Conductive Thermal Image Receiver Element with Aqueous Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous-coated thermal image receiver elements face challenges in high-speed printing environments due to sticking issues between dye donor and receiver elements, especially in high humidity, and often result in inadequate dye density and instability when exposed to water, necessitating improved resistance to humidity changes and enhanced printing performance.
Innovation Solution
A conductive thermal image receiver element with an aqueous-based coatable dye-receiving layer comprising a release agent, cross-linking agent, antifoamers, surfactants, and a polymer binder matrix of water-dispersible acrylic and polyester polymers, including a conductive polymeric material, to enhance separation, density, and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aqueous coating formulations are used to prepare the dye image receiving layer, then environmental hazards and manufacturing costs are reduced, but sticking occurs between dye donor and receiver elements in high-speed printing environments
Solution Approach 1:
A release agent layer is introduced as an intermediary between the aqueous coating layer and the dye donor element. This release agent acts as a mediator that prevents direct adhesion between the aqueous coating and dye donor, eliminating sticking issues while preserving the environmental and manufacturing advantages of aqueous formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface energy parameters of the aqueous coating layer are modified by adding surfactants and release agents. These parameter changes reduce the adhesive forces between the coating and dye donor, preventing sticking during high-speed printing operations while maintaining the benefits of aqueous-based formulations.
2Ease of manufacture
If aqueous coating formulations are used to prepare the dye image receiving layer, then environmental hazards and manufacturing costs are reduced, but inadequate dye density is achieved in the thermally formed images
Solution Approach 1:
The aqueous coating formulation is developed as a composite material system combining multiple polymers (acrylic and polyester) with specific functional additives. This composite structure provides both the environmental advantages of aqueous-based formulations and the performance characteristics needed to achieve adequate dye density through optimized thermal transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition parameters of the aqueous coating are optimized by selecting specific polymer types and ratios, along with functional additives. These parameter changes enhance the coating's ability to accept and retain dye while maintaining the environmental benefits of water-based formulations.
3Ease of manufacture
If aqueous coating formulations are used to prepare the dye image receiving layer, then environmental hazards and manufacturing costs are reduced, but the layer falls apart when contacted with water
Solution Approach 1:
The aqueous coating undergoes a phase transition from liquid to solid film during the drying process. This phase change creates a stable, water-resistant structure that prevents the layer from falling apart while it remains in aqueous form during manufacturing, combining the advantages of water-based formulation with water resistance in the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating formulation uses a composite polymer system with cross-linking agents that create a three-dimensional network structure. This composite structure provides mechanical integrity and water resistance to the dried film while allowing the use of environmentally friendly aqueous-based ingredients.
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 provides improved resistance to humidity changes, reduces sticking, and ensures consistent dye density, even in high humidity conditions, while maintaining print quality and stability, addressing the limitations of existing aqueous-coated formulations.
Implementation Method 1
it has been determined that the use of conductive materials in the outermost layer can be useful to dissipate the electrostatic charge
Implementation Method 2
a cross linking agent
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to a conductive thermal image receiver element that has an aqueous coatable dye-receiving layer. The dye-receiving layer comprises a conductive polymeric material, a dispersant, one or more surfactants, one or more antifoamers, a water-dispersible release agent, a crosslinking agent, and a polymer binder matrix consisting essentially of a water-dispersible polyester and a water-dispersible acrylic polymer. This invention also relates to a method for making this thermal image receiver element as well as method for using it to provide a dye image by thermal transfer from a donor element.