Embossed Print Media Abrasion-Resistant Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embossed print media faces challenges in maintaining image quality and durability due to the compromise of textured surfaces during scrubbability and scratch testing, which affects their ability to withstand mechanical forces.
Innovation Solution
An embossed print medium is developed with a media substrate, an embossed image-receiving layer containing a polymer blend of water-dispersible and water-soluble polymers, and an abrasion-resistant layer applied at specific coating weights, comprising a cross-linked polymer network and second pigment filler, to enhance durability and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If an embossed surface is applied to print media to provide aesthetic appeal and texture, then the visual quality is improved, but the durability and ability to withstand mechanical forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An abrasion-resistant layer is applied to the embossed surface before the printing process. This preliminary protective coating prevents damage to the embossed texture during subsequent scrubbability and scratch testing, allowing the media to maintain both its aesthetic embossed appearance and durability through mechanical stress tests
Solution Approach 2:
The print media becomes a composite structure combining the embossed base material with an overlay of abrasion-resistant material. This composite construction allows the embossed surface to provide aesthetic value while the abrasion-resistant overlay provides mechanical durability, resolving the contradiction between appearance and strength
2Shape
If the embossing depth is increased to enhance texture visibility, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the image quality and print durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The abrasion-resistant layer is applied before printing, creating a protective surface that allows deeper embossing without compromising image quality. This preliminary protective layer ensures that even with increased embossing depth for enhanced texture visibility, the printed image remains intact and durable
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the media are given different properties: the embossed areas provide deep texture for aesthetic appeal, while the abrasion-resistant overlay ensures uniform image quality and print durability across the entire surface, including over the embossed regions
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 solution effectively improves the durability and maintains the embossing depth of the textured surface, achieving better performance in scratch resistance and retaining the inherent imaging properties of the embossed media.
Implementation Method 1
an embossed image-receiving layer including a first pigment filler and a polymer blend of a water-dispersible polymer and a water-soluble polymer
Implementation Method 2
The abrasion-resistant layer includes a cross-linked polymer network and a second pigment filler
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure is drawn to embossed print media. In some examples, an embossed print medium can include a media substrate, an embossed image-receiving layer formed on the media substrate, and an abrasion-resistant layer applied to the embossed image-receiving layer. The embossed image-receiving layer can include a first pigment filler and a polymer blend of a water-dispersible polymer and a water-soluble polymer at a weight ratio from 2:1 to 10:1. Further, the image-receiving layer can be embossed at an embossing depth from 5 μm to 150 μm. The abrasion-resistant layer can be applied to the image-receiving layer at a coating weight of from 2 gsm to 20 gsm. The abrasion-resistant layer can include a cross-linked polymer network and a second pigment filler.