Non-Phenol Diphenylurea Color-Developing Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording materials face challenges in achieving a well-balanced combination of color-developing sensitivity, background maintenance, and storage properties, particularly with the need for non-phenol-based color-developing agents due to environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A recording material utilizing a non-phenol-based compound with a diphenylurea structure, specifically represented by formulas (I), (II), (III), and (IV), which exhibits improved color-developing performance and storage properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a phenol color-developing agent such as 4,4'-isopropylidene diphenol is used, then good color-developing performance is achieved, but the agent corresponds to an endocrine disruptor and is not allowed for use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the color-developing agent by replacing the phenol skeleton with alternative chemical groups (such as carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or nitrile groups) while maintaining the diphenylmethane core structure. This structural modification eliminates the endocrine disruptor property while preserving color-developing performance through careful selection of substituent groups that can still interact with the color former.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite molecular structure combining the diphenylmethane scaffold with various functional groups (carboxylic acid, ester, amide, nitrile) to achieve both non-toxicity and effective color development. The composite structure allows the molecule to function as a color-developing agent without containing the harmful phenol moiety, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and safety.
2Reliability
If existing recording materials are used, then color development can occur, but they fail to achieve a well-balanced combination of color-developing sensitivity, background maintenance, and storage properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing different regions of the color-developing agent molecule with specific functions: the diphenylmethane core provides the structural framework for color development, while strategically placed functional groups (carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or nitrile) at specific positions enhance both color-developing sensitivity and storage stability. This localized functional distribution allows simultaneous optimization of multiple properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the balance between sensitivity and stability by changing molecular parameters such as the type and position of substituent groups. For example, introducing electron-withdrawing groups at specific positions enhances color-developing sensitivity while the overall molecular structure maintains stability in uncolored regions and during storage, achieving a well-balanced performance profile.
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 proposed recording material demonstrates enhanced color-developing sensitivity, excellent background heat resistance, and image water resistance, addressing the limitations of existing materials while meeting environmental requirements.
Implementation Method 1
color development through a reaction between a color former and a color-developing agent
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a recording material or a recording sheet using, as a color-developing agent, a non-phenol-based compound good in color developing performance and the like. A compound represented by the following formula (I) is used as the color-developing agent: (wherein X represents CH2 or the like; R1 to R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or the like; n1 and n3 each independently represent any integer of 1 to 5; two groups represented by R3 adjacent to each other on a benzene ring optionally bond to each other to form an optionally substituted 6-membered ring; and n2 represents any integer of 1 to 4).