Digital ink composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water-based inkjet inks for fabric printing contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to atmospheric pollution and health concerns, and existing solutions fail to effectively reduce VOC content while maintaining ink viscosity and wetness necessary for reliable printing.
Innovation Solution
Development of a digital ink composition with a non-volatile organic compound (VOC) substitute having a boiling point higher than 250°C, used as a thickener, rheology modifier, and humectant, along with reduced VOC content, to minimize VOC emissions during printing, while maintaining suitable viscosity and wetness for inkjet printheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used as co-solvents in water-based inkjet inks, then the ink viscosity and wetness are maintained suitable for inkjet printing, but VOC emissions cause atmospheric pollution and health concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by replacing volatile organic compounds with non-volatile alternatives. Specifically, it uses water-based carriers with surfactants and polymers to achieve the required viscosity and wetness without VOCs, thereby eliminating pollution while maintaining printing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available water-based surfactants and polymers as substitutes for expensive VOC-based co-solvents. These conventional water-soluble materials provide the necessary ink properties without the environmental harm, making the solution both economically viable and environmentally friendly
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based inks are used to reduce VOC content, then environmental compliance is improved, but ink viscosity and wetness control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surfactants as intermediary substances that mediate between water and pigment particles. These surfactants reduce surface tension and improve wetting properties, while polymers act as viscosity modifiers. This intermediary approach allows water-based inks to achieve the same functional properties as VOC-based inks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite water-based ink system combining water, surfactants, polymers, and pigments. This composite formulation synergistically provides the required viscosity control, wetness, and stability without relying on volatile organic compounds, thereby simplifying manufacturing while meeting environmental standards
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 VOC emissions during fabric printing, adheres to environmental standards, and ensures stable ink performance, including wash-fastness and color vividness, without the need for additional pollution control facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a non-volatile organic compound (VOC substitute) being a thickener, a rheology modifier and/or a humectant
Implementation Method 2
a non-volatile organic compound (VOC substitute) being a thickener, a rheology modifier and/or a humectant
Implementation Method 3
a crosslinking agent
Implementation Method 4
the pigment particles are embedded in the film and the film is affixed to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a digital ink composition containing a minimal amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC), and a method for reducing VOC emission during digital printing of an image on a fabric.