Active Energy Ray Curable Ink Composition with Wax for Scratch Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording methods using active energy ray curable inks do not consistently achieve sufficient scratch resistance and water resistance, especially under conditions involving moisture.
Innovation Solution
An active energy ray curable ink jet recording liquid composition comprising a radically polymerizable compound, an active energy ray radical polymerization initiator, a wax with a melting point between 40°C and 120°C, and water, applied using an ink jet system, followed by heating and curing with energy rays to enhance scratch and water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aqueous active energy ray curable ink jet recording ink composition is used, then the ink can be applied to recording medium and cured, but the scratch resistance and water resistance of the formed image are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite binder system combining polyurethane compound and polyester compound with specific functional groups. This composite material approach creates synergistic effects where the polyurethane provides baseline durability while the polyester with carboxyl and/or hydroxyl groups enhances scratch and water resistance when cured, achieving superior image durability without excessive formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the binder components: polyurethane compound at 5-50 mass% and polyester compound at 5-50 mass%, with the polyester containing specific functional groups (carboxyl and/or hydroxyl). By optimizing these parameter ranges, the formulation achieves excellent scratch and water resistance while maintaining manufacturability
2Reliability
If severe scratching conditions with moisture application are tested, then the limitation of conventional ink formulations is exposed, but achieving sufficient resistance requires enhanced formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polyester compound containing carboxyl and/or hydroxyl groups as a specialized component within the binder system. This local quality enhancement targets specifically the interfaces where scratch and water resistance are critical, providing localized protection against severe conditions without requiring complete reformulation of the entire ink system
Solution Approach 2:
The polyester compound with specific functional groups is incorporated in advance into the ink formulation at concentrations of 5-50 mass%. This preliminary inclusion ensures that the enhanced resistance properties are already present in the cured image before severe testing conditions are applied, preventing damage rather than relying on post-curing modifications
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 forms images with significantly improved scratch resistance and water resistance, as the wax improves lubrication and prevents oxygen interference with radical reactions, allowing for a stronger film formation.
Implementation Method 1
an active energy ray radical polymerization initiator
Implementation Method 2
the melting point of the wax is 40° C. or more and 120° C. or less
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an active energy ray curable ink jet recording liquid composition including a radically polymerizable compound, an active energy ray polymerization initiator, a wax and water, wherein the melting point of the wax is 40° C. or more and 120° C. or less.