Dual-Layer Ink Receiving Medium for Outdoor Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording media fail to provide high moisture resistance and prevent beading when used with aqueous ink, especially in outdoor displays, and often require laminated protection which is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A recording medium with a dual-layer ink receiving structure, where the inner layer contains a first inorganic particle and water-insoluble resin, and the outer layer contains a second inorganic particle and water-insoluble resin, with controlled contact angles to enhance moisture resistance and prevent beading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer ink receiving layer with water-insoluble resin is used to improve moisture resistance, then outdoor display durability is improved, but beading occurs when aqueous ink is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The ink receiving layer is divided into two functional layers: an inner layer containing water-insoluble resin for moisture resistance, and an outer layer containing water-soluble resin for ink absorption and beading prevention. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the recording medium have different properties: the inner layer provides hydrophobicity for moisture resistance, while the outer layer provides hydrophilicity for ink absorption. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between moisture resistance and beading prevention.
2Reliability
If lamination is applied to protect recorded products from rain and wind, then moisture resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture protection function is extracted from the separate lamination process and integrated directly into the recording medium structure. The water-insoluble resin layer provides inherent moisture resistance, eliminating the need for additional protective lamination steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture resistance function and ink receiving function are merged into a single integrated structure. The dual-layer ink receiving layer combines both moisture protection and ink absorption capabilities in one component, replacing the need for separate protective layers.
3Reliability
If the outer ink receiving layer has high water contact angle to prevent beading, then moisture resistance is improved, but ink absorption performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ink receiving function is segmented from the moisture resistance function by using different resin types in different layers. The water-soluble resin in the outer layer ensures good ink absorption, while the water-insoluble resin in the inner layer provides moisture resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording medium uses a composite structure combining water-soluble resin and water-insoluble resin in specific layers. This composite material approach allows simultaneous achievement of good ink absorption (from water-soluble resin) and moisture resistance (from water-insoluble resin).
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 dual-layer structure effectively prevents beading and maintains high moisture resistance, enabling high-quality outdoor image displays without the need for lamination, while ensuring durability and ink absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the first binder and the second binder are each a water-insoluble resin, a contact angle θ1 formed between water and a surface of the ink receiving layer (1) one second after contacting of the water and the surface of the ink receiving layer (1) is 90° or more
Implementation Method 2
the ink receiving layer (1) contains a first inorganic particle and a first binder, the ink receiving layer (2) contains a second inorganic particle and a second binder
Data Source
AI summary
The recording medium according to the present invention includes a substrate, an ink receiving layer (1), and an ink receiving layer (2) arranged on the outermost surface. The ink receiving layer (2) has a thickness of 10 nm or more and 4000 nm or less. The ink receiving layer (1) contains a first inorganic particle and a first binder, and the ink receiving layer (2) contains a second inorganic particle and a second binder. The first binder and the second binder are each a water-insoluble resin. The contact angle θ1 formed between water and a surface of the ink receiving layer (1) is 90° or more, and the contact angle θ2 formed between water and the surface of the ink receiving layer (2) is 60° or more and 85° or less.