compostable paraffin or polymethylene waxes with colorants and optional additives. This composite approach maintains the functional properties needed for reliable printing while using environmentally benign, compostable base materials that degrade into non-toxic residues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compostable waxes are used in phase change inks, then the environmental friendliness improves, but the ink rheology and jetting robustness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the compostable waxes, including carbon chain lengths of C20-C40 and melting points of 40-80°C, to optimize both environmental compatibility and jetting performance. These parameter selections ensure the ink maintains appropriate viscosity and flow characteristics for reliable droplet ejection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional requirements to different components of the ink system. The compostable wax provides the phase change and environmental benefits, while optional additives and colorants address specific performance aspects like jetting robustness and print quality, allowing each component to be optimized for its local function
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 use of compostable waxes in phase change inks results in reduced environmental impact, improved print quality, and enhanced stability, while maintaining cost-effectiveness, by ensuring the inks break down into non-toxic residues and maintaining print quality over time.
Implementation Method 1
paraffin or polymethylene waxes that undergo degradation by biological process during composting to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass
Implementation Method 2
phase change inks (sometimes referred to as 'hot melt inks') are in the solid phase at ambient temperature, but exist in the liquid phase at the elevated operating temperature of an ink jet printing device
Implementation Method 3
exist in the liquid phase at the elevated operating temperature
Implementation Method 4
when the ink droplets contact the surface of the recording substrate, either directly or via an intermediate heated transfer belt or drum, they quickly solidify to form a predetermined pattern of solidified ink drops
Implementation Method 5
they quickly solidify to form a predetermined pattern of solidified ink drops
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising: (a) an ink carrier comprising a compostable paraffin or polymethylene wax; and (b) a colorant.