Difunctional Monomer Ink Composition for Lithographic Plate Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inkjet recording systems face challenges in achieving high sensitivity curing with UV radiation, leading to issues with image quality, flexibility, and adhesion of the cured ink composition to recording media, particularly in lithographic printing applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a specific ink composition comprising difunctional (meth)acrylic acid esters or amides and difunctional vinyl ethers, combined with a polymerization initiator and colorant, which can be cured using actinic radiation, enhancing adhesion and flexibility while maintaining high sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large amount of polyfunctional monomer is used to maintain curing speed, then sensitivity to actinic radiation is improved, but flexibility of the cured image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the monomer components by selecting specific difunctional monomers with controlled reactivity and molecular structure. This allows achieving high curing sensitivity without relying on excessive polyfunctional monomer content, thereby maintaining flexibility in the cured image.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite monomer system comprising multiple difunctional monomers with different functional groups (acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl ether). This composite approach balances curing speed and flexibility by combining monomers with complementary properties, avoiding the need to use large amounts of highly reactive polyfunctional monomers alone.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional ink composition is used for inkjet recording, then equipment cost is low, but adhesion to recording medium deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific difunctional monomers that provide both good adhesion properties and compatibility with inkjet discharge systems. This maintains the simplicity and low cost of inkjet equipment while significantly improving adhesion strength to recording media.
3Device complexity
If conventional ink composition is used for lithographic printing plate, then production process is simple, but plate life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite monomer formulation that enhances the durability and longevity of lithographic printing plates. The specific combination of difunctional monomers creates a more robust cured image structure that withstands repeated printing cycles, extending plate life without complicating the production process.
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 ink composition achieves excellent adhesion to recording media, improved flexibility, and high sensitivity curing, resulting in enhanced image quality and extended plate life for lithographic printing plates.
Implementation Method 1
an ink composition which comprises (A) at least one type of polymerizable compound selected from the group consisting of a difunctional (meth)acrylic acid ester or amide having an alkylene group of 6 to 12 carbons, and a difunctional vinyl ether having an alkylene group of 6 to 12 carbons, (B) a polymerization initiator, and (C) a colorant
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition is provided that includes (A) one type of compound (monomer (A)) selected from the group consisting of a difunctional (meth)acrylic acid ester or amide having an alkylene group of 6 to 12 carbons, and a difunctional vinyl ether having an alkylene group of 6 to 12 carbons, (B) a polymerization initiator, and (C) a colorant. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes a step (a) of discharging the ink composition onto a recording medium and a step (b) of irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation so as to cure the ink composition. Furthermore, a process for producing a lithographic printing plate is provided that includes a step (a′) of discharging the ink composition onto a hydrophilic support and a step (b′) of irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation so as to cure the ink composition, thus forming a hydrophobic image on the hydrophilic support by curing the ink composition. A lithographic printing plate produced by the process for producing a lithographic printing plate is also provided.