Curable Phase Change Inks Using Isosorbide Monomers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Curable phase change inks containing petroleum-based monomers lead to issues such as greenhouse gas accumulation, non-biodegradable material accumulation, poor abrasion resistance, and ink shrinkage due to air bubble formation, which affect the reliability and quality of inkjet printing.
Innovation Solution
A curable phase change ink composition is developed using an ink vehicle that includes at least one isosorbide monomer with a functional group, which reduces the reliance on petroleum-based products, enhancing abrasion resistance and adhesion while minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If petroleum-based curable monomers are used in curable phase change inks, then the ink can be formulated with standard components, but greenhouse gas accumulation and non-biodegradable material accumulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing petroleum-based monomers with isosorbide-based monomers derived from renewable resources. This substitution maintains the curable properties and reactivity needed for ink formulation while improving biodegradability and reducing environmental harm, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards petroleum-based monomers that cause environmental accumulation issues and recovers/adopts isosorbide-based monomers from renewable sources. This transition eliminates the harmful accumulation while preserving the functional properties required for ink manufacturing, addressing both the ease of manufacture and environmental concerns.
2Device complexity
If petroleum-based curable monomers are used in curable phase change inks, then the ink composition is simplified, but abrasion resistance and adhesion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters by using isosorbide-based monomers with specific functional groups that provide superior polymer network formation. This results in enhanced cross-linking density and molecular structure that improves abrasion resistance and adhesion while maintaining composition simplicity, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If petroleum-based curable monomers are used in curable phase change inks, then the ink formulation is conventional, but ink shrinkage due to air bubble formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the monomer system by using isosorbide-based monomers that exhibit reduced volatility and improved bubble release characteristics. This reduces air bubble formation during printing and minimizes ink shrinkage, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional formulation processes.
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 isosorbide monomers in the ink composition improves print quality, reduces environmental harm, and addresses issues of ink shrinkage and bubble formation, resulting in a more reliable and sustainable inkjet printing process.
Implementation Method 1
radiation-curable phase change inks... that comprise at least one isosorbide monomer having at least one functional group
Implementation Method 2
Phase change or 'hot melt' inks are desirable for ink jet printers because they remain in a solid phase at room temperature... the droplets solidify quickly upon contact with the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A curable phase change ink composition that includes an ink vehicle including at least one isosorbide monomer having at least one functional group. Also described is an ink printing device that includes a curable phase change ink composition for printing onto a substrate, an ink jetting device, and a curing device providing radiation that cures the curable phase change ink composition. The curable phase change ink composition of the ink printing device includes an ink vehicle including at least one isosorbide monomer having at least one functional group.