Cycloaliphatic Aromatic Latex Polymer Inkjet Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing on non-porous substrates, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, faces challenges due to poor adhesion and durability of aqueous latex inks, particularly on low-energy surfaces, where primer application is often required and can be inconsistent, and high printing speeds exacerbate image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of latex polymers derived from cycloaliphatic and aromatic monomers, which form a copolymer that adheres well to a wide range of non-porous substrates without the need for primer coating, providing excellent pigment binding and retention, and maintaining performance under environmental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aqueous latex inks are printed on non-porous substrates without primer coating, then printing process is simplified and productivity increases, but adhesion and durability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the latex polymer by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine) and using particular monomers (cycloaliphatic and aromatic) to enhance adhesion to non-porous substrates without requiring primer coating
Solution Approach 2:
The latex polymer is formulated as a composite system containing multiple monomer types (cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and functional monomers) that work synergistically to provide both adhesion to low-energy surfaces and durability against environmental factors
2Reliability
If primer coating is applied to improve adhesion on non-porous substrates, then adhesion improves, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the primer coating step from the printing process by incorporating all necessary adhesion-functional components directly into the latex polymer formulation, simplifying the overall printing process while maintaining adhesion performance
Solution Approach 2:
The latex polymer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing adhesion to non-porous substrates, binding pigments, and resisting environmental degradation, thereby replacing the need for separate primer and topcoat layers
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional latex polymers are used on low-energy surfaces, then formulation is simple, but adhesion and pigment binding are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine) at localized positions within the latex polymer structure to create high-affinity binding sites for pigments and substrates, while maintaining overall formulation simplicity
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 latex polymer composition ensures strong adhesion and durability on non-porous substrates, including low-energy surfaces like polypropylene, with improved decap performance and resistance to abrasion, water, and solvents, without the need for primer application, enhancing print quality and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a latex component of the ink can form a film on a media surface, entrapping and protecting the colorant within the hydrophobic print film
Implementation Method 2
latex polymers derived from a composition comprising a cycloaliphatic monomer and an aromatic monomer, wherein the cycloaliphatic monomer comprises a cycloaliphatic (meth)acrylate monomer or a cycloaliphatic (meth)acrylamide monomer and the aromatic monomer comprises an aromatic (meth)acrylate monomer or an aromatic (meth)acrylamide monomer
Data Source
AI summary
Herein is described a latex polymer derived from a composition comprising a cycloaliphatic monomer and an aromatic monomer, wherein the cycloaliphatic monomer comprises a cycloaliphatic (meth)acrylate monomer or a cycloaliphatic (meth)acrylamide monomer and the aromatic monomer comprises an aromatic (meth)acrylate monomer or an aromatic (meth)acrylamide monomer. Also described is an inkjet ink composition comprising the latex polymer.