Bio-renewable Crystalline Compounds for Phase Change Ink Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase change inks are unsatisfactory for coated paper substrates due to poor adhesion, scratch resistance, and image robustness, and there is a need for alternative compositions derived from bio-renewable sources to support high-speed printing on various substrates.
Innovation Solution
Development of phase change ink compositions comprising a blend of crystalline and amorphous compounds with limited compatibility, specifically using bio-renewable di-esters and dialkyl naphthalene dicarboxylates, which provide fast crystallization and improved adhesion on coated papers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional phase change inks are used, then the ink can be applied to substrates, but the adhesion, scratch resistance, and image robustness on coated paper substrates are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system combining crystalline compounds (for adhesion and structure) with amorphous compounds (for flexibility and wetting). This composite approach allows the ink to simultaneously achieve strong adhesion to coated substrates while maintaining smooth flow and image robustness, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the phase change ink by selecting specific crystalline compounds with controlled melting points and surface energies. By adjusting these parameters, the ink achieves optimal compatibility with coated substrates while maintaining high image robustness and scratch resistance.
2Productivity
If phase change ink is used for high-speed printing, then productivity increases, but the ink composition must be optimized for fast crystallization which limits material choices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the crystallization kinetics parameters by selecting crystalline compounds with specific molecular structures and melting points. This allows the ink to crystallize rapidly at printing speeds while maintaining versatility in substrate application, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic ink composition where the crystalline and amorphous phases interact to provide fast crystallization on demand. The system remains flexible in material selection because the dynamic balance between phases can be adjusted to match different printing speeds and substrate requirements.
3Reliability
If the ink composition is modified to improve adhesion on coated substrates, then image robustness improves, but the crystallization speed and print quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite formulation where crystalline compounds provide adhesion strength and amorphous compounds ensure smooth crystallization and print quality. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of adhesion and print quality without compromising either property.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different components serve different functions: crystalline compounds localized at the substrate interface provide adhesion, while the amorphous matrix ensures uniform crystallization and high print quality across the entire ink film.
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 resulting ink compositions demonstrate excellent robustness and scratch resistance on both uncoated and coated substrates, enabling high-quality images with reduced tackiness and improved print durability.
Implementation Method 1
phase change ink compositions characterized by being solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature at which the molten ink is applied to a substrate
Implementation Method 2
Upon contact with the printing recording medium, the molten ink solidifies rapidly, enabling the colorant to substantially remain on the surface of the recording medium
Implementation Method 3
the phase change ink is melted by the heater in the printing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Novel crystalline compounds with at least two aromatic moieties for use in the phase change inks. The crystalline compound is derived from bio-renewable materials and can be used in phase change ink compositions to impart desirable ink properties. For example, the crystalline compounds provide phase change ink compositions suitable for ink jet printing, including robust printing on coated paper substrates.