Dispersion Composition for Inkjet Nozzle Clogging via Surfactant Blends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispersion compositions for disperse dyes and pigments in inkjet inks face challenges in achieving stable micronization, leading to poor wettability and dispersion stability, which results in clogging of nozzles and suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
A dispersion composition combining an acetylene glycol-based surfactant and polyoxy(ethylene-propylene) block polymers, specifically formulated to enhance the micronization and stability of disperse dyes or pigments, improving wettability and dispersion stability over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high molecular weight resins or surfactants are used as dispersants, then the dispersant can maintain dispersed state, but the average particle size of disperse dye or pigment becomes large, resulting in poor ejection stability and liquid stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the dispersant from high molecular weight to low molecular weight (50-5000), which fundamentally alters the dispersion mechanism. This parameter change enables achieving both fine particle size (0.1-10 μm) and stable dispersion, resolving the contradiction between particle size reduction and dispersion stability maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite dispersant systems combining multiple low molecular weight dispersants with different functional groups (carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, hydroxyl groups). This composite approach synergistically achieves fine micronization and stable dispersion, overcoming the limitations of single high molecular weight dispersants.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical pulverizing and dispersion methods are used to reduce particle size, then some degree of micronization is achieved, but there is a practical limit to the degree of micronization achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pulverizing methods with a chemical dispersion approach using low molecular weight dispersants. This substitution achieves finer particle size (0.1-10 μm) without the need for complex mechanical dispersion processes, thereby improving manufacturing ease while achieving superior micronization.
3Manufacturing precision
If disperse dye or pigment is not finely and stably dispersed in medium, then transparency and fineness are not obtained, but achieving fine dispersion leads to nozzle clogging in ink jet applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (0.1-10 μm) using low molecular weight dispersants. This parameter optimization achieves fine dispersion for transparency and fineness while preventing nozzle clogging, as the particles are fine enough for quality but controlled enough to avoid aggregation and clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent imparts different local properties to the dispersion system by using dispersants with specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, hydroxyl groups) that provide both fine dispersion capability and anti-clogging properties. The local chemical interactions at the particle surface ensure stability without excessive aggregation.
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 composition effectively micronizes disperse dyes and pigments, ensuring excellent wettability and long-term dispersion stability, reducing nozzle clogging and enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
A dispersion composition for an ink composition, which contains: from 85 to 99.89% by weight of a dispersant (other than the following (B) and (C)); from 0.01 to 5% by weight of an acetylene glycol-based surfactant
Implementation Method 2
capable of atomizing disperse dye or pigment and having further excellent wettability and dispersion stability
Implementation Method 3
it is necessary to disperse the micronized disperse dye or pigment in water... the disperse dye or pigment is insoluble in water, so a dispersant is important for rendering the disperse dye or pigment into a dispersed state
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a dispersion composition containing: (A) from 85 to 99.89% by weight of a dispersant (except for the following (B) and (C)); (B) from 0.01 to 5% by weight of an acetylene glycol and/or an acetylene glycol ethoxylate; and (C) from 0.1 to 10% by weight of one or two or more types selected from polyoxy (ethylene-propylene) block polymers having a weight average molecular weight of from 1,500 to 20,000, a content of ethylene oxide of from 20 to 90% by weight, and a content of propylene oxide of from 10 to 80% by weight: a dispersion and an ink composition using the same, and a method of producing the same.