Cosmetic Ink Composition for Stable Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cosmetic ink compositions for inkjet printing face challenges in maintaining opacity and preventing particle settling, leading to clogging and inconsistent print quality, as they require frequent agitation and are not compatible with consumer use due to high viscosity and particle size issues with titanium dioxide.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic ink composition featuring particulate materials with a Particle Size Distribution D50 of 100 nm to 2,000 nm, combined with a polymeric dispersant of less than 20,000 daltons and a polymeric rheology modifier, which exhibits controlled syneresis, maintaining particle suspension and compatibility with inkjet printers without the need for agitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If titanium dioxide particles with larger particle size are used to achieve opacity, then opacity is improved, but particle settling and separation occur more rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter to a specific range (D50 of 100 nm to 2,000 nm) that balances opacity requirements with suspension stability. This parameter optimization allows larger particles to provide adequate opacity while remaining small enough to resist rapid settling, resolving the contradiction between opacity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polymeric dispersant as an intermediary substance that mediates between the titanium dioxide particles and the inkjet ink formulation. This dispersant stabilizes the particle suspension, preventing aggregation and settling while maintaining compatibility with the printing system, thus enabling larger particles to remain suspended without causing rapid separation.
2Illumination intensity
If higher concentration of titanium dioxide particles is used to achieve opacity, then opacity is improved, but viscosity increases to levels incompatible with inkjet printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle concentration parameter and size distribution to achieve the required opacity while maintaining viscosity within the compatible range for inkjet printing. By controlling the particle size distribution (D50 of 100 nm to 2,000 nm) and concentration levels, the formulation achieves adequate coverage without excessive viscosity that would prevent proper jetting.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric dispersant acts as an intermediary that facilitates the suspension of higher concentrations of titanium dioxide particles while maintaining inkjet-compatible viscosity. This dispersant prevents particle aggregation that would otherwise increase viscosity, allowing the formulation to achieve opacity through higher particle loading without compromising printability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rheology modifiers are added to slow particle separation, then particle suspension stability is improved, but the ink requires repeated agitation and recirculation to maintain homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the rheology modifier parameters to create a formulation that maintains particle suspension stability without requiring repeated agitation. By carefully selecting and dosing rheology modifiers, the ink achieves long-term stability while maintaining ease of use, eliminating the need for consumers to repeatedly shake or recirculate the ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates the ink to be self-stabilizing through optimized particle size distribution and appropriate rheology modification. The ink maintains homogeneity and particle suspension automatically over time without requiring user intervention such as agitation or recirculation, making the system self-sufficient and user-friendly.
4Stability of the object's composition
If smaller particle size is used to reduce settling rate, then particle suspension stability is improved, but opacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (D50 of 100 nm to 2,000 nm) that simultaneously provides adequate opacity and slow enough settling rate. This parameter selection allows particles to be small enough for stable suspension but large enough to provide the required optical coverage, resolving the contradiction between stability and opacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite particle system combining titanium dioxide particles with specific size distribution and surface properties. This composite approach allows the particles to maintain stability through controlled size while providing adequate opacity through their collective optical properties, achieving both goals simultaneously.
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 composition ensures long-term printability and consistent opacity without intervention, promoting nozzle health and preventing clogging, making it suitable for consumer use with enhanced stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the cosmetic ink composition has from about 0.1 to about 20 mm of separation after 11 days of static storage at 40° C., 1 atm, 60% relative humidity, in an 8-dram glass vial; wherein the separation is syneresis
Implementation Method 2
a polymeric dispersant having a weight average molecular weight of less than about 20,000 daltons
Implementation Method 3
a polymeric rheology modifier; wherein the cosmetic ink composition has from about 0.1 to about 20 mm of separation
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic ink composition comprises a particulate material, a polymeric dispersant having a weight average molecular weight of less than about 20,000 daltons, and a polymeric rheology modifier. The particulate material can have a Particle Size Distribution D50 of about 100 nm to about 2,000 nm. The cosmetic ink composition can undergo controlled syneresis, forming a weak colloidal gel phase and a particle-lean, low viscosity phase, which can be printed without interventions such as agitation, mixing, or re-circulation to homogenize the composition.