Edible Ink Composition for Quick Drying and Nozzle Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing inks face issues with insufficient intermittent printing resumability due to nozzle clogging and poor dispersion stability over time, especially when used on low-ink-volume surfaces like tablets, and quick-drying properties are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
An edible ink composition comprising water, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, and 2-butanol as organic solvents, with a ratio of 20-95% by mass, along with edible pigments and optional additives like humectants and binders, forms an azeotrope with water to maintain consistent solvent ratio and prevent nozzle clogging, ensuring excellent dispersion stability and quick-drying properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the mixing ratio of ethanol in the ink is increased to improve quick-drying properties, then the quick-drying properties are improved, but the nozzles become clogged due to dried ink when the printing device is stopped, reducing intermittent printing resumability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by replacing ethanol with propanol and butanol, and by adjusting the mixing ratios of these organic solvents. This parameter change allows the ink to maintain quick-drying properties while preventing nozzle clogging during intermittent printing, as the new solvent composition provides both rapid evaporation and adequate residual liquidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite solvent system comprising water, propanol, and butanol in specific ratios. This composite material combines the quick-evaporating properties of propanol with the liquidity-maintaining properties of butanol, achieving a balance between quick-drying performance and nozzle clogging prevention that neither solvent could achieve alone.
2Speed
If the mixing ratio of ethanol in the ink is increased to improve quick-drying properties, then the quick-drying properties are improved, but the dispersion stability of pigments deteriorates when the ink is stored for a long period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the solvent composition parameters by introducing propanol and butanol with specific mixing ratios. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between quick-drying speed and long-term dispersion stability, as the new solvent system provides both rapid evaporation capability and sustained pigment dispersion stability during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solvent system of water, propanol, and butanol where each component contributes specific properties. The propanol provides quick evaporation while butanol maintains dispersion stability, creating a synergistic effect that achieves both quick-drying properties and long-term pigment stability.
3Reliability
If a high amount of ink is used for printing, then the nozzles are less likely to clog, but the printing cost increases and the method is not suitable for low-ink-volume surfaces like tablets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the ink by adjusting the organic solvent composition (propanol and butanol ratios). This parameter modification enables the ink to prevent nozzle clogging through its inherent composition rather than requiring large volumes, making it suitable for low-ink-volume applications like tablet printing while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an ink formulation that is highly efficient in terms of ink usage. By optimizing the solvent composition to prevent clogging at low volumes, the ink achieves maximum effectiveness with minimal quantity, reducing waste and cost while being specifically suited for applications like tablet printing where excessive ink is undesirable.
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 edible ink achieves excellent intermittent printing resumability, prevents nozzle clogging, and maintains pigment dispersion stability over time, suitable for printing on food and pharmaceutical items.
Implementation Method 1
forms an azeotrope with water to maintain consistent solvent ratio and prevent nozzle clogging
Implementation Method 2
Quick-drying properties of inks can be improved using a mixed solvent of water and ethanol
Implementation Method 3
dispersion stability of pigments in the inks
Data Source
AI summary
An edible ink for inkjet printing having excellent intermittent printing resumability and excellent dispersion stability even when stored for a long period of time, as well as having good quick-drying properties. The edible ink for inkjet printing contains water, an organic solvent, and an edible pigment. The organic solvent comprises at least one of 1-propanol, 1-butanol, and 2-butanol, and the content thereof is 20 mass % or more and 95 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink for inkjet printing.