Decorative Paper Inkjet Coating for Bleed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing decorative panels with digital inkjet printing face challenges such as ink penetration issues leading to bleeding, instability during processing, and equipment malfunctions due to dust release from inkjet receiver coatings, resulting in defects and reduced flexibility in design changes.

Innovation Solution

A decorative paper layer with a base paper layer and digitally applied inks that penetrate less than 30% of the paper thickness, combined with a surface coating of silica particles and a hydrophilic binder to control ink bleeding and adhesion, and a method for applying coatings to minimize absorption into the paper core, enhancing color density and print quality while reducing dust release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If digital inkjet printing is used to print patterns on paper layers, then design flexibility and customization are improved, but ink penetration and bleeding occur leading to printing defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidprinting quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An inkjet receiver coating is applied to the paper layer to act as an intermediary between the inkjet ink and the paper substrate. This coating layer controls ink absorption and prevents excessive penetration into the paper core, thereby maintaining printing quality and preventing bleeding while allowing digital printing flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The paper layer parameters are modified by applying a surface coating that changes the ink absorption characteristics. The coating controls the rate and depth of ink penetration, ensuring that ink remains within acceptable depth limits (less than 30% of paper thickness) to prevent bleeding while maintaining design flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If inkjet receiver coating is applied to control ink penetration, then printing quality is improved, but dust release occurs causing equipment malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidequipment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inkjet receiver coating is formulated as a composite material containing binder, pigment, and optional additives. This composite structure provides both the ink reception function and reduced dust release, as the bound pigment particles remain attached to the coating matrix and do not easily detach during processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The coating formulation parameters are optimized to balance ink reception performance with dust release reduction. By adjusting binder content, pigment particle size, and coating composition, the system achieves both good printing quality and minimal dust generation that could cause equipment malfunctions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If inks penetrate deeply into the paper core, then color density is improved, but ink consumption increases and processing stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor densityVSAvoidink consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inkjet receiver coating serves as a mediator that concentrates ink pigments in the coating layer itself rather than allowing deep penetration into the paper core. This provides sufficient color density through effective pigment distribution in the coating, while reducing overall ink consumption by preventing waste into the paper bulk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ink penetration depth parameter is controlled to be less than 30% of the paper layer thickness. The coating formulation and printing parameters are adjusted to achieve optimal color density within this limited penetration depth, thereby reducing ink consumption while maintaining processing stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves high color density and vivid prints with reduced ink consumption, minimizes printing defects, and enhances the flexibility and stability of the decorative panels during processing, while also reducing equipment malfunctions and dust-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

said inks penetrate from said surface into the core of said base paper layer over a depth equaling less than 30% of the thickness of the base paper layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a surface coating of silica particles and a hydrophilic binder to control ink bleeding and adhesion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20220126620A1Decorative paper layers, printable paper layers, methods for manufacturing printable substrates, and ink used in such method
Publication Date: 2022.04.28 UNILIN BV

AI summary

A decorative paper layer may include a base paper layer with a core. A pattern may be formed by digitally applying inks to at least one surface of the base paper layer. The inks may penetrate from the surface into the core of the base paper layer over a depth that is less than 30% of a thickness of the base paper layer. Methods are also provided for manufacturing printable papers and decorative paper layers, as well as inks that may be used in such methods.