Effect-Pigment Ink with Dual Binders for Durable Thermoplastic Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inks with effect pigments struggle to adhere effectively to thermoplastic materials, particularly in flooring applications, leading to a lack of durability and requiring costly lacquers for surface protection.
Innovation Solution
An ink formulation comprising multiple binders, including a polyurethane-based binder for effect pigments and an acrylate-based binder for thermoplastic materials, ensures a durable and wear-resistant bond, allowing the use of effect pigments on thermoplastics without the need for additional lacquers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single binder is used in the ink formulation, then the ink can be kept simple and cost-effective, but the adhesion to thermoplastic materials is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ink uses a composite binder system combining two different binders with complementary adhesion mechanisms. The first binder provides adhesion through one mechanism while the second binder provides adhesion through a different mechanism, creating a synergistic effect that overcomes the limitations of single-binder systems and achieves reliable adhesion to thermoplastic materials.
2Illumination intensity
If effect pigments are applied to thermoplastic flooring materials, then visual appeal is improved, but adhesion and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-binder ink formulation creates a composite coating system where the first binder ensures strong adhesion of effect pigments to the thermoplastic surface, while the second binder provides additional bonding mechanisms. This composite approach maintains the visual appeal of effect pigments while achieving the durability and wear resistance required for flooring applications.
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 ink achieves a cost-effective, durable, and visually appealing application of effect pigments on thermoplastics, maintaining shimmer and color-changing effects while being compatible with existing printing processes and materials.
Implementation Method 1
At least one second binder is included to create a permanent bond with a thermoplastic material
Implementation Method 2
Effect pigments in the printed ink can reflect some of the light, they shimmer like mother-of-pearl or change the coloration depending on the view angle
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an ink (1) comprising: at least one plurality of effect pigments (3): and at least one binder (4) for binding the effect pigments (3). It comprises at least a second binder (5) for producing a permanent bond with a plastic material (2). The invention further relates to a method for producing a decor unit (100) by means of such an ink, a decor unit (100) produced according to the method and a living space component (1000) with such a decor unit (100).