Curable Polymer Release Layer for Indirect Printing Stretching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Intermediate transfer members in indirect printing systems face issues with stretching and abrasion resistance, leading to reduced printing performance and short lifespan, especially when used with aqueous ink compositions.

Innovation Solution

Development of an intermediate transfer member with a release layer made from a curable polymer composition comprising silanol-terminated polymers and a fast-curing catalyst, which provides enhanced lateral elasticity and superior abrasion resistance, reducing stretching and extending the member's lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional release layers are used in indirect printing systems, then the printing process can proceed, but the intermediate transfer member suffers from stretching and poor abrasion resistance, leading to reduced printing performance and short lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting performance and lifespanVSAvoidabrasion resistance and stretching resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical properties of the release layer polymer. Specifically, it uses polymers with glass transition temperatures between -50°C to 0°C and specific molecular weight ranges, along with controlled cross-linking densities, to achieve optimal balance between elasticity (reducing stretching) and surface durability (improving abrasion resistance).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by creating a release layer that combines multiple polymer components with different properties. The layer integrates polymers exhibiting specific viscoelastic behaviors, cross-linked networks for structural integrity, and additive packages for enhanced surface characteristics, achieving synergistic effects that simultaneously improve abrasion resistance and reduce stretching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the release layer is made more elastic to reduce stretching, then stretching resistance improves, but abrasion resistance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestretching resistanceVSAvoidabrasion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different zones within the release layer with distinct properties. The polymer composition and cross-linking density are optimized to provide high elasticity in regions subjected to stretching forces while maintaining harder, more abrasion-resistant characteristics in regions experiencing wear. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between stretching resistance and abrasion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes dynamics by selecting polymers with specific glass transition temperatures that allow the release layer to exhibit time-dependent and temperature-dependent mechanical properties. The material transitions between more elastic and more rigid states based on operating conditions, providing stretching resistance when needed while maintaining sufficient abrasion resistance through dynamic property adjustment rather than static material selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 significantly reduces stretching and enhances the abrasion resistance of the intermediate transfer member, ensuring improved printing performance and extended lifespan, particularly when used with aqueous ink compositions.

Implementation Method 1

curable polymer composition comprising silanol-terminated polymers and a fast-curing catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation reaction: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

cured elastomers resulting from the curing of such compositions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

enhanced lateral elasticity and superior abrasion resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11106161B2Intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems and protonatable intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 LANDA

AI summary

Disclosed are curable polymer compositions, elastomers thereof and release layers useful in the art of printing made of the disclosed elastomers. Disclosed are also intermediate transfer members having a release layer useful in the art of printing. Disclosed are anisotropic intermediate transfer members. Disclosed are curable adhesive compositions, that in some embodiments are useful in preparing intermediate transfer members useful in printing. Also disclosed are intermediate transfer members useful in the art of printing having a release layer with an image transfer surface having protonatable functional groups apparent thereupon. Also disclosed are methods of making such intermediate transfer members.